Get That Novel Started!

by Donna Levin

A detailed how to-guide to writing a novel provides exercises, outlines, and practical advice from starting to finishing a novel

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

168 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1992

About the author

Donna Levin is an almost-San Francisco native, since she was born in Oakland. She’s the author of four previous novels, *Extraordinary Means*, *California Street*, *There’s More Than One Way Home*, and *He Could Be Another Bill Gates*, as well as two books on the craft of writing, *Get That Novel Started* and *Get That Novel Written*. Her papers are part of the Howard Gotlieb Research Center at Boston University, and the California State Library’s collection of California novels. On April 23, 2024, Skyhorse Publishing published her latest novel, The Talking Stick.

Reviews

[Janet Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book on writing that I read. That was many years ago and I still keep it on my shelf and use it to spur myself on when I get stuck. It is so well written and very useful. No matter what type of book you're writing there's something in there for you. I used it to write my very first book, which was a crime novel, and it's still relevant now that I write romance. The section entitled 'Breaking through the barriers' is particularly lovely as it helps you to deal with those very real self doubts and the criticism of those around you. Let's face it most people think you're mad if you're trying to be a writer - this at least helps you to deal with that!

If you're thinking about writing a novel - any kind of novel and you want to buy one book on writing. This is the one to buy. I highly recommend it.

[Robert Sheard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking for some inspiration to kick-start my writing again. Donna Levin's book, of the many books on writing I've been through, was the one that has clicked with me the most. Maybe I'm just at the right point and ready to start my project, but it inspired me. I ordered her companion volume, which should be here this week. Looking forward to it.

[Therese Gilardi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic encouragement from a nudge.

[Rox · Rating 5 out of 5]

"One of the more common symptoms of the Mid-Novel Blues is a choking sensation and a rigidity in your arms at the thought of writing whatever the next scene in your novel should be."

I am so grateful that this gem-published in 1992, came across my path at my local Friends of the Library store. I didn't think non-fiction could be turn-turners until this book. As you can see from the excerpt above, Donna Levin shows her sense of humor to gently Noodge you along the very lonely writing process. She made me laugh several times, and I am so happy that she put her encouraging writing teachings in this book!

[Eugene Cundiff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book that helped me become a novelist. My mother played at the idea when I was a child, including buying a copy of this book. I picked it up and carried it around for years,finally truly reading it as an adult and finally releasing my first novel.

Solid advice within, which though a bit dated (this was released before the proliferation of the internet, much less digital publishing) is still timeless and utterly valuable.

[Pat Stanford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some real gems for me, which mainly is getting rid of flashbacks, which my novel has way too many of.

Other things are just friendly advice paired with examples to help you grasp it.

Nothing really earth shattering, but it has the potential of remotivating someone who has lost the desire to write.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was and is very helpful. I've read other books about writing, but this book set many of the blurry puzzle pieces, created by those other books, into place. I wish I had read this one first! It was very easy to read and entertaining, and it offers lots of great advice and examples. I ordered Levin's next book, Get That Novel Written!, as soon as I had the chance, and I am reading that now.
I do not like that Levin sometimes takes God's name in vain. It is not as vain as most people use it, and she does not do it often, but she does do it.
Sometimes I felt like she moved on from one topic to the next a little fast, but that may just be because I am a fast reader. I do wish that she had elaborated a bit more on some things so that those who do not have as vast a knowledge as she can fill in the gaps completely, but this was more of a background issue than anything else. It did not scream at me.
Also, just like every book I read, there were several typos. They weren't big enough that it took more than a second thought to get through, and the typos were quite infrequent. The main problem was saying "that" instead of "than."
Donna Levin is quite professional and her book is more helpful than almost any other book about writing that I have read. Her use of metaphors and examples shows her creativity well. It gives me a kind of breath of fresh air. I recommend this book as the first one to read before you get into writing a novel.

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

I cannot remember the last time I was taught how to write so it was refreshing to see the recommendations in this book to help us start a novel, if we're so inclined, and keep it going. She doesn't leave you thinking you'll become a best seller immediately or romanticize writing. She brings it down to earth and gives you practical advice you can use. If you're thinking about writing, read it--it can't hurt.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

April/May 1999

[Eric · Rating 2 out of 5]

Full of enthusiasm and a case study for the aspiring novel writer.

[Lisa]

Get That Novel Started!: (And Keep It Going 'Til You Finish (And Keep Going 'til You Finish) by Donna Levin (1992)