The Novel Project: A Step-by-Step Guide to Your Novel, Memoir or Biography

by Graeme Simsion

‘Writing is all you do is sit staring at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead.’ That’s one way to do it. But you risk finding yourself blocked and directionless, with a manuscript that may never be finished staring back at you.

This book is about another approach, based on established theories of creativity and design—and on the experience of authors who have adopted a more structured and reliable process. It could have been called What They Don’t Teach You in Writing School because, rather than focusing on prose, it covers the entire writing process, from premise to proofreading, as a step-by-step project.

Instead of waiting for the blood, you’ll approach each day with clarity and purpose, progressing steadily toward the best book you’re capable of. Easy to follow, practical and highly entertaining, The Novel Project is a masterclass from an author who started his writing career at fifty and whose novels have sold millions of copies around the world.

Graeme Simsion is the internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project (sixty-five weeks on the New York Times bestseller list), The Rosie Effect, The Rosie Result and The Best of Adam Sharp, as well as Don Tillman’s Standardized Meal System and Data Modeling Essentials (in print since 1992), and the audiobook Creative Differences. He lives with Anne Buist, co-author of Two Steps Forward and Two Steps Onward, in Melbourne, Australia.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2022

About the author

Graeme Simsion is a former IT consultant and the author of two nonfiction books on database design who decided, at the age of fifty, to turn his hand to fiction. His first novel, The Rosie Project, was published in 2013 and translation rights have been sold in forty languages. Movie rights have been optioned to Sony Pictures. The sequels, The Rosie Effect, and The Rosie Result, were also bestsellers, with total sales of the series in excess of five million.
Graeme's third novel was The Best of Adam Sharp, a story of a love affair re-kindled - and its consequences. Movie rights have been optioned by Vocab Films / New Sparta Films with Toni Collette attached to direct.
Creative Differences was originally created as an 'Audible Original' audiobook, but is now in print with a collection of short stories from across Graeme's career.
Two Steps Forward is a story of renewal set on the Camino de Santiago, written with his wife, Anne Buist, whose own books include Medea's Curse, Dangerous to Know and This I would Kill for, The Long Shadow and Locked Ward. Movie rights were optioned by Fox Searchlight. A sequel, Two Steps Onward, was published in 2021.
Graeme is a frequent presenter of seminars on writing. The Novel Project is his practical, step by step approach to writing a novel or memoir.

Reviews

[Graeme Simsion · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm the author (and of course I'm giving it five stars - I wouldn't have let them publish it if I hadn't been happy with it), chiming in with what I hope will be helpful background if you're wondering whether this book is for you.
I wrote The Novel Project because so many people - established authors, aspiring authors, wannabe authors--have asked me how I go about my work, and if there's any advice I'd give. That used to happen in my previous profession as a data modelling specialist, and in that case I wrote a book to save repeating the same stuff, and to ensure that 'same stuff' was as complete and consistent as I could make it. I'm a process guy: I'm conscious of how I work; I keep diaries / logs of my work; I reflect on what works and what doesn't and update my process accordingly. This book describes that process in a way that I hope is not too prescriptive: I encourage you to tailor it to your own needs. But it's about process with tips for each stage, not about writing beautiful sentences - go elsewhere for that. If you don't believe in having a process, if you're a hard-line 'pantser' (writing by the seat of your pants) then this book is probably not for you (unless you're open to conversion). There are preliminary chapters about structure, the writing life and creativity - which is something I've studied formally, so not just 'do what I do.'
If you've got a friend who's trying to write, this wouldn't be a bad book to point them to - especially if they're stuck.

Hope that helps. And good luck with your writing.
Graeme

[Tania Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not just another ‘how to write’ book. 'The Novel Project' offers new ideas and unique insight into story creation, which will appeal to both plotters and plot-curious pantsers (those who write 'by the seat of their pants'). As a teacher of creative writing, I’m always looking for great books on craft to share with my students — 'The Novel Project' is now at the top of my recommendations.

[Jessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a self professed pantser, ‘process’ when it comes to writing is not a natural approach for me. However, as a self professed list person, process in most other areas of my life is. Reading this book was a surprising collision of these two facets of my personality, along with my innate desire to become a writer. Often I’ve thought of process when it comes to writing as an inhibitor of creativity, but reading this book made me reevaluate how and what I consider to be ‘creativity’ and what I ultimately want to accomplish (spoiler: getting a book published). The notion of writing plot points down on cards and organizing them gave me pause, as did a diary to track the good and the bad of the writing process, not because they were bad, but because they were easy to adopt and something I felt I could achieve. If you’ve ever considered writing a novel, or even just writing in general, I would highly recommend reading this book. Relatable, helpful, and thought provoking, this book came into my life exactly when I needed it most. Thank you, Graeme, for being willing to share your process with the world. I’m confident it will help many writers accomplish their dreams.

