Writing the Novel from Plot to Print to Pixel

Expanded and Updated!

By: Lawrence Block

Narrated by: Mike Dennis

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

Helpful perspectives!

A great overview of writing and a helpful comparison of the changes over the years.

Great book, weak narration

Lawrence Block is a very respectable mystery author who has written a number of books on writing. This one is excellent. He's practical, provides good advice and guidance especially for first time writers. Although the original book was published long ago, he's updated the relevant sections in a really helpful fashion, occasionally telling us what happened with one of his old works-in-progress, or revising his view point as a more experienced writer.

Lastly, I have to say, there are several sections that are laugh-out-loud funny. Block is a really good writer and his personality and style flows right through. The only drawback is the narrator is dull as dish water. But don't let that keep you from buying the book.

There are lots of books about writing, but this is up there with Sol Stein. This is absolutely a great purchase. Well worth it.

Great read for any writer

A thorough look, both past and (semi) present at the process of writing and publishing a novel. Particularly great for those interested in self-publishing, as the 2015 update still holds water.

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.

Real world tips from a working writer

Lawrence Block has written for a living for decades, and his advice for other writers is practical and straightforward. Great book.

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

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.

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.

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!

This is a Classic for a reason.

Worth every minute of time invested in listening to this very easy to understand book.