179 Ways to Save a Novel : Matters of Vital Concern to Fiction Writers

Breaks down the fiction writer's process into four levels: soul, substance, structure, and style, and shows how misunderstandings at any of these levels can result in failure, and that the key to success lies in avoiding such misunderstandings.

Looking for ways to fix your novel? Or: Is your fiction writing in peril?Based on real advice gleaned from thousands of writing critiques, 179 Ways to Save a Novel is more than a collection of ideas for troubleshooting your work-in-progress (though it holds plenty of practical writing advice). This inspiring guide doubles as a thoughtful examination of the writing lifeand not just with respect to writing, but to the reading habits and thought processes of writers.The 179 meditations in this book are grouped under six headings:SubstanceStructureStyleSymbol, Myth & MetaphorSouland Other Matters Dip into the book at random when in need of nonspecific advice, inspiration, or criticism. Or read it straight through for a deeper examination of the writing life. However you encounter them, these meditations are guaranteed to challenge, inspire, provokeand occasionally to tickle or annoy. But most of all they'll awaken a deeper awareness of the fiction writer's many challenges and thorny choices.