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The Creative Penn Limited

How to Write a Novel Paperback

How to Write a Novel Paperback

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Do you want to write a novel but don't know where to start?

Are you overwhelmed with self-doubt when you try to write?

Have you started lots of stories but never finished one? 

This book will help. It's time to break the cycle of unfinished stories.

Paperback edition. Special edition with color title page interior. 302 pages. 5.5 x 8.5 inches.
Click here for ebook, audio and other formats.

Buy on other stores.

I’m Joanna (J.F.) Penn, award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 18 novels and novellas with nearly a million books sold in over one hundred countries.

This book will help you write your first novel, or improve your creative process so you can write more books and reach more readers. It covers mindset, ideas and research, aspects of craft, how to write a first draft, and work through an editing process to a finished book. 

You will discover: 

Part 1: First Principles

Why are you writing a novel?, What has stopped you from completing a novel before, Principles to keep in mind as you create

Part 2: Ideas, Research, Plotting, and Discovery Writing

How to find and capture ideas, How to research your novel and when to stop, Outlining (or plotting), Discovery writing (or pantsing), What are you writing? Genre, What are you writing? Short story, novella, or novel, What are you writing? Stand-alone, series, or serial

Part 3: Aspects of a Novel

Story structure, Scenes and chapters, Character: Who is the story about?, Point of view, Dialogue, Plot: What happens in the story?, Conflict, Openings and endings, Setting and World-building: Where does the story happen?, Author voice, Theme, Book or story title, Language versus story and tools versus art

Part 4: Writing the first draft

Attitude to the first draft, How to write the first draft, Dictate your book, Write fast, cycle through, or write slow, Writer’s block, Writing tools and software, When is the first draft finished?

Part 5: The Editing Process

Overview of the editing process, Self-editing, How to find and work with a professional editor, Beta readers, specialist readers, and sensitivity readers, Editing tools and software, Lessons learned from editing my first novel after more than a decade, When is the book finished? 

If you want to (finally) finish your novel, then buy How to Write a Novel today.

Paperback edition with color title page interior. 302 pages. 5.5 x 8.5 inches.

Click here for ebook, audio and other formats.

Buy on other stores.

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  • "Extraordinarily well put together"

    "...If you’re looking to enhance your writing craft, look no further, this book’s so incredible that I’m going back now to take notes.”
    LG, 5 star Goodreads review

  • "Brilliant book."

    "Really helpful in cementing my ideas and giving me the confidence to start writing."
    Tracey L, 5 star Amazon review

  • "One of the rare books from a discovery writer."

    "Seriously, there are so few of them
    … It is well written, informative and incredibly helpful.”
    AM, 4 star Goodreads review

Customer Reviews

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Veronica Gilbert
Benefitting from Joanna's experience

Very helpful guidance from a successful author. Joanna's book is well-structured, offering clear, actionable advice illustrated by her own experience and research. Unlike some craft books I have read, Joanna encourages the reader to find the process that works best for them by exploring options and posing application questions. Highly recommended.

P
Polly
Excellent advice

I am working on my first novel, I found this book helpful with lots of practical tips and clear explanations.