Nail Your Novel: Why Writers Abandon Books And How You Can Draft, Fix and Finish With Confidence by Roz Morris
Genre; non fiction
Are you writing a novel? Do you want to make sure you finish? Will you get lost and fizzle out? Will you spend more time reading about how to write than actually getting the words down?
Most books on novel-writing will make you read hundreds of pages about character arcs, inciting incidents, heroes’ journeys. It’s great to know that – but while you’re reading about it you’re not writing your book.
And what these books don’t tell you is how to use this learning and get the job done.
Nail Your Novel is a writing buddy – and mentor – in a book.
In 10 easy steps it will tell you:
*how to shape your big idea and make a novel out of it
*how to do your research and how to use it
*how to organise your time
*how to plot and build characters
*when you’re going to hit problems and what to do about them
*how to write on the days you don’t feel inspired
*how to reread what you’ve written and polish it.
Along the way, Thumbnail Notes give tutorials about storytelling and storycraft – strictly when you need them. The author has written nearly a dozen novels that have made it into print – and this is how she did it.
You don’t even need to read the whole book before you get started. You read a section, then do as it says. And, once you’re finally satisfied, Nail Your Novel will tell you how to sell it to publishers and agents.
My Thoughts:
I loved this book. It’s straightforward and easy to follow. Morris’ pathway from ideas to completed novel make complete and utter sense and she leads you through them in way that makes you believe, not only that each stage is achievable, but that you can do it.
It is a book that can be read by a writer at the start of a novel with just the idea in their head or a writer who has a book that needs an overhaul. It can be read by a writer who has already written successful novels because I bet there are things in here that could ignite that flame when things get tough. Morris has games and not just any games, but games that keep you working on your manuscript while you work through whatever issue it is you’re having, be that plot point issues or writers block.
I can’t wait to get started implementing the ideas in this book. I think it will help me keep things in better order and permanently moving forward and thereby making me more productive.
If you read this book you’ll wonder why you didn’t read it sooner.
MarinaSofia says
Sounds like the book I need to read as I am stuck and fed up of Novel No. 1 and dreaming up instead Novel No. 2 (but not quite ready to start it seriously yet).
Rebecca Bradley says
It really could help you with getting going again with novel one. There are some ideas for getting the ideas flowing and also for working productively through it. It will also help you plan novel two. I’m so glad I read it. I wish I’d read it sooner.
Prashant C. Trikannad says
Rebecca, thanks for bringing this book to my notice.
Rebecca Bradley says
You’re always welcome Prashant. I appreciate you reading the blog.
thenovelprojectchronicles says
Sounds great! Thanks for reviewing. I’ve been following her blog posts on and off and I love how she addresses issues that specific writers may have, you know, beyond the hundred page essay on the inciting incident.
Rebecca Bradley says
It’s so well explained and there really are some great ideas and yes, I also follow her blog. She’s great at sharing rather than just holding it all for the book.
Margot Kinberg says
Rebecca – I’m so glad you liked this book. Roz has some terrific ideas, doesn’t she? And I think you’re exactly right that she explains everything in a straightforward way. She’s really creative, too.
Rebecca Bradley says
Absolutely. I really wish I’d read this book earlier!
writeanne says
Great review, Rebecca. Sounds like a really useful book. Will definitely be buying it.
Rebecca Bradley says
I really did love it. I hope you do find it as useful. Let me know what you think Anne.
Jacqui Murray says
I love those types of books. I read and followed the Marshall Plan–which made a huge difference in my writing. I’m on the hunt for a new inspiration. I’ll try this out.
Rebecca Bradley says
I also like books that will help improve my way of working and this has been the best I’ve read. Let me know what you think.
Annalisa Crawford says
I struggle with novels – I’m revising one now, although I’m fearful it’ll slip into novella territory. For me though, it’s purely that I can’t write enough words. It’s always good to have books like this to fall back on though – I’ll check it out 🙂
Rebecca Bradley says
I think you’d find this useful Annalisa. Let me know what you think if you do get it and if it helps.
Kirsten says
I loved her novel Memories of a Future Life, so Roz Morris’ Nail Your Novel has been on my to read list for a while now. You’ve convinced me! I bought it yesterday and can’t wait to dig in. It sounds like exactly the kind of advice I need right now. 🙂
Rebecca Bradley says
That was quick! Let me know what you think!