• Writing the Novel from Plot to Print to Pixel

  • Expanded and Updated!
  • By: Lawrence Block
  • Narrated by: Mike Dennis
  • Length: 8 hrs and 22 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (95 ratings)

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Writing the Novel from Plot to Print to Pixel

By: Lawrence Block
Narrated by: Mike Dennis
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Publisher's summary

Lawrence Block, the award-winning crime fiction author, is almost as well known for his instructional books for writers and contributed a monthly column on fiction to Writers Digest for 14 years. Writing the Novel was his first book for writers and remained continuously in print since its original appearance in 1978. But the world of publishing has changed in the past 40 years, and Block has now expanded and updated his original text, bringing each chapter up to date and adding welcome new material on the audiobook revolution, the phenomenon of self-publishing and what perils and opportunities await the new novelist - and the veteran as well.

Unlike many advice-givers, Block doesn't tell you what book to write, or the one and only way to write it. He holds that every novel is different, and so is every novelist; his aim is to give you the tools to enable you to find your own way. Here are some chapters:

1. Why Write a Novel? 2. Deciding Which Novel to Write 3. Read...Study...Analyze 4. Developing Plot Ideas 5. Developing Characters 6. Outlining 7. Using What You Know...and What You Don't Know 8. Getting Started 9. Getting It Written 10. Snag, Dead Ends, and False Trails 11. Matters of Style 12. Length 13. Rewriting 14. Getting Published 15. The Case for Self-Publishing 16. The Case Against Self-publishing 17. How to Be Your Own Publisher 18. Doing It Again 19. Now It's Up to You!

Writing the Novel from Plot to Print to Pixel is half again as long as the original version, and Lawrence Block has managed to retain all the 1978 text while bringing it up to date. As he would be the first to tell you, you don't need this book - or any other - to succeed as a novelist. But thousands of writers have found it helpful. And most of us feel we can use all the help we can get.

©2016 Lawrence Block (P)2016 Lawrence Block

What listeners say about Writing the Novel from Plot to Print to Pixel

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from writer to author...

I was a writer for many years, but not a novelist. When I decided to jump in a few years ago, I had a copy of Block's "Telling Lies for Fun & Profit," and it was a great help with the writing/creating part of the process. Soon, I had a steady income from my home novel-writing factory in a new pen name in a new to me but amazing niche.

"From Plot to Print to Pixel" is an equally strong volume for helping you find your niche and then write your novel. There are also additional chapters at the end which discuss your options for getting published if you are on the fence about how you'd like to sell your novel.

Note-- I received a review copy of this audiobook from the author but a review was not required.

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Better than Steven King

I was blown away by this book. I’ve published 11 novels and learned new stuff listening to the author. Until I listened to this book, I rated Stephen king’s On Writing to be the best writing book. It’s now been replaced by this book.

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Nice Remake

updated version from the 1978 book. As of 2021 still relevant, including self publishing on Amazon and other outlets. He doesn't tell you how to write a novel, but shows the many different ways to do it, so you can find what best works for you. I was put off with some of the explicit language. that would be my only knock on the book

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An Excellent Book on Many Levels

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. Lawrence Block has updated his book on writing fiction and thus provides the reader with the perfect balance of advice that has stood the test of time (since this book's original printing) as well as advice based on the changing nature of the publishing industry today (with ebooks, etc.).

In addition to sage advice, this is delivered as if a friend was conversing with the listener over coffee. In addition to the writing advice the author peppers the work with anecdotes that make this much more than a text book which it might have turned into in the hands of anyone else.

What other book might you compare Writing the Novel from Plot to Print to Pixel to and why?

Since I have yet to read any other books on fiction writing I cannot answer that to the degree that I would like to do, but since this is peppered with anecdotes and biographical elements I would suggest that this compares to any good, readable (listenable) anecdote filled biography.

What does Mike Dennis bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Mike Dennis is an excellent narrator for this. He does a very good job at reading the different elements "just so" and balances the fine line of not becoming a boring monotoned vocal reader, as one might do when reading "how to" directions, but he also does not make the mistake of becoming too animated and making this, including the lighter elements sound like a stand up act. As I say, in short, he is perfect.
I think my biggest disappointment will be, that if I ever meet the author, Lawrence Block, that his voice is not Mike Dennis' because I really feel like the author was speaking to me via the latter narrating the writer's first person voice in the text.
Dennis also does good work at bringing the written sections to life in appropriate ways. Sometimes a chapter is broken up by the author having a "voice" ask him a question. Dennis appropriately modulates his voice so that the audible listener can discern when this is happening.

What insight do you think you’ll apply from Writing the Novel from Plot to Print to Pixel?

Wow. Where do I begin? This book is chock full of useful information, which the author also is careful to present throughout that there is no "one way." He shares what works for him but also provides options that works for others and encourages the reader to find his or her own way. The greatest insight for me is, perhaps, the known and previously unknown aspects of writing that actually prevent me from doing so - too much research, not being clear on the ending of my idea, and more. Through the author's sharing of experiences I have a better sense of the road blocks I put up for myself as well as ones that might come down the road. Like a cheerleader, Block, encourages the writer to write and I now feel more empowered to do just that.

Any additional comments?

Can you tell that I loved this audio book? I truly believe if you have wanted to write that novel that is in you, or wonder what a writer faces in going through the process, then this is a worthwhile listen for you. I know that I am glad that I obtained this for that purpose!

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Wonderful Advice & Narrator

Just a great overview of the trials, tribulations, and especially the craft of writing. Tremendously encouraging. So glad I listened. Great narrator.

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Tried and True Advice

This book not only recounts Block's experiences but also recounts the ecperiences and advice of dozens of other successful authors. A must read if you are researching how ro write a novel!

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Encyclopedia of Writing Dos and Don'ts

A lifetime of Writing Experience delivered in a monotone. Get past that and it's great.

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Insights from a lifetime of writing

Honest, accessible, wry, informative, thoughtful, hard-boiled... I highly recommend this book if you want to self publish or write a first novel (especially in a genre).. or even if you have written many novels and just want to confirm your experiences. Where else can you get so much distilled wisdom from a very successful professional author reflecting on their work and publishing challenges? Here is the answer!

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Great

Lawrence Block gives an inside look with honesty and no bias. He lays out different approaches and nothing feels dogmatic or “my way”. I will be returning to this book again and again.

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Wealth of experience.

In Writing the Novel from plot to Print to Pixel, Lawrence Block shares his thoughts/tips/tricks on becoming a writer, This version is an update to original, adding his modern day commentary on the changing landscape of the publishing world. Truly a wealth of information from his lifetime of experience in the publishing world.

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