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How To Fix Your Novel
Have you started a novel, only to get part way into the manuscript and find yourself stuck? Or do you have an idea for a novel, but aren't sure where to begin? Have you completed a first draft, but feel it doesn't quite have the luster of professional writing?
In this lively and fun-to-read guide, Steve Alcorn shows you the remedies you need to achieve success. Step by step, you'll breathe life into old manuscripts, create new novels that read like bestsellers, and put the spark back into your writing life. Topics include:
Story Structure
Character Building
Viewpoint
Tense
Voice
Setting
Conflict
Suspense
Mystery
Dialogue
Writing Big
Beginnings and Endings
Getting Published
Whether you're a first time novelist still planning your story, or an experienced author looking for ways to bring your fiction to life, How to Fix Your Novel is the ideal prescription.
Steve Alcorn is a theme park designer, author and teacher. His novels include mysteries, young adult stories, historic fiction and romance. During the past decade Mr. Alcorn has helped more than 10,000 aspiring writers fix their novels and polish their manuscripts, through the online learning programs of 1500 colleges and universities worldwide. Now you can learn those same techniques in this fun and easy-to-use guide.
In this lively and fun-to-read guide, Steve Alcorn shows you the remedies you need to achieve success. Step by step, you'll breathe life into old manuscripts, create new novels that read like bestsellers, and put the spark back into your writing life. Topics include:
Story Structure
Character Building
Viewpoint
Tense
Voice
Setting
Conflict
Suspense
Mystery
Dialogue
Writing Big
Beginnings and Endings
Getting Published
Whether you're a first time novelist still planning your story, or an experienced author looking for ways to bring your fiction to life, How to Fix Your Novel is the ideal prescription.
Steve Alcorn is a theme park designer, author and teacher. His novels include mysteries, young adult stories, historic fiction and romance. During the past decade Mr. Alcorn has helped more than 10,000 aspiring writers fix their novels and polish their manuscripts, through the online learning programs of 1500 colleges and universities worldwide. Now you can learn those same techniques in this fun and easy-to-use guide.
Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2012
12 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Steve Alcorn
55 books42 followersSteve Alcorn is the author of a wide range of fiction and nonfiction works. His novels include the mystery A Matter of Justice, the historical novel Everything In Its Path, and the romance Ring of Diamonds (under the pseudonym Sharon Stevens). His best-selling history of the Imagineers who built Epcot, Building a Better Mouse, was co-written with author David Green.
During the past decade Steve has helped more than 30,000 students turn their story ideas into reality, and many of his students have published novels they developed in his classes, taught through http://writingacademy.com
When he isn't writing and teaching, Steve is the CEO of Alcorn McBride Inc., a leading theme park design company.
During the past decade Steve has helped more than 30,000 students turn their story ideas into reality, and many of his students have published novels they developed in his classes, taught through http://writingacademy.com
When he isn't writing and teaching, Steve is the CEO of Alcorn McBride Inc., a leading theme park design company.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 3, 2017
This was my first audiobook and I found it great, with plenty of good tips to improve your writing.
November 7, 2013
First a disclaimer. I have taken two courses with Steve Alcorn, and therefore already subscribe to his theories, but as I get going on my next novel, I wanted to reread this book to make sure I have hit all the sweetspots.
And that is exactly what this book does. Step by step, thought process by thought process, How to fix your novel will take you by the hand and guide your imagination. If you're anything like me, you have too many ideas. How am I ever going to wrestle this thing into a book. Alcorn has laid the breadcrumbs, you and your imagination just need to follow.
I've been asked by friends here on Goodreads for a writing book. I always recommend How to Fix Your Novel, and encourage them to take a course with Steve Alcorn as well. If you want it put in straight forward terms, read this book.
And that is exactly what this book does. Step by step, thought process by thought process, How to fix your novel will take you by the hand and guide your imagination. If you're anything like me, you have too many ideas. How am I ever going to wrestle this thing into a book. Alcorn has laid the breadcrumbs, you and your imagination just need to follow.
I've been asked by friends here on Goodreads for a writing book. I always recommend How to Fix Your Novel, and encourage them to take a course with Steve Alcorn as well. If you want it put in straight forward terms, read this book.
February 5, 2015
Oh my gosh this is one of THE best how to books on writing I’ve read so far. I've learned so much and was able to apply about seventy-five percent of these techniques to my own writing. I'll reread it again so this book is embedded into my head. Sooo impressed! What a fantastic job Alcorn did at explaining clearly without using fancy words or terms. It’s simple and yet effective writing and a writer of any level can gain so much from this book. Highly recommend!!
