What do you think?
Rate this book
The Rapid Novel Blueprint: How to write bestselling books fast
Do you want to write a novel - or ideally several - but you’re in overwhelm, not knowing how to start? Or are you struggling to finish your first or second book? Perhaps you’d love to become a full-time author.
Successful novelists not only write great books, but they enjoy the process and publish at a rapid pace. How do they do that?
Simple. Miranda Rijks, million-copy bestselling psychological thriller author, and Emily Tamayo Maher, international book coach, have developed an easy-to-follow blueprint that will help you write and finish page-turning novels…your first step to writing bestsellers.
Want to know how Miranda consistently writes 4 novels a year and has sold over one million books?
The secret to a thriving author career isn’t just writing great books—it’s writing them efficiently. Start writing smarter, not harder, and see the results for yourself.
The Rapid Novel Blueprint is a practical guide that walks you through every step of the process.
You’ll Successful Authors Write Bestselling Books QuicklyWhy Compelling Plots Are Easier and Faster To WriteWhy Understanding Genres Really MattersHow To Write A Professional Beat Sheet With Specific InstructionsCoaching Tips To Move You Forward Whenever You’re StuckThe Keys To Making Sure Your Books Will Sell.
Whether you're juggling a day job, family, or other commitments, The Rapid Novel Blueprint shows you how to make the most of your writing time. You might be just starting out or perhaps you’re a seasoned author. Either way, this book is packed with practical advice that will transform your writing routine. It's not just another writing guide—it’s a blueprint for success.
Successful novelists not only write great books, but they enjoy the process and publish at a rapid pace. How do they do that?
Simple. Miranda Rijks, million-copy bestselling psychological thriller author, and Emily Tamayo Maher, international book coach, have developed an easy-to-follow blueprint that will help you write and finish page-turning novels…your first step to writing bestsellers.
Want to know how Miranda consistently writes 4 novels a year and has sold over one million books?
The secret to a thriving author career isn’t just writing great books—it’s writing them efficiently. Start writing smarter, not harder, and see the results for yourself.
The Rapid Novel Blueprint is a practical guide that walks you through every step of the process.
You’ll Successful Authors Write Bestselling Books QuicklyWhy Compelling Plots Are Easier and Faster To WriteWhy Understanding Genres Really MattersHow To Write A Professional Beat Sheet With Specific InstructionsCoaching Tips To Move You Forward Whenever You’re StuckThe Keys To Making Sure Your Books Will Sell.
Whether you're juggling a day job, family, or other commitments, The Rapid Novel Blueprint shows you how to make the most of your writing time. You might be just starting out or perhaps you’re a seasoned author. Either way, this book is packed with practical advice that will transform your writing routine. It's not just another writing guide—it’s a blueprint for success.
- GenresNonfictionWriting
138 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2025
About the author
Miranda Rijks
51 books1,121 followersMiranda Rijks is the bestselling author of 30 psychological thrillers, with over one MILLION copies sold. She lives in Sussex, England with her Dutch husband and black Labrador.
Her fast-paced, twisty thrillers are inspired by scary things that have happened to her or places she has visited.
Miranda turned to writing after recovering from Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. She's so grateful that she's now a full-time author and living the dream!
Visit www.mirandarijks.com to get her FREE novella, The Cheat, and the chance to name characters in her books.
Her fast-paced, twisty thrillers are inspired by scary things that have happened to her or places she has visited.
Miranda turned to writing after recovering from Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. She's so grateful that she's now a full-time author and living the dream!
Visit www.mirandarijks.com to get her FREE novella, The Cheat, and the chance to name characters in her books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 26, 2026
The author is a proponent of outlining before starting to write and collaborative writing.
July 23, 2026
This quick read didn’t fulfill its promises.
I was expecting a book bursting with tips for speeding up one’s writing process, but what I got instead was definitions of basic things, repeated mentions of the same free-resources link, half the short book telling what they are going to tell me, and only a light sprinkling of things that might actually speed up a person’s drafting process. Only the first draft was focused on, so this book would not help speed up any of the revision process (other than learning to develop your story early and thoroughly enough to perhaps be able to skip the developmental edit round, but please don’t skip it the first 2-3 times to double-check that you’re not missing big plot holes!).
There were some good tips near the end, but there was no “blueprint.” And the “free-resources” that were peddled multiple times per chapter? You only receive those if you hand over your name and email to be added to a list. No thanks! That doesn’t sound “free” to me—not if it costs space in my cluttered inbox.
Basically, the authors told what Miranda Rijks uses to write her novels (writing room team, beat sheets, approval from top editor at the publishing house) but never went into any sort of blueprint or how-to in order to help readers apply the same resources or methods to their own stories’ development or writing process.
If I could have returned the ebook and gotten a refund, I would have.
