"Beyond the First Draft supplies the tools to understand and polish every aspect of the novel. How do you escalate work from good to great, from a manuscript to a published novel? This comprehensive, accessible book offers not only tips and techniques, but encouragement and motivation" --

What's more important to a story: a gripping plot or compelling characters? Literary-minded novelists argue in favor of character-based novels while commercial novelists argue in favor of plot-based stories, but the truth of the matter is this: The best fiction is rich in both.

"In this day-by-day guide through the process of outlining and writing the first draft of your novel in 90 days, [Watt] will show you how to structure your novel without losing connection to your voice. Why you are uniquely qualified to write your novel. The dilemma at the heart of your story. How your fears are a portal into your characters. The connection between your life themes and story themes. Why you kept getting stuck, and how to break through"--P....

"Inside you'll find everything you need to know to spice up your story, move your plot forward, and keep your readers turning pages. Expert thriller author and writing instructor James Scott Bell show you how to craft scenes, create characters, and develop storylines that harness conflict and suspense to carry your story from the first word to the last. Learn from examples of successful novels and movies as you transform your work from ho-hum to high-tension."--P....

A targeted and insightful guide to the stages of writing fiction and memoir without falling into common traps, while wisely navigating the writing life, from an award-winning author and longtime teacher.

What makes a romance novel a romance? How do you write a kissing book? Writing a well-structured romance isn't the same as writing any other genre - something the popular novel and screenwriting guides don't address. The romance arc is made up of its own story beats, and the external plot and theme need to be braided to the romance arc - not the other way around. Told in conversational (and often irreverent) prose, Romancing the Beat can be read like...

"Crafting likable, interesting characters is a balancing act, and finding that perfect mix of strengths and weaknesses can be difficult. Not only does a well-drawn protagonist need positive attributes to help him succeed, he must also have flaws that humanize him and give him something to overcome. The same is true of villains and the rest of the story's supporting cast. So how can writers figure out which flaws best fit their characters? Which negative...

"The long-awaited follow-up to the perennially bestselling writers' guide Story, from the most sought-after expert in the art of storytelling. Robert McKee's popular writing workshops have earned him an international reputation. The list of alumni with Oscars runs off the page. The cornerstone of his program is his singular book, Story, which has defined how we talk about the art of story creation. Now, in Dialogue, McKee offers the same in-depth...