[Lee Kofman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a compelling read and I know I'll be referring to this book again and again both in my teaching and also for myself when I'll hopefully resume my own fiction writing. I found so much to learn from this book, particularly in relation to plot and structure, which are writing elements I've always struggled with (although I'm not a 'classic pantser' and do plan to some extent). I hope to take some of the wonderful advise I found about these in the book into my own work. Especially, oh, those turning points... I'm also inspired by Simsion's approach to creative thinking, how he makes it an explicit part of his writing routine and I intend to give this a try when I begin my next book.

[Cassie Hamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A chance to peak inside Graeme Simsion's writing process? Yes, please! A fabulous book for the beginning writer or those looking for new ways to tackle a project. Love how Graeme gives examples from his own work. Well worth a read!

[Adele · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I'm a creative writer and one day I (bloody hell) hope to publish a novel- if I can get my shit together. But after two attempts, and over seventy-thousand words for a first draft that failed to impress my inner critic, I'm about to begin from scratch. Looking for inspiration or perhaps just a sign from the heavens that I'm not going to fail again, I picked The Novel Project up at a local bookshop during my road trip through New Zealand.

Now, I've read only two other books on writing novels and getting them published, and I found them to be quite vague in what works and what doesn't. Chapters on the industry, on writing habits and overcoming perfectionism were perhaps reassuring, but not ultimately helpful. You see, I'm incredibly process-driven, and work well under being given set rules and procedures to get shit done. And this is exactly what Graeme Simsion offered me.

This book is a fantastic guide to getting started on a new novel, memoir or whatever you want to write about. It's straightforward, it's plain and it really just worked for me. Taking the lens of viewing your writing as a project shifted the way I thought about my story. It told me that planning (not pantsing) is key, that structure is integral and that your characters and their decisions are the heart of your story. I really liked his chapter on brainstorming especially, as again, it was direct, it gave me tangible solutions other than: do some painting, and read books and you'll be inspired!

If you're someone that doesn't care much for structure, that flies by the seat of their pants and wants a book that focuses more so on creating perfect prose, this probably won't be for you. Simsion mainly focuses on the initial set-up of understanding the structure of your book, and how you're going to successfully finish it from a project-managing standpoint. I felt it did lack a little in the later chapters of what happens after you've finished your first draft, and on the actual craft on writing. But ultimately, I don't think that's what I was looking for in this book. So in conclusion, I'm so happy I picked this up, and I'll be referring to it aplenty I'm sure as I work through my novel and novels to come! 4/5 stars

[Text Publishing]

The following book reviews have been shared by Text Publishing – publisher of The Novel Project:

'In this hands-on, practical guide to crafting a novel, Simsion takes the reader methodically through each stage of production from developing a concept and finding a structure to brainstorming the story and refining each draft.’
Age/SMH

‘[Simsion’s] tone is encouraging, and he shares fragments from early stages of his own development process, which demonstrate how much these ideas can grow and change over time for any writer…This book would best serve those who might already feel comfortable with the creative elements of writing—generating ideas, crafting sentences—but who are looking for direction on structure, or on time management when approaching a longer project. Possibly the neatest thing The Novel Project achieves, by the end, is making writing a novel seem—if not easy, or fast—achievable.’
Kill Your Darlings

‘If you’re one of the many people wondering if they have a novel in them, but feeling overwhelmed by the process, then Graeme Simsion has written the book for you. The author of the internationally bestselling Rosie trilogy will lead you step-by-step through it...[The Novel Project] is uplifting and encouraging.’
ArtsHub

‘Eminently absorbing, encouraging and inspiring for the novice…Simsion is sometimes disarmingly candid about discovering what worked and didn’t work for him…[He] says the writer must move from seeing creativity as unpredictable magic to seeing it as an aspect of thinking that can be managed, if not always summoned at will, and he has practical suggestions for summoning it.’
Jane Sullivan, Age

'Simsion takes pains to ensure that the reader is on the path to success, explaining the theory behind some of the more popular structures of writing...Overall, this is a helpful, clear and effective guide to the writing process.’
NZ Booklovers

[Georgina Penney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Move over Stephen King! The Novel Project is an absolute must-read for anyone contemplating a writing career. There are many books on writing on the market, many of them excellent, but I've never come across one that is so concise, unflinchingly honest and encouraging about what it takes to get your writing project done from start to finish.

The Novel Project has now become my top recommendation for anyone who asks me where to get started in a publishing career. I can't recommend it enough.

