Write Your Novel from the Middle

A New Approach for Plotters, Pantsers and Everyone in Between

By: James Scott Bell

Narrated by: James Scott Bell

A powerful secret and a fresh approach to writing bestselling fiction!

What's the best way to write a "next level" novel? Some writers start at the beginning and let the story unfold without a plan. They are called "pantsers", because they write by the "seat of the pants".

Other writers plan and outline and know the ending before they start. These are the "plotters".

The two sides never seem to agree with each other on the best approach.

But what if it's not the beginning or the end that is the key to a successful book? What if, amazing as it may seem, the place to begin writing your novel is in the very middle of the story?

According to #1 bestselling writing teacher James Scott Bell, that's exactly where you'll find your story's heart and heat. Bell's "Mirror Moment" is the secret, and its power is available to any writer, at any stage of the writing process.

Bringing together years of craft study and personal discovery, Bell presents a truly unique approach to writing a novel, one that will stand the test of time and serve you all your writing life.

©2014 James Scott Bell (P)2019 James Scott Bell

Critic reviews

"I need three things before I tackle a new novel: Diet Coke, a laptop, and my dog-eared copies of James Scott Bell's books on writing craft!" (Kami Garcia, #1 New York Times and International Bestselling author)

A solid book…recorded in a closet, on a tape deck?

I’m being very critical about this one.

The book is a solid B in its dispensation of information. However, the production quality of the book goes off of a cliff. I can hear every time the narrator/author pauses, edits, or attempts to omit background noise. He really should have re-recorded this book to achieve a higher quality.

Other than that, the book was fine.

Wonderful new book on writing. GREAT in audio!!!

I own most of James Scott Bell’s books on writing, many in both print and ebook formats. I’d gladly buy every single one of them again to have them in audio format. Mr. Bell has done a fine job of narrating this new book, and I think it is really brilliant content, as well.

Bravo James Scott Bell! Let’s have a few more, okay?

JSB summarily delivers again

This is my second title from James Scott Bell, the other and more in depth one is from the Great Courses, and while this one covers some of the same information it does a great job of summarizing without a lot of fluff.

Very Helpful

I’ve purchased Mr. Bell’s books in the past. They have always helped to fine tune my writing. I wasn’t sure this particular book would be worth the time, money or effort. A few months went by and I decided that since his lessons had helped me so much in the past I’d try this. I’m applying it to a few ideas I’ve been pushing aside bc the story didn’t seem emotionally moving or plain entertaining enough. Starting from the middle, using the “golden triangle” and a number of other ideas he passed along in this book turned a few pedestrian plots and characters into good storylines that have pace, change and amazingly a point. Thank you, as always.

Worth the read for aspiring writers

This book makes a lot of sense and it t even delivers more great insights than what the title offers.
Definitely worth reading.

Short and to the point

This is a great in depth explanation of the others method of starting in the middle of your story. Even if you start writing from the beginning, it is great advice for thinking through your middle in the pre writing phase. It would also be useful to sharpen the story in editing if you write more freely in your first draft. I incorporate a few plotting styles (The Plot Whisperer and Save the Cat.) I will be adding this to the mix.

What a surprise

There are too many gold nuggests of knowledge in this book to mention. The Creme dela Creme is that the author reads his own book to me, this made the information even more real. 5 stars

Great info! Could have used a sound editor.

I will be recommending this book to my writer friends, but the audio is fairly inconsistent. Still worth it though!

I liked it!

It's a nice idea and the author provides plenty of examples. I found it inspiring and clear and worth the time and expense. I'd even read it more than once.

Helpful and succinct.

Great advice for writers who are honing their craft. Bell explains a model for crafting stories that hinge on character development rather than on a progression of plot points.

Bell keeps it direct and to-the-point. There’s enough examples to illustrate his points without belaboring them for the sake of a page count.