This Year You Write Your Novel

I bought this book for my cousin who is hip deep in a long story that looks as if it may becoming a novella. As he has never had any writing workshop experience, I thought he might it useful and in fact he has so.Though I’m not thrilled by Mosley’s explanation of the show-tell conundrum, it’s okay as far as it goes and is probably a useful rule of thumb for the beginner. That said, there is much to like about this slim volume.Not many writers of Mosley’s caliber would bother to write a guide for the beginning writer. It’s to Mosley’s credit that he did so—and did so well.Mosley has written another book—Elements of Fiction—which I have not read but which I assume is a companion volume to this one.

Despite having an MFA in writing, I needed support in writing my novel. Mosley has put together a very practical guide for the first-time novelist (and could arguably be valuable to a second-time and third-time novelist). He writes a wonderful bit on the role of aesthetics, the importance of writing for a contemporary audience, dismissing the notion that the novel is some high-and-mighty work of art written for the erudite or the critic. He gives practical advice for how to get the words on the page and rewrite those words to create a coherent work. With depth and simplicity, brevity and astuteness, he offers a wonderful road map for aspiring novelists.

Mosley doesn't waste time in this quick book on the craft of writing. He sets out some great get-started info and trusts the soon-to-be-writers reading his book to take his advice. With 27+ novels to his credit, Mosley could easily overload us by sharing just a fraction of what he knows, but instead, he chooses to share only what he believes a beginning novelist *needs* to know. By choosing his material carefully he avoids intimidating, paralyzing, or discouraging new writers. That decision makes him more than just a great writer. It makes him a great writing teacher.

I ordered this on amazon then later had the opportunity to get it signed at a Walter Mosley reading. After re-reading and committing to the 'get to work and get to work everyday' plan, I was so excited when close to a year later my writing project was finished. I love his practical advice and guidance on technique, character development, and style. If you're looking for some magical formula then this isn't the book. If you want advice from one of the best to ever do it, then you should order now and spend some time with Mr. Mosley. Then get to work so next year we can all be reviewing your story!

I have always written, and when I saw this by my all time favorite author, I knew I would get some great tips and ideas. One thing I remember he said was to write daily. I did start my book last year and still am tweeking it and hope to finish it soon. I had to stop because writing about myself is exhausting...I would recommend this book because its good and its Walter Mosley(a fan for life)

My 1st thoughts on receipt of this book was, "is that all?" Yes, volume wise, it's that small. In fact, it's the smallest "How-to" book on novel writing I have (& I have 22+ of them); and probably the smallest out there (102 pages) in print. The authors wordsmithing is straight and simple. No dithering. No fluff. From the intro passages onward, you can't shake the feeling of an unseen finger, pointing a "It's you I'm speaking to" air coming out of the book. It's a fast read, yet, there's no sense of hurry about it; taking its time to hit all the basic high notes: from an admonition + encouragement, to needed tools (both physical and mental), to the elements of fiction, to the how-to opening of the very 1st sentence. Not to forget that he gives easy to follow examples as you read along. All packed in just 102 pages.I wrap this one up by quipping that you'll end this book not wanting it to end. And after you've put it down, its words will linger, hanging over your heart, making you NOT to think that your going to write your novel this year, but KNOW that you are.

This author, Walter Mosley, is my favorite writer. His easy style and precise use of phrasing continues in his instructional book. It abounds with practical manageable suggestions for disciplining one to schedule writing time and follows through all the way to rewrite after editing.

I purchased "This Year You Write Your Novel" by Walter Mosley and like the title the book is easy to understand and very informative. As talented and successful a writer Mr. Mosley is he doesn't weigh down the book with heavy instruction, difficult to understand vocabulary and iron clad rules. He gives the writer freedom to do it their way but with tips on how to make the writing process run smoother. It's a thin book but has what you need to get going on your novel, in fact the first few chapters will be the only ones you need until your first draft is done. I like Walter Mosley's teaching style, he gives great examples for what he is writing about and you don't feel like you're being talked down to. I recommend this book, it changed my approach to writing in the most positive way. This Year You Write Your Novel

This is one of many such books.Either you disciline yourself to write, structure, edit, re-write etc or you don't. After that, whether you have anything saleable is another story.

There's no easy path to writing a 'good' novel and Mosley tells you that up front. This book prepares you for the mindset you will need and helps steer you into the starting blocks with confidence and enthusiasm. Mosley is a great writer. His guidance is simple and well illustrated. This isn't a step by step writing by numbers kind of book though. The author knows too well that 'good' literature is not made that way.

A hugely encouraging little book. So glad I got a copy.

An excellent book from one of my favourite authors. This describes the components of writing a novel in a very easy to understand way. It also gave a good perspective on how the other authors I read have put their books together.

Haven't used the info yet, but it's good information.