[Steven Kolber · Rating 5 out of 5]

As compelling a trade book as I’ve ever read.

Shifts from second to first person in a really compelling way, I especially enjoyed his exploration of story structures.

His experiences across multiple careers and styles of writing and latecomer status to writing really helps to shape the book.

Having really useful guidance around how to structure it as a writing journey over months and how to approach days of writing was really compelling also.

Overall, a surprisingly good read, with writing that really lifts it far beyond its expected level as a ‘how to’ guide book.

[Katt Wyllie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of good and valuable information for someone taking on a writing project. i do think some of it was take it or leave it just based off your personal writing style/outlining style (even if you are not a 'pantser'). Depending on the genre of novel (especially contemporary romance) i believe there is some advice in here that I would ignore/not stress myself out about.

I've already applied some tactics (using cue cards to lay out the beats/chapters physically) and it really did help me make sure the story was balanced and shuffle a couple of things around. Though what i'm currently working on is already ahead of many of the stages he describes i am intrigued to see how they will apply on future projects!

[Tina Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most useful writing manual I have read to date (and I have read a lot!) It sets down the writing process and doesn't get caught up in the usual stuff - how to write convincing dialogue, how to create engaging characters etc. It assumes you know all that and have done the training which, of course, we all have. Instead Simsion sets down a process from start to finish to plan out and write your novel as you would any work project. I loved this. It reminded me of planning an audit. Easy when you know how, but those first few times you struggle to know what you're supposed to be doing and how to go about it. I also loved his attitude towards becoming a professional writer and to approach it as you would to becoming a professional in any field. Train, learn on the job, plan carefully, look at the style and approach of those who are successful in the field and understand what readers want. Inspiring and so useful. I love his attitude to pantsing. I've long wondered why pantsing carries some kind of faux badge of honour. Obviously because to claim to be a pantser is to suggest you are a natural, creative genius who doesn't need to be hemmed in by the boundaries of planning or rough sketches. Yet in no other profession would 'flying by the seat of your pants' be considered a desirable quality. If my surgeon or hairdresser approached me with a sharp instrument, whilst confessing they were winging it, I'd be out of there without even returning the gown. So why should we give writers who claim they don't plan or give due consideration to their work, any respect? This book is a fabulous 'how to' manual for the part of the writing process where most aspiring novelists fall down. Thanks Graeme!

[Rebecca Fung · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good practical guide to novel writing. This is a simple and readable guide and does not go into lots of detail on some points like creativity exercises. However it gets to the point very quickly and it is about process. I haven't used the process yet and I don't intend to use it rigidly - as Simsion has said, not all of it may be for you. However it has made me think a lot about certain things like how to develop a character and to ask questions about plot and pacing, and to think about planning my day.

I think this is a good guide because it has a lot of helpful tips and a possible process but there's a lot of bits you can take from it and add to your own process as needed.

I'm yet to actually test it though but I think it sounds useful.

I have often referred to creating books as a "project" and I have looked into project management and seen book creation as an example (usually from the publisher perspective though) and I like this approach as I think sometimes it's considered something mysterious and it cannot be organised or planned. I like the idea that someone has really thought of it in project terms.

[indy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simsion demystifies the practical reality of producing a 70,000-100,000-word novel. Read this book to learn how to become a planner, map out your story, and define a structure ahead of cracking the knuckles for page one.

Try the book even if you don't like the Rosie trilogy or Simsion's other work.

I intended to read the Rosie trilogy and The Best of Adam Sharp to avoid spoilers, but I could barely make it through The Rosie Project and gave up on Adam Sharp (sorry, Graeme). Regardless, I persisted with The Novel Project, and I'm so glad I did.

Do some writers hold back when they write about writing, wary of sharing their hard-earned secrets? I ask because the advice often boils down to creating a routine, writing daily, and sticking with it. Simsion breaks the pattern by giving you a tangible process to work with.

Books about writing often contain mean-spirited quips at the expense of other writers. There's a chance a hardcore pantser will be offended by some of Simsion's remarks, but they're mild compared to Stephen King's rants about literary authors in On Writing.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most helpful 'how to' write a novel books I've read. ONE warning though is that if you haven't read all The Rosie books and don't want to be spoilt for any of Graeme's novels, I would avoid reading this until you do. While it's helpful to read so many real life examples of how Graeme writes his novels, he mainly uses the third book in the Rosie trilogy as the key example. I would have been annoyed if I'd picked this up and not realised it would be full of spoilers for his fiction works.

I loved reading Graeme's diary entries while he was writing The Rosie Result. Although my favourite book in the Rosie trilogy, it's comforting to read how there were several times when he wasn't happy with his manuscript, but he kept pushing through the whole process and ended up writing one of his most successful books.

[Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A practical and useful guide outlining the process the author uses to write novels. It doesn't focus on style or the writing of prose; instead it goes into detail about the broader methods a person can use to take an idea for a story through to a finished novel. It's written with a down to earth and helpful tone with clear instructions on how you can follow the methods as well. I particularly liked the way the author approached writing as a craft that can be improved with solid planning and practices.

It uses a lot of examples on story structure from the author's own work (including significant spoilers), but you don't need to have read anything else by the author for this book to make sense.

I would highly recommend to anyone interested in writing a book, or just interested in the process of writing.

[Kanako Okiron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Handy guide for the new or experienced writer, nothing more, nothing less. Can’t say that I’ve read The Rosie Project so therefore it was a little difficult to navigate through the chapters about the book, although I understand if it was providing as an example for writing. I daresay it is quite offensive for Graeme Simsion to mention about him having an editor who “doesn’t read synopses”?! Name drop her, please and thank you if you are going to include that piece of pride in!!!!

[Bres · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm nowhere near a writer (yet?) though have written a Fringe Show and trying to write more plays. I've gotten stuck too many times on the pantser approach so this book was a great guide to the planning, structured approach (and providing paths to how that can help with the creativity). It struck me during reading that I'd used my own self-invented process for my Fringe show. I'm keen to try The Novel Project approach to future play ideas.... and hopefully not get stuck. Thank you to the author

[Daniel Facchin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent book! I recommend this to anyone that wants to start writing their own novel and likes the step by step approach to learning. Graeme takes you by the hand and shows you how to write a novel from an idea, right up to the editing process, with lots of theory and examples to help you understand.

[Eetu Karppanen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down to earth book about novel writing. Collected many good tips to my own writing from this book and liked the way how author made book writing more like an process instead of just sit and write. Will come back to highlights and my notes about this book.

[Drew Herbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a beginner to writing, I thought it was a worthwhile read with valued information, though it never went into the kind of depth I wanted on any particular part of story creation but I suppose thats is to be expected from a book that tries to cover so many topics without specializing.

[Joe Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Novel Project is concise and straightforward, practical.

It's exactly what it says, 'a step-by-step guide'.

The guide to understanding character motivation, and the range of examples is very useful.

This is a generous book packed with hands-on applications and encouragement.

[Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a pleasingly practical and accessible guide to writing a novel, from structure to character development. I particularly appreciated the author’s suggestion to write scenes, beats and dialogue on cards and piece them all together. Well worth a read.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it! Need to own a copy instead of borrowing from library.

[Rose Wh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fifth in my "FINISH READING OR DONATE" 2023 challenge!!

interesting book, easy to read and cool that it's by a Melbourne-based author. it was validating in many ways and gave me some good ideas.

i wish i could read a version of this written by his wife though - she apparently got her foothold in fiction via an erotic novel that was picked up by a specialist publisher - more on this please!!! i need this book but for romance novels - i think some of the standard creative writing advice is a bit different between genres.

i appreciated that the book mentioned the importance of paid sensitivity readers and building diversity into the fabric of your world.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertainment & Engagement: Good. The book does a decent job of keeping the reader engaged.

Educational Value: Excellent. A great resource for beginners, with useful insights for more experienced writers as well.

Effort, Accessibility & Aesthetic Impact: Excellent. The book is well-structured, easy to read, and presented in a clear, informative format.

Practical Application: Outstanding. Primarily a practical guide to starting a novel-writing project, which is its greatest strength.

Value for Writers: Excellent. Designed for aspiring novelists, it’s helpful for both beginners and experienced writers looking to refine their skills.

[Tracy Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valuable book for all writers covering the planning, writing, getting feedback and editing process. Useful for newby as well as experienced writers.

I've penned seven novels and reflected on this experience as I read The Novel Project. It brought unconscious learning to the surface. I now have new insights and tools.

Currently, knee-deep in the dreaming and researching stage for my next novel. Was the perfect time to read this book.

[Amory · Rating 1 out of 5]

Writing a book about writing is just the thing to keep the money rolling in when fresh out of ideas.
Sad that a second rate bargain-bin writer should chose to criticise the way some of the world’s most consistent and successful authors write.

[Sonia Bellhouse]

A highly logical and practical approach to writing a novel or even a memoir. It will suit those who appreciate such a structured method. Intellectually I know that it makes sense, but it didn’t resonate with me.

[Pauline Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really helped me to define my planning process. I am hopeful that my next book will be better because of it.

[Emma Sea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my book. Also, it reads like a very long ad for the author's Rosie Project trilogy.