Book Review: Writing Fiction for All You're Worth, by James Scott Bell

He's done it again. Author James Scott Bell has nailed another craft book. His latest is Writing Fiction for All You're Worth: Strategies and Techniques for Taking Your Fiction to the Next Level, available on Kindle and Nook for $2.99. 

I've already devoured Plot and Structure (currently $1.99 on Kindle), Revision and Self-Editing, and The Art of War for Writers. It wasn't a hard decision to fork over a couple of bucks for this one.

James Scott Bell, trained as a lawyer, is not only a wonderful writer, but an excellent writing teacher, who is often in demand to give workshops at writing conferences. Though Plot & Structure was released way back in 2004, it was the number one bestselling craft book of the decade, and still maintains the number one position in fiction writing.

The main thing Bell wants writers to know is this: You can learn to write. You can learn to write better. It doesn't have to be a genetic thing. It takes instruction and practice.

Some of the topics Bell covers in the book:
*The six critical success factors of writers.
*The six critical success factors of fiction.
*How to self-publish the right way.
*The marks of a professional writer.
*How to benefit from participating in NaNoWriMo.
*The writing craft--thirty-one sections covering everything from what not to do on the opening page, to stress-free querying.
*The writing life--twenty essays on everything you need to know.

The book also includes a dozen interviews with writers like David Baldacci, Jeffrey Deaver, and Brad Thor. Don't miss a great book on craft. Even though it's an ebook, you can download the software to read it on your PC, Mac, or smartphone from Amazon.

What do you think about reading craft books electronically?

5 comments:

  1. Looks like another writing book that I need to improve my fiction.

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  2. Love that he released this as an ebook. Is it a self-pub too? Can't wait to read it!

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  3. It is a self-pub. He's been starting to do that with some of his earlier books.

    ~Debbie

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  4. This definitely sounds like a must-read. Thanks for the great review, Debbie! :-)

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  5. I'm working my way through it. I love his perspective!

    ~Debbie

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