March 16, 2015
It's taking me a long time to read this book, not because it's unreadable but because I am putting each point into action as I go along. Steve has managed to break down the act of plotting and writing a novel into logical, easy to follow steps. I'm finding it hard to grasp the concept of scene and sequel, but I think that's more my shortcoming then Steve's.
All in all, I would recommend this book to anybody thinking about writing a novel. Preferably before you even begin to plot!
All in all, I would recommend this book to anybody thinking about writing a novel. Preferably before you even begin to plot!
May 3, 2015
Ignore the horrendous title which does not do the book justice. By far, one of the most helpful books on writing novels I've ever read. Densely packed with useful, actionable advice. As others have noted, most valuable while planning your novel.
July 30, 2018
Excellent tips I'd never heard before! Like others have said, the title of this book would be better as "How to Write a Better First Draft" as it goes through a lot of the development stages before you actually start writing your novel. It was so good I bought a physical copy to reference (I initially listened to the audiobook).
September 30, 2013
The best self-help novel-writing book I've ever read, in fact, the best novel-writing aid of any format I've ever seen. The author writes in a very fun, lively way, keeping it from feeling like a boring self-help book and making it feel more like you're in an interesting conversation with him, where he's answering every question you've ever had about writing. The book doesn't read like a novel, which means you can flip to any section or lesson you need to. The lessons you will learn (And that I've found most helpful) are:
1:The almighty nine-part story structure--your protagonist's nine story checkpoints.
2: How to write compelling, exciting Dialogue.
3: Scene and Sequel. This, paired with your story structure, will change the way you writ forever.
4: Viewpoint. He, I, did, am, from third person omniscient, past tense, to first person present tense, you'll learn the difference and find which one of the styles suits you best.
5: Setting--how to write colorful setting descriptions and place your protagonist in it.
...And much more, including over a chapter teaching how to publish and market your novel once you've finished it.
In conclusion, I promise you, you will never read anything like this book. Nothing nearly as helpful or concise. So read it, and watch YOUR story unfold.
1:The almighty nine-part story structure--your protagonist's nine story checkpoints.
2: How to write compelling, exciting Dialogue.
3: Scene and Sequel. This, paired with your story structure, will change the way you writ forever.
4: Viewpoint. He, I, did, am, from third person omniscient, past tense, to first person present tense, you'll learn the difference and find which one of the styles suits you best.
5: Setting--how to write colorful setting descriptions and place your protagonist in it.
...And much more, including over a chapter teaching how to publish and market your novel once you've finished it.
In conclusion, I promise you, you will never read anything like this book. Nothing nearly as helpful or concise. So read it, and watch YOUR story unfold.
April 29, 2016
Three and a half. You must always pick and choose what works for you in a book on writing, but this one gives some advice I consider damaging:
1) it says that the protagonist must have a revelation right at the end of the second act, and that the third act could even be reduced in some cases to a sentence as a consequence. This doesn't happen for most stories I've read and goes against my common sense, which suggests the revelation should optimally go as close to the climax of the third act as possible.
2) It teaches the scene-sequel sequence, but it changes the sequel from reaction-dilemma-decision to emotion-thought-decision-action, which is not only inferior but I consider incorrect, as it strips the dilemma (internal conflict) part from the structure.
3) It says there can't be internal thought or conflict during the scenes.
4) It considers required that the protagonist has a positive change and that he works for the greater good.
Some of the examples of great writing I didn't find particularly good. Otherwise, good and varied advice.
1) it says that the protagonist must have a revelation right at the end of the second act, and that the third act could even be reduced in some cases to a sentence as a consequence. This doesn't happen for most stories I've read and goes against my common sense, which suggests the revelation should optimally go as close to the climax of the third act as possible.
2) It teaches the scene-sequel sequence, but it changes the sequel from reaction-dilemma-decision to emotion-thought-decision-action, which is not only inferior but I consider incorrect, as it strips the dilemma (internal conflict) part from the structure.
3) It says there can't be internal thought or conflict during the scenes.
4) It considers required that the protagonist has a positive change and that he works for the greater good.
Some of the examples of great writing I didn't find particularly good. Otherwise, good and varied advice.
September 13, 2019
The book guides you through every stage of writing a book – from choosing a theme to developing characters. The language is light and approachable, not of a guru but an older friend sharing some of the things he learnt. That I liked very much.
I got good ideas from the book (for example, developing major characters in details to get to know them better) but the process of plotting from the start – creating protagonist, antagonist, their flaws, three acts – still feels quite alien to me. I'm sure many people work this way for for pansters who write and discover what they write about AS they write it may not be the best approach.
