Writing Your Novel from Start to Finish: A Guidebook for the Journey

I haven't even made it half way through this book but already I went from a general idea of how I wanted to write my book to knowing how to tie so many of my ideas into a true story. Some people have reviewed that it jumps around a lot... I disagree. It may seem that way at times or that the writer says we will discuss later or refer back to a previous chapter but that is the nature of writing. If you want to write in a straight line you're going to write some crap. Make the extra effort to see how this author is helping you evolve your idea into a novel and you'll succeed.

Arrived in very good condition. As an aspiring writer, the topic seems very interesting. I can't wait to start reading.

Very informative and clear. It's very organized and makes perfy sense. A lot "ah ha" moments. Love it!

good information

I haven’t gotten to reading this book yet but so far it has given a good impresssion! It came brand new and beautiful. Very quick shipping as well. I’ll have to write another review as soon as I read this! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I love this book!!

Don't waste your money. All of the "worksheets" that you are supposed to have access to when you purchase this book, don't even exist. What I mean is that when you click the link or even copy and paste or type it in, all you get is "This Page Does Not Exist". Disappointed does not even begin to express how I feel right about now.(UPDATE) So if you go to writers digest, type in the title, click the title link, you will finally be taken to the "worksheets" page. The worksheets themselves though are like many you can find for free on the internet. Therefore, you only need to read the book and use the worksheets you have most likely already downloaded and printed elsewhere. So this is an okay purchase for someone just looking for a bit of writing encouragement. Although, some of the advice may inspire you personally, I have had no such luck.

Writing your Novel from Start to Finish, A Guidebook for the Journey by Joseph Bates is true to its title. It is a common-sense, step-by-step guide for writers that begins with the development of ideas and characters and ends with revision of a completed first draft. With appendixes of practical writing tips and worksheets that help writers develop their characters, plot, and POV/voice, some writers will no doubt find this guidebook invaluable. Others, like myself, may already be deep in the writing process - and find that this book, while still a useful resource, isn't necessary to read from beginning to end.Writing doesn't have to be (and for many, usually isn't) a linear process, and I'm sure Bates knows that many who pick up this book will find themselves skipping to the section(s) that suit their writing needs. The use of examples from well-known literature throughout is helpful for those who are learning the way novels take shape and perhaps writing their first novel - or looking forward to higher ed. literature or creative writing study.I gained some insight to my own novel-in-progress from completing a few of the worksheets, and also appreciated Bates's list of writing tips - many of which I'm already incorporating into my "writing life." Although this isn't a book on writing to rival my dog-eared copies of Writing Down the Bones or Bird by Bird - it is a book that offers a straightforward path to writing your novel, like the title suggests - from start to finish.