Content: pre-marital sex, expletives, profanity, alcohol
I was expecting a book bursting with tips for speeding up one’s writing process, but what I got instead was definitions of basic things, repeated mentions of the same free-resources link, half the short book telling what they are going to tell me, and only a light sprinkling of things that might actually speed up a person’s drafting process. Only the first draft was focused on, so this book would not help speed up any of the revision process (other than learning to develop your story early and thoroughly enough to perhaps be able to skip the developmental edit round, but please don’t skip it the first 2-3 times to double-check that you’re not missing big plot holes!).
There were some good tips near the end, but there was no “blueprint.” And the “free-resources” that were peddled multiple times per chapter? You only receive those if you hand over your name and email to be added to a list. No thanks! That doesn’t sound “free” to me—not if it costs space in my cluttered inbox.
Basically, the authors told what Miranda Rijks uses to write her novels (writing room team, beat sheets, approval from top editor at the publishing house) but never went into any sort of blueprint or how-to in order to help readers apply the same resources or methods to their own stories’ development or writing process.
If I could have returned the ebook and gotten a refund, I would have.
Content: pre-marital sex, expletives, profanity, alcohol
July 21, 2026
DNF - Neither author can get to the point in an expedient manner. After the first two tedious chapters of shameless self promotion with lots of blathering about and around the book's subject, I gave up. I realized if they take this long to get to the point, there's nothing rapid about their blueprint.
July 16, 2026
Misleading Title
I was very disappointed in this book. I gave it every chance, read it to the end. Some basic information on genres was given that weren’t necessary. Describing how she works with her editors to develop a story wasn’t useful. The actual details of writing fast could have been covered in one or two pages. That’s all right for a blog entry or article, not a book. —Terry de Roulet
I was very disappointed in this book. I gave it every chance, read it to the end. Some basic information on genres was given that weren’t necessary. Describing how she works with her editors to develop a story wasn’t useful. The actual details of writing fast could have been covered in one or two pages. That’s all right for a blog entry or article, not a book. —Terry de Roulet
January 16, 2025
This review is based on an Advanced Reader Copy of the book.
Having taught writing and literature for twenty years, I wasn’t sure how much I would gain from reading The Rapid Novel Blueprint: How to Write Bestselling Books Fast by Miranda Rijks and Emily Tamayo Maher. In short, I was pleasantly surprised. Not only is the book an enjoyable, quick read but it’s chock full of practical information for anyone contemplating the idea of becoming a full-time writer. Rijks and Tamayo Maher define their audience as writers specifically interested in publishing genre fiction, which Rijks explains in the foreword as “easy-to-read, page-turning novels that sit easily in one of the many genres of romance, thrillers, science fiction, fantasy or young adult.” While the longest chapter does indeed cater to the specifics of being able to churn out these novels, I think The Rapid Novel Blueprint may be helpful to any beginning writer.
Both authors started in other careers before transitioning to full-time writing, which makes their honest and frank perspectives refreshing. They tell it like it is. In Chapter 3, Rijks flat out says, “. . . if you don’t enjoy the process of writing, you need to stop right now. Pass this book onto someone else and find another creative pursuit that makes you feel great.” I admire that kind of tough love. Still, the book takes readers from having realistic expectations and knowing your “why” to things like setting yourself up for success and overcoming writer’s block. For example, in Chapter 3, Rijks explains why genres matter and how not following genre expectations can make your work difficult to find a publisher. In Chapter 4, Tamayo Maher continues the topic of genre conventions and discusses the importance of understanding your target audience. She writes, “Don’t imagine yourself alone on a stage, pouring out words to the faceless masses. When you try to speak to everyone, you end up speaking to no one.” In Chapter 10, which includes several tips on overcoming stumbling blocks, Tamayo Maher explains, “Too much pressure is the enemy of creativity. It kills the pleasure in the process and causes burnout.” The book is full of valuable lessons like these for new writers but that may be great reminders for seasoned writers as well.
The only issues I had were with some of the organization of topics and the lack of chapter titles. However, most of the chapters are fairly short, so I don’t think it will be an issue to go back and review information when needed. (These things may have changed in the published book.) I also would have appreciated a sample chapter, or portion, to go along with the wonderfully detailed beat sheet provided in Chapter 8 as this would have illustrated how the bullets get fleshed out with detail, dialogue, and description.
Overall, in addition to all the tips, strategies, and nuggets of wisdom, the book has an abundance of questions that can help readers think through the processes and prepare to write. The authors also provide a website with additional downloads and resources. Honestly, between the book and free resources, I think any writer could find many useful tools and techniques. I’m hoping Rijks and Tamayo Maher will team up again to write the next book in the series—all about publishing and marketing. I know I would read it!
Having taught writing and literature for twenty years, I wasn’t sure how much I would gain from reading The Rapid Novel Blueprint: How to Write Bestselling Books Fast by Miranda Rijks and Emily Tamayo Maher. In short, I was pleasantly surprised. Not only is the book an enjoyable, quick read but it’s chock full of practical information for anyone contemplating the idea of becoming a full-time writer. Rijks and Tamayo Maher define their audience as writers specifically interested in publishing genre fiction, which Rijks explains in the foreword as “easy-to-read, page-turning novels that sit easily in one of the many genres of romance, thrillers, science fiction, fantasy or young adult.” While the longest chapter does indeed cater to the specifics of being able to churn out these novels, I think The Rapid Novel Blueprint may be helpful to any beginning writer.
Both authors started in other careers before transitioning to full-time writing, which makes their honest and frank perspectives refreshing. They tell it like it is. In Chapter 3, Rijks flat out says, “. . . if you don’t enjoy the process of writing, you need to stop right now. Pass this book onto someone else and find another creative pursuit that makes you feel great.” I admire that kind of tough love. Still, the book takes readers from having realistic expectations and knowing your “why” to things like setting yourself up for success and overcoming writer’s block. For example, in Chapter 3, Rijks explains why genres matter and how not following genre expectations can make your work difficult to find a publisher. In Chapter 4, Tamayo Maher continues the topic of genre conventions and discusses the importance of understanding your target audience. She writes, “Don’t imagine yourself alone on a stage, pouring out words to the faceless masses. When you try to speak to everyone, you end up speaking to no one.” In Chapter 10, which includes several tips on overcoming stumbling blocks, Tamayo Maher explains, “Too much pressure is the enemy of creativity. It kills the pleasure in the process and causes burnout.” The book is full of valuable lessons like these for new writers but that may be great reminders for seasoned writers as well.
The only issues I had were with some of the organization of topics and the lack of chapter titles. However, most of the chapters are fairly short, so I don’t think it will be an issue to go back and review information when needed. (These things may have changed in the published book.) I also would have appreciated a sample chapter, or portion, to go along with the wonderfully detailed beat sheet provided in Chapter 8 as this would have illustrated how the bullets get fleshed out with detail, dialogue, and description.
Overall, in addition to all the tips, strategies, and nuggets of wisdom, the book has an abundance of questions that can help readers think through the processes and prepare to write. The authors also provide a website with additional downloads and resources. Honestly, between the book and free resources, I think any writer could find many useful tools and techniques. I’m hoping Rijks and Tamayo Maher will team up again to write the next book in the series—all about publishing and marketing. I know I would read it!
November 25, 2025
I think the free resources were what made this book work, because without them, this book can be boiled down to 3 points:
Research your genre and use a formula to make sure your idea is marketable
Plan your book from the beginning
Form a writing and take breaks
It doesn’t take into account all the other aspects of being a fulltime writer with other commitments, like admin, marketing, etc. and it also doesn’t give a mapped out example schedule of how many days/hours you’d spend writing to meet the 90 days.
Again, this is why you’d need the free resources, I guess, in order to make use of this book.
Research your genre and use a formula to make sure your idea is marketable
Plan your book from the beginning
Form a writing and take breaks
It doesn’t take into account all the other aspects of being a fulltime writer with other commitments, like admin, marketing, etc. and it also doesn’t give a mapped out example schedule of how many days/hours you’d spend writing to meet the 90 days.
Again, this is why you’d need the free resources, I guess, in order to make use of this book.
August 4, 2026
I didn't get far at all into this one before crying bullshit on it.
The authors' definition of "rapid novel" is four a year.
This is not rapid at all. In fact, it's rather slow for many indie authors.
Then their claim that the only way to write a "rapid" novel is by outlining ahead of time.
Also false.
This "book" is, quite frankly, not just a waste of time, but full of myths and mistruths. I would not recommend it to any writer at any level.
DNF'd.
The authors' definition of "rapid novel" is four a year.
This is not rapid at all. In fact, it's rather slow for many indie authors.
Then their claim that the only way to write a "rapid" novel is by outlining ahead of time.
Also false.
This "book" is, quite frankly, not just a waste of time, but full of myths and mistruths. I would not recommend it to any writer at any level.
DNF'd.
February 3, 2026
This is a comprehensive guidebook for writing a novel. I'm a fantasy writer, but the advice holds true across genres. it's a bargain if you're not a Kindle Unlimited subscriber, and a steal if you are!
July 21, 2026
Finally-an honest book about the process!
Terrific guide to starting and finishing your writing with equal measures of honesty, cheerleading, and actionable methods to complete a work of genre fiction!
Terrific guide to starting and finishing your writing with equal measures of honesty, cheerleading, and actionable methods to complete a work of genre fiction!
January 1, 2025
I am grateful I was able to read this. I am working on my first novel, and this book helped me immensely. It taught me how to outline, create characters, and lots more.
April 8, 2026
A great resource for writers
I really like how simple and direct this book is. It gets to the points it makes quickly, without wasting time on reminiscing.
I really like how simple and direct this book is. It gets to the points it makes quickly, without wasting time on reminiscing.
August 27, 2026
The information is helpful for writing a story. They provide a free outline template for how they brainstorm their novels. It's uses 3 act structure but is different.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews