“Novel Ideas is meant to be a source of information, advice, and reassurance in your own efforts to [bring your novel to life].” For me, it has succeeded. It is composed largely of full interviews with twenty contemporary authors, which is tedious to consume all at once, but the opening chapters do a great job of distilling their wisdom. The authors also include a chapter on the elements of fiction: the most succinct and useful version of this information I have ever read. The interviews themselves were packed with useful insights, and - even more valuable - the clear message that every writer has found their own unique approach. There is no formula for writing a good novel, but at least one of these celebrated authors will probably have something to say that will help with your own process.
My favorite part, though, was from Shoup and Denman themselves: “[Y]ou have to grab your reader by the lapels and say, 'I must tell you this story, or I will die!'”