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by John Wolf
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Book Review: "Writing the Breakout Novel" by Donald Maass
My good friend and fellow Infinity published author Pauline Hager loned me this book at one of our Pen Jabs meetings. We always try to include some discussion on writing aides and references. Thanks Pauline - I found the book inspiring.
Here's the jist of this book: The emerging author has a huge ladder to climb to be seen above the army of award winning new authors, the best seller blockbusters, and the legacy of great authors. Yes, you have to be as good or better. In other words you have to have a breakout manuscript to ever be successfully published nowadays. So, how do you do it?
Donald Maass segments the problem into validation in the premise, the value or stakes that are at risk, the time and place, characters ability in deal with conflict, plot and plot structure, and theme to establish the breakout novel, one that catches the eye of an agent and keeps the reader glued to the pages.
There are many quotes from major works to demostrate the point Donald is making. After all, Donald has beena major New York agent for many years and he knows from experience what is important in each of the elements for the writer to be cognitive. The list of books in the quotes permission section is an excellent bibliograhy by itself.
One area emphasized from differnet points of view is the idea of conflict. Fictional stories are a rollercoaster ride of conflict and resolving conflict, just as music has crescendos and decrescendos, tension and release. These qualaties have to be woven into the story as not to have edgies that can be seen but deep rumble that can be felt.
Next, are characters that are bigger than life. Ordinary people do not make an interesting topic to spend 300 pages with - boring. Here again, skill is paramount to avoid a ridiculous character verse and character that is exciting to watch in the reader's mind.
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The story must traverse characters being brought to the brink, finding a way out, not only for themselves but the public at large, save the world, or some significant risk and redeemtion. The plot is a bridging process between conflict epesodes. Each chapter should be a sortie behind enemy lines with winners and causulaties.
The breakout novel needs to have something important to say. The writer much convey to the reader something of value: a lesson learned, a new level of understanding, an identification with the protagonist that resounates.
The high-wire act of narrative verses dialogue is the brakes and accerator in the novel. The breakout author learns to govern each paragraph to embrace the rhythm of conflict and resolve, going "all in" and winning or losing to grab the reader by the arm and say, "This is important. I want to show you something you will never forget."
I felt that Donald made his points well. This book is a reflection of reality for the writer to pump up the stakes in hers or his writing to get out front and be seen by the harsh critical investors of this virgin novel. The writing has to be strong to reflect light and shine in the face of those that will finance the endevour and place it in the hands of the public like a survivor in a liferaft with a mirror - save me. There has to be some element of assurance the work has breakout potential. That's why you need to read this book. You need to get the right tools in your kit before you lick the end of your pen and begin placing that first word.
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John Wolf keeps the kennels clean at the Fox&Quill Hunting Club JohnWolfBooks.com |
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