Novel Metamorphosis: Uncommon Ways to Revise Novels with Creative Writing Tips, Tools, and Strategies

by Darcy Pattison, Kirby Larson (Foreword)

2nd EDITION is now 978-0985213411. It includes a new chapter on scenes
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Novel Uncommon Ways to Revise is an innovative, in-depth workbook which helps writers revise novels and write the book of their dreams. Foreword by Newbery Honor medalist Kirby Larson. Revising has never been easier. Using fun and easy techniques, you'll write a stronger, richer, deeper story, a story that makes readers weep and laugh and turn the next page. Unlike most books on revision, Novel Metamorphosis turns theory into radical new tools which are practical, tangible, concrete. It cuts straight to the heart of your manuscript's problems, develops your writing and editing skills, helps you understand the critical underlying structure of your story, and helps you learn theory as you work. The exercises will spark in-depth discussions in your critique group.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

124 pages, Perfect Paperback

First published April 2, 2008

About the author

DARCY PATTISON (www.darcypattison.com) is published in ten languages.

Children’s book author Darcy Pattison writes award-winning fiction and non-fiction books for children. Her works have received starred PW, Kirkus, and BCCB reviews. Awards include the Irma Black Honor award, five NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books, Eureka! Nonfiction Honor book, Junior Library Guild selections, and NCTE Notable Children’s Book in Language Arts. She’s the 2007 recipient of the Arkansas Governor’s Arts Award for Individual Artist for her work in children’s literature.

Reviews

[Kelly (Maybedog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It's basically a workbook that brings up new ways to look at your writing that can take a so-so book and make it very good or even amazing. The techniques are very different from what I've seen in other writing books and I found them so helpful, I'm getting a copy of the book for myself.

Highly recommended.

[Debbie Ohi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a fan of Darcy Pattison's blog for quite a while (she also posts on Twitter as @FictionNotes), so was excited to hear about the publication of NOVEL METAMORPHOSIS: UNCOMMON WAYS TO REVISE.

This is a must-have book for any novel writer. You can either work through the book, one chapter at a time, or turn to any page randomly -- you'll find at least one nugget of advice you can use to improve your novel.

Follow the advice in this book and you WILL become a better writer.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book to help with revising. It helps you organize your manuscript on several different levels - plot, characters, scene structure, narrative depth, etc. - and chart a course to revise. She also has a good bibliography of other craft sources, so if you want to work with one element more than Pattison gives treatment to in the book, there are other resources you can turn to.

[Mac Morse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not a writer, but I love to read. I’d love to find a way to write. I have a story to tell, a story that makes it seem it cannot be true. I thought it might help to read another person’s input. I think I have to keep reading what other writers’s have to say.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darcy's shrunken manuscript technique is the single most helpful tool for revision I have read in any how-to book or heard in a workshop!

[Frances Ohanenye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a how-to book on revision but organized in a unique and creative method that forces the editor to examine each minute detail: name of characters and the beginning letters/sounds of each character's name, scenes and their distinctive features, setting and what marks it separate from scene, and so on. I came away from this book a better editor than I had been during all the years of revising and editing text.

[Donny Seagraves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book to every aspiring writer I meet. It's also good for any writer who is in the process of rewriting. Sound, helpful advice that will take you through your rewriting process. This book gives you the tools and advice you need.

[Mary E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must for every writer

[JULIE · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good guide for writers who are still learning craft.