That said – I still enjoyed the book and will incorporate some of its element into my writing.
I got good ideas from the book (for example, developing major characters in details to get to know them better) but the process of plotting from the start – creating protagonist, antagonist, their flaws, three acts – still feels quite alien to me. I'm sure many people work this way for for pansters who write and discover what they write about AS they write it may not be the best approach.
That said – I still enjoyed the book and will incorporate some of its element into my writing.
January 8, 2016
The title of this book (How to Fix Your Novel) suggests that it is a book to be used during the editing of a novel, and it is, but I really wish that I had found this book BEFORE I started writing. The book is stuffed full of great information and writing how-to tips, as well as things to avoid. The author presents the information in a very relatable, down-to-earth way that is easy to digest. He utilizes the perfect mixture of instruction and exercise.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to write a book, as well as established authors who want to brush up on the basics. I'm going to be keeping this book readily accessible so I can refer to it often.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to write a book, as well as established authors who want to brush up on the basics. I'm going to be keeping this book readily accessible so I can refer to it often.
June 14, 2013
I've taken five writing courses with the author and I wish I had the book before I started the classes. I didn't order the book until after I completed the courses and I refer back to it almost on a daily basis. A lot of people think that it's too hard to write a novel, but Steve Alcorn really breaks it down into easy to understand chapters and sections. I've learned more from Alcorn through the courses and the book than I probably learned my entire four years of high school.There is nothing I don't like about this book. Even the feel, the sizing, and the book cover I love.
October 24, 2014
I absolutely loved this book. Will re-read it, for an audible listen is not the best way for me to pay attention to the details.
March 18, 2021
A little out of date given when it was published. Particularly from the note at the beginning about how using "they" for a singular character is just something you don't do, and his advice about not sending manuscripts to multiple publishers at the same time when every agent/writer/etc I've talked to has told me to send to multiple. Not lots, mind you, but 5-10.
Aside from that, this is actually one of the more useful writing books I've come across. There's the usual info on marketing, publishing, and story structure, but the 9-point checklist and use of scene and sequel were very helpful to me. He also makes a distinction between plot and story which further helps to explain the different checkpoints he uses. The idea is that plot is the literal, the action, what happens in the book, while story is the protagonist's emotional journey along the way. These two things are developed in different ways at different times in novels and the separation of the two was something I'd never considered before.
Then, with the checklist, the idea is that, yes, your story has 3 acts, but within those 3 acts are 3 more, and in each of those are a series of scene/action and sequel/character response. Using this structure allows you to know when to cut things, because if they don't advance the plot (scene) or don't expand on character (sequel), it has no reason to be there. Further, if you make this checklist ahead of time and do much of the major scene/sequel planning, you save yourself a lot of wasted time, writing yourself into corners, getting writer's block, later rewrites, etc.
I've never enjoyed "plotting" a novel from start to finish, but I've also been working on the same one for 10 years because I keep hitting walls. I have overarching plot points but no way of connecting them, not enough characters to add to the story or plotline, and not enough plot to carry the story I want to occur.
In short, if anyone is really at a roadblock in a novel they are writing, I would recommend this and The Story Grid. TSG is a lot more work, with graphing and worksheets, etc, and generally something you do after the novel is completed. But I think between the two even pantsers like me could eventually see "The End" in a book they're writing.
Aside from that, this is actually one of the more useful writing books I've come across. There's the usual info on marketing, publishing, and story structure, but the 9-point checklist and use of scene and sequel were very helpful to me. He also makes a distinction between plot and story which further helps to explain the different checkpoints he uses. The idea is that plot is the literal, the action, what happens in the book, while story is the protagonist's emotional journey along the way. These two things are developed in different ways at different times in novels and the separation of the two was something I'd never considered before.
Then, with the checklist, the idea is that, yes, your story has 3 acts, but within those 3 acts are 3 more, and in each of those are a series of scene/action and sequel/character response. Using this structure allows you to know when to cut things, because if they don't advance the plot (scene) or don't expand on character (sequel), it has no reason to be there. Further, if you make this checklist ahead of time and do much of the major scene/sequel planning, you save yourself a lot of wasted time, writing yourself into corners, getting writer's block, later rewrites, etc.
I've never enjoyed "plotting" a novel from start to finish, but I've also been working on the same one for 10 years because I keep hitting walls. I have overarching plot points but no way of connecting them, not enough characters to add to the story or plotline, and not enough plot to carry the story I want to occur.
In short, if anyone is really at a roadblock in a novel they are writing, I would recommend this and The Story Grid. TSG is a lot more work, with graphing and worksheets, etc, and generally something you do after the novel is completed. But I think between the two even pantsers like me could eventually see "The End" in a book they're writing.
April 20, 2022
I'm a bit wary of "how-to" books on creative acts, like writing a novel. There's something a little off-putting and...well, timeshare-ish about it: "What if I told you that you could write a bestseller and refinance your mortgage at the same time?" the author seems to be saying. "You'd say 'You're crazy, Steve,' but with my patented system..."
Steve Alcorn's "How to Fix Your Novel" is a better than average attempt to present some basic techniques about scene and structure that are sure to help most, if not all, authors out there who are either beginners or are in need of a refresher. That said, most of this information is already available elsewhere. The bit about "scene and sequence" for instance, is capitulated much better in Tim Waggoner's "Writing in the Dark," and the bit about eschewing adverbs was said best by Stephen King in his magisterial "On Writing."
But Steve Alcorn's partiality to L. Frank Baum and Stephanie Meyer—and his whacky background in theme park design—definitely lends this one a unique flavor. And the final section on getting published, though one of the shortest chapters, is chockful of information that will save novice writers a lot of heartache and unnecessary rejection in the early going. No, it won't assure you publication, or even a coherent novel, but it will at least help keep your work out of the slush pile long enough for a second, perhaps more discerning pair of eyes to read it.
Recommended.
Steve Alcorn's "How to Fix Your Novel" is a better than average attempt to present some basic techniques about scene and structure that are sure to help most, if not all, authors out there who are either beginners or are in need of a refresher. That said, most of this information is already available elsewhere. The bit about "scene and sequence" for instance, is capitulated much better in Tim Waggoner's "Writing in the Dark," and the bit about eschewing adverbs was said best by Stephen King in his magisterial "On Writing."
But Steve Alcorn's partiality to L. Frank Baum and Stephanie Meyer—and his whacky background in theme park design—definitely lends this one a unique flavor. And the final section on getting published, though one of the shortest chapters, is chockful of information that will save novice writers a lot of heartache and unnecessary rejection in the early going. No, it won't assure you publication, or even a coherent novel, but it will at least help keep your work out of the slush pile long enough for a second, perhaps more discerning pair of eyes to read it.
Recommended.
February 6, 2023
Labai gera knyga pradedantiesiems rašytojams. Bet kartais norėjosi įvairesnių pavyzdžių, detalesnių panagrinėjimų, kodėl vienas sprendimas geras, o kitas - blogas. Kai kurie dalykai jau žinomi iš kitų šaltinių, bet visada smagu viską turėti vienoje vietoje.
Geriausias patarimas - trijų aktų struktūros aprašyme. Kūriny yra du esminiai momentai, nulemiantys, apie ką knyga: inciting incident ir epiphany. Inciting incident - tai įvykis, išmušantis pgr veikėją iš įprastų rėmų. Šio įvykio metu išryškėja veikėjos pagrindinis trūkumas, ir jis susitiprėja. Šis trūkumas yra viso kūrinio ašis, nulemiantis veikėjos sprendimus ir veiksmus. Epiphany - tai momentas, kuomet veikėja suvokia savo trūkumą. Tai veda į jo įveikimą, veikėjos transformaciją, kulminaciją ir laimingą pabaigą. Nebent kūrinys yra TRAGEDIJA! Tuomet veikėja savo trūkumo nesupranta/neįveikia, ir tas trūkumas nuveda ją į galą. Ant kiek rimtas tas galas, sprendžia žanro rėmai ir kūrinio nuotaika iki tol.
Geriausias patarimas - trijų aktų struktūros aprašyme. Kūriny yra du esminiai momentai, nulemiantys, apie ką knyga: inciting incident ir epiphany. Inciting incident - tai įvykis, išmušantis pgr veikėją iš įprastų rėmų. Šio įvykio metu išryškėja veikėjos pagrindinis trūkumas, ir jis susitiprėja. Šis trūkumas yra viso kūrinio ašis, nulemiantis veikėjos sprendimus ir veiksmus. Epiphany - tai momentas, kuomet veikėja suvokia savo trūkumą. Tai veda į jo įveikimą, veikėjos transformaciją, kulminaciją ir laimingą pabaigą. Nebent kūrinys yra TRAGEDIJA! Tuomet veikėja savo trūkumo nesupranta/neįveikia, ir tas trūkumas nuveda ją į galą. Ant kiek rimtas tas galas, sprendžia žanro rėmai ir kūrinio nuotaika iki tol.
December 17, 2024
If you are considering writing a novel or are knee deep in the process, I highly recommend reading this book.
This book is a great resource to refer back to; it has helped me organize my manuscript, get my scenes in order, develop interesting (and quirky!) characters, and inspired new ideas regarding introducing characters or details via dialogue. I liked having a blueprint to follow and boxes to tick when sketching in my outline.
Great book to keep handy to refer back to as a resource; bonus; the narrating is great. I’m a big fan of audio books, the narrator can make or break an experience, this book has great pacing, inflection, and is one you will one to refer back to periodically.
This book is a great resource to refer back to; it has helped me organize my manuscript, get my scenes in order, develop interesting (and quirky!) characters, and inspired new ideas regarding introducing characters or details via dialogue. I liked having a blueprint to follow and boxes to tick when sketching in my outline.
Great book to keep handy to refer back to as a resource; bonus; the narrating is great. I’m a big fan of audio books, the narrator can make or break an experience, this book has great pacing, inflection, and is one you will one to refer back to periodically.
November 27, 2019
I had taken a course taught by Steve Alcorn. This book is a boiled-down version of his course material.
It is a great writer's reference book for helping to repair weak areas. It is written plainly and covers practically everything you need to fix your novel from plotline to character arcs.
If you're a writer, I highly recommend this book to add to your resource library.
It is a great writer's reference book for helping to repair weak areas. It is written plainly and covers practically everything you need to fix your novel from plotline to character arcs.
If you're a writer, I highly recommend this book to add to your resource library.
December 12, 2019
So Steve Alcorn has great advice on a lot of the mechanics of both planning, writing and producing a novel. He's easy to listen to and I found myself taking notes of a lot of the best bits. My only note of caution is that this is almost identical to his udemy course, which costs the same amount and contains more content.
April 2, 2022
If you are looking for a book that tells you the steps to writing a short story, this is it. How to Fix Your Novel explains what it needs, why that is, and here is how you do it. This book has saved me.
February 15, 2024
Have you started a novel, only to get part way into the manuscript and find yourself stuck? Or do you have an idea for a novel, but aren't sure where to begin? Have you completed a first draft, but feel it doesn't quite have the luster of professional writing?
October 1, 2018
Fantastic and useful tips for any aspiring writer. A clear and concise straight to the point attitude which I truly appreciate.
February 3, 2020
This book was very helpful to me as I try to write my novel. It helped me think through a few items that were not clear in my story. I found it easy to read and understand.
September 20, 2013
No entiendo cómo un TOC como yo no había caído nunca en que el proceso de creación de una novela podía estructurarse en bloques y pasos que van conformando tu gloriosa obra final con el fin de que te forres cuando hagan la peli, pero ha venido este señor con el libro bajo el brazo y he aprendido que, si quiero, puedo. Es todo muy intuitivo tal y como lo explica, y me permite organizarlo todo en un esquema que yo vaya desarrollando para evitar mi ansiedad; lo único que me impedirá empezar esta noche el libro que va a cambiar vuestras vidas es que he acordado ver un episodio de "Generación Alien", pero dentro de nada podréis echar pétalos de rosa delante de mis pies.
March 14, 2016
I realized that my online class with this writer starts in a couple of days so I had better hurry up and finish reading his book on writing. I started the audiobook back in January but realized I was missing too much and switched to the e-book to finish up. There is a lot of great advice in this book and it's presented with real-world examples, which I appreciated. It's kind of nice to see the mistakes well-respected and/or best-selling authors have made. Now I'm really looking forward to my class, and maybe a little less intimidated.
June 9, 2016
Covers the bases in a concise way. It also simplifies the structure a bit in a way that I can definitely see myself using. I'm now interested in Steve's other classes. I bought this on audio and am partway through the second listen. I may buy the paperback as well for my writer bookshelf. Highly recommend.
February 22, 2018
Best book on how to write a novel
I've taken Mr Alcorn's class, How to Write Like a Pro, and once I saw he wrote this book, I jumped to purchase it. He covered most everything in that class and more. He gives you the tools to write with confidence. I also recommend his courses for a more hands on learning experience with Mr Alcorn.
I've taken Mr Alcorn's class, How to Write Like a Pro, and once I saw he wrote this book, I jumped to purchase it. He covered most everything in that class and more. He gives you the tools to write with confidence. I also recommend his courses for a more hands on learning experience with Mr Alcorn.
October 12, 2018
Great
This book changed the way I was writing in a big way. I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in writing.
This book changed the way I was writing in a big way. I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in writing.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews