Non-Fiction Books
Craft an Engaging Plot How does plot influence story structure? What's the difference between plotting for commercial and literary fiction? How do you revise a plot or structure that's gone off course? With Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure , you'll discover the answers to these questions and more. Award-winning author James Scott Bell offers clear, concise information that will help you create a believable and memorable plot, including: • Techniques for crafting strong beginnings, middles, and ends • Easy-to-understand plotting diagrams and charts • Brainstorming techniques for original plot ideas • Thought-provoking exercises at the end of each chapter • Story structure models and methods for all genres • Tips and tools for correcting common plot problems Filled with plot examples from popular novels, comprehensive checklists, and practical hands-on guidance, Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure gives you the skills you need to approach plot and structure like an experienced pro.
Jim's book is designed to eliminate the intimidation factor that comes with revision and self-editing. You've finally gotten a manuscript completed. Time for a drink. But put on the brakes! Now it's time to start all over again at page one and start the revision process. Most writers dread this stage. Thankfully, Jim's book will give them techniques to use during the initial writing phase that will minimize the amount of revision that's required, as well as guidelines for editing what remains and positioning the work for the best possible odds of a sale. New sections devoted to selling the work once it's finished. Downloadable worksheets and checklists that make keeping track of and executing revision goals easy and productive.
One of Writer's Digest Books' most popular series is now available on one searchable CD! Readers will learn the ins and outs of fiction writing with this comprehensive five-book series covering Plot & Structure; Dialogue; Characters, Emotion & Viewpoint; Revision & Self-Editing; and Description & Setting! The Write Great Fiction series covers all the essential elements of fiction, from learning how to write believable characters, to utilizing various story structure models, to revising an earlier draft. CDs feature entire book contents in PDF format, so they'll work on almost any computer (PC or Macintosh) and can be viewed with Acrobat Reader (a free program anyone can download online). Plus, each searchable PDF features individualized bookmarks to help with navigation! Also available as a download!
Strategies and Tactics for the Master Novelist Successfully starting and finishing a publishable novel is often like fighting a series of battles. You not only have to work hard to shape memorable characters, develop gripping plots, and craft dazzling dialogue, but you also have to fight against self-doubts and fears. And then there's the challenge of learning to navigate the ever-changing publishing industry. That's why best-selling novelist James Scott Bell , author of the Write Great Fiction staples Plot & Structure and Revision & Self-Editing , came up with the ultimate novel-writing battle plan: The Art of War for Writers . You'll find tactics and strategies for idea generation and development, character building, plotting, drafting, querying and submitting, dealing with rejection, coping with unrealistic expectations, and much more. With timeless, innovative, and concise writing reflections and techniques, The Art of War for Writers is your roadmap to victory.
A compilation of two bestselling novels by former trial lawyer and bestselling author James Scott Bell come together under one cover. In Breach of Promise, actor and father Mark Gillen finds out how far modern courts will go to keep a child from a parent who has strong Christian views. Forged in the darkest valley he has ever walked through, Mark’s faith in God may ultimately cost him everything in the eyes of the family law system. But it is the one thing that can keep him sane—and give him the strength to fight against all odds for what matters most. In Presumed Guilty, Dallas Hamilton's perfect world is torn apart when her husband, a rising superstar in the evangelical world, is arrested for the murder of a porn star. With the noose tightening around her husband’s neck, Hamilton faces a choice: believe the seemingly irrefutable facts—or the voice of her heart. The press has already reached its verdict, and the public echoes it. But Dallas is determined to do whatever it takes to find the truth … and then a dark secret from Dallas's past threatens to take them all down. With an unbelievable price point and thrills to match, you won’t stop until the very last page.
Take your fiction to that next level, where agents and editors sit up and take notice – and where readers keep coming back for more! Writing Fiction for All You’re Worth contains the best of James Scott Bell's articles and blog posts on writing, easily searchable under these headings: The Writing World, The Writing Life, and The Writing Craft. And you'll get never before published material, including a first-ever look into Jim's secret writing notebook, the manual he put together over the years for his own use in writing numerous bestsellers. For the first time he's sharing a glimpse into the notes he compiled on his way to publishing success. Plus, a special module on getting into e-publishing, which is a must read if you want to have a career selling e-books successfully.
Like your suspense lean and mean? From the master of "heart-whamming" thrillers (Publishers Weekly) comes a collection of suspense full of the twists and shocks James Scott Bell is known for. In the title novella, "Watch Your Back," hotshot IT guy Cameron Cates seems to have it all. A secure job, a fiancée who loves him and the prospect of a steady life ahead. But then he sees her. The new woman at work. And like watching a car crash in slow motion, Cam knows he can't turn away and is powerless to stop what happens next. A tale of lust and greed and corporate America––and what happens to dreams that become all too real. "Fore Play" is the story of the world's top golfer and the trouble that follows his off the course activities. Let's put it this way: his game will never be the same. In "Rage Road," a nice young couple thinks they're out for a smooth ride through some lovely country. The truck behind them has a different idea. Married man Frank Dabney has learned to listen to his wife, Susie. But in "Heed the Wife" he finds out he may have listened one too many times. "Compulsively readable, Bell takes his place at the top of the crowded suspense genre." – Sheldon Siegel, New York Times bestselling author "One of the best writers out there, bar none." – In the Library Review
“Everything I learned about comedy writing I learned from Danny Simon.” –– Woody Allen. Neil Simon, Danny’s younger brother, and Woody Allen both credit Danny for teaching them to write comedy. Not a bad recommendation. Danny Simon made his bones in the golden age of TV, on shows like Make Room for Daddy and Sid Caesar’s Show of Shows. Then he taught a legendary comedy writing class in L.A. for many years. A young writer named James Scott Bell took the course, and copious notes. These notes have never before been published. Bell is revealing these comedy secrets now for the first time. This booklet (4500 words) also includes an analysis of a legendary comedy show that Danny Simon had his students study. If you are serious about comedy . . . or if you just want to put more humor in your writing, this booklet will give you the tools. “I loved this booklet! So many great points. Terrific examples too. When I teach comedy, it is so challenging to really outline how to write a joke, all the setup that is involved, all the word play, all the reversals and the word choices. This is so well articulated. I will definitely reference it and promote it when I teach!” – Rene Gutteridge, author of Escapement and Never the Bride James Scott Bell is one of the #1 bestselling writing coach of Plot & Structure and The Art of War for Writers. He is an award winning thriller author and seminar teacher.
International Thriller Awards Finalist! From a "master of suspense" (Library Journal) and the writer of "heart-whamming" fiction (Publishers Weekly) comes more page-turning thrills. In the full-length novella, One More Lie, high flying divorce attorney Andrew Chamberlain is on top of the legal world. He buys his suits in Beverly Hills and wins his cases in court. But one day he's approached by a friend to handle the split with his wife. That's the day things start to go very wrong for Andrew Chamberlain . . . up to and including murder. One More Lie was the first self-published work to be selected as a finalist for an ITW Award (2012). "James Scott Bell is at his best in One More Lie . Fast paced, this novella will leave you breathless to the unforeseen end. Once I started reading I couldn't put it down. Novel Rocket and I give it our highest recommendation. It's a must read!" Ane Mulligan, V. P./Sr. Editor Novel Rocket PLUS, three stories full of the suspense twists James Scott Bell is known for: "A Great Man" - The Reverend Mike Rickland was not expecting one of New Jersey's most notorious mobsters to pay him a visit. All Angelo Scapelli wanted was to offer Mike's church ten million dollars. On one condition. "Some Hero" - Garth Himmelfarb, middle aged and paunchy, was only trying to work off a few pounds by jogging in his neighborhood. He didn't expect to help a woman in distress, a beautiful woman, a woman he could be a hero for. He didn't expect to step in to a situation that could get him beaten up or killed. But he did. "How to Make Living as a Freelance Writer" - A struggling author, once popular, now on the way out, comes up with a last attempt to make enough money to live on as a writer . . . . and actually finds it. Let's just say it's not the "traditional" route. "James Scott Bell is a master storyteller. In a few short words he can make you care about a character, cause you to wave your hands in warning as they speed toward disaster, or root for them to win the day." - Susan May Warren, bestselling author James Scott Bell is the #1 bestselling author of Plot & Structure ( Writer's Digest Books) and numerous novels and stories of suspense. Among these are Watch Your Back and Try Dying. Writing as K. Bennett he is also the author of the zombie legal thriller Pay Me in Flesh.
Ramp up the tension and keep your readers hooked! Inside you'll find everything you need to know to spice up your story, move your plot forward, and keep your readers turning pages. Expert thriller author and writing instructor James Scott Bell shows you how to craft scenes, create characters, and develop storylines that harness conflict and suspense to carry your story from the first word to the last. Learn from examples of successful novels and movies as you transform your work from ho-hum to high-tension. • Pack the beginning, middle, and end of your book with the right amount of conflict. • Tap into the suspenseful power of each character's inner conflict. • Build conflict into your story's point of view. • Balance subplots, flashbacks, and backstory to keep your story moving forward. • Maximize the tension in your characters' dialogue. • Amp up the suspense when you revise. Conflict & Suspense offers proven techniques that help you craft fiction your readers won't be able to put down.
Get in on the self-publishing boom and enjoy a steady stream of income for the rest of your life! The self-publishing revolution that exploded when the Kindle came to town continues to expand. A number of writers are now making a living publishing their own ebooks. Most, however, are finding the results disappointing. Usually this comes from the lack of a coherent publishing strategy. It’s too bad, because the right approach can greatly increase the odds that a writer will realize significant returns over the course of a lifetime. In Self Publishing Attack! you’ll get a simple yet powerful plan for creating an increasing stream of revenue publishing ebooks––and keeping it flowing for as long as you write. This is not a technical, how-to-upload manual. Instead, Self Publishing Attack! provides you with a strategic and businesslike program for long-term publishing success. You’ll learn: • The single most important secret for ironclad profitability • Step-by-step instructions for generating marketing copy • How to think like a publisher so your ebooks are discovered in a crowded marketplace • Insider tips for writing books that sell, both fiction and non-fiction • How to avoid the most common design mistakes • The keys to an effective marketing campaign And more. From #1 bestselling writing coach James Scott Bell, author of Plot & Structure, Writing Fiction for All You’re Worth and The Art of War for Writers, comes a practical, experience-tested method for cashing in on the amazing new opportunities in self-publishing. “As an author with over eighty published books, I'm always interested in learning new strategies to give my older/out-of-print titles new life. In this e-driven age, getting those books onto Kindle, Nook, and so on is critical. Kudos to James Scott Bell for giving me the tools I need to see that happen successfully!” -- Janice Hanna Thompson, author of The Director's Cut
Get ready to go as far as your dreams can take you. You are wired to achieve. You were created to accomplish. You are not a sofa pillow. In this article (4700 words) James Scott Bell distills a lifetime of learning and accomplishment into the power-packed principles that will lead you to success. Taking the three main areas of dreaming, goal setting and self-discipline, Jim lays out for you the step-by-step methods of achievement that have helped countless people reach their cherished dreams. Among the things you’ll learn are: • The power of visual motivators • How to becoming unstoppable • The simple steps to solving problems • How to grow in every important area of your life • The collected wisdom of some of the greatest achievers of all time James Scott Bell has been a lawyer, business owner, public speaker and bestselling author.
A Powerful System for Effective Time Management Get More Done In Less Time! You can either manage time or have it master you. You can get more done or let your schedule overwhelm you. You can achieve more of your dreams or let them float on by on clouds of inefficiency. It’s your choice. In this article James Scott Bell will present to you powerful time management tools that will increase your ability to get the right things done when you need them done. You’ll learn: • The 21 power tools for mastering time • How to overcome obstacles and problems • The secrets of managing stress and anxiety in an increasingly fast-paced world Whether you’re building a business or working for one; whether you’re seeking to achieve wealth or simply want more time for your family and your life, this power-packed article will help get you there. While there are a number of good time management books available, this concise article is designed to . . . save you time! By giving you all the time management techniques you need for making a better life right now. James Scott Bell has been a lawyer, business owner, public speaker and bestselling author. This article is part of his series: Short Subjects With Big Impact
Learn the inner secrets of selling fiction to an ever-increasing audience of readers! Bestselling author and writing coach James Scott Bell brings you powerhouse techniques and strategies in this collection, much of which is from his popular posts at The Kill Zone blog. PLUS, interviews with some of the best writers working today, including: Sandra Brown, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, Jonathan Kellerman, Barry Eisler, Joseph Finder, Peter Straub, Stephen Coonts, Katherine Neville, Andrew Gross, Lisa Jackson, Kathy Reichs, M.J. Rose If you’re serious about selling your fiction, Fiction Attack! is your battle plan for breakthrough. Praise for the writing instruction of James Scott Bell: "I had a novel with problems I didn't know how to solve. After James Scott Bell's class, I knew the solutions. This was easily the most practical writing class I ever attended. I sold my novel using what I learned." — Darrell James, author of Nazareth Child
"This book revolutionized my writing! I use it for every novel I write. Highly recommended!" — Colleen Coble, USA Today Bestselling Author A powerful secret and a fresh approach to writing bestselling fiction! What's the best way to write a "next level" novel? Some writers start at the beginning and let the story unfold without a plan. They are called "pantsers," because they write by the "seat of the pants." Other writers plan and outline and know the ending before they start. These are the "plotters." The two sides never seem to agree with each other on the best approach. But what if it's not the beginning or the end that is the key to a successful book? What if, amazing as it may seem, the place to begin writing your novel is in the very middle of the story? According to #1 bestselling writing teacher James Scott Bell, that's exactly where you'll find your story's heart and heat. Bell's "Mirror Moment" is the secret, and its power is available to any writer, at any stage of the writing process. Bringing together years of craft study and personal discovery, Bell presents a truly unique approach to writing a novel, one that will stand the test of time and serve you all your writing life. "I need three things before I tackle a new novel: Diet Coke, a laptop, and my dog-eared copies of James Scott Bell's books on writing craft!” - Kami Garcia , #1 NYT Times & International Bestselling author
There is one sure-fire way of improving your novel fast . . . You may know the fundamentals of how to write fiction. You may be more than competent in plot, structure and characters. But if your dialogue is dull it will drag the whole story down. On the other hand, if your dialogue is crisp and full of tension it immediately grabs the reader. And if that reader is an agent or editor, sharp dialogue will give them instant assurance that you know what you're doing as a writer. Writing a bestseller or hot screenplay is no easy task, but dazzling dialogue is an absolute essential if you want to get there. The best part is, the skills of the dialogue craft are easy to understand and put into practice. #1 bestselling writing coach James Scott Bell has put together and expanded upon the dialogue lectures from his popular writing seminars. In How to Write Dazzling Dialogue you'll learn: What fictional dialogue is ... and isn't The 11 secrets of crafting memorable dialogue The 5 essential tasks of dialogue 5 ways to improve your dialogue ear 4 can't-miss methods to increase conflict and tension in any dialogue exchange The top 10 dialogue issues, and how to resolve them You'll also see dazzling dialogue in action with examples from hit novels and screenplays. Don't sabotage your chances of selling your work to readers or publishers because the dialogue is unexceptional. Dazzle them with what the characters say. How to Write Dazzling Dialogue will give you the tools to do it.
It's the best time on Earth to be a writer. More writers are making money today than at any other time in history. For centuries few have been able to support themselves from the quill or the keyboard alone. Not anymore. With the rise of ebooks and indie publishing there are now more opportunities than ever for writers to generate substantial income from their work. And there is still a traditional publishing industry that needs new talent to keep growing. In How to Make a Living as a Writer, you'll learn the secrets of writing for profit and increasing your chances of making a living wage from your work. Here are some of the subjects covered: - The 7 Secrets of Writing Success - The 8 Essentials of Your Writing Business - How to Reach Your Goals - Keys to a Winning System - How to Stay Relentless - Unlocking Your Creativity - How to Write More, Faster - Comparing Traditional and Self-Publishing - How to Go Traditional - How to Go Indie - How to Form Multiple Streams of Writing Income - How to Write a Novel in a Month - How to Choose Non-Fiction Subjects - How to Keep a Positive Mental Attitude - Resources for Further Study And much more, all to help you write what you love and earn what you’re worth. James Scott Bell has made a living as a writer for nearly two decades, and shares with you everything he knows about the best practices for turning your writing dream into a reality.
Story loves structure...and so do readers! Super Structure represents over two decades of research on what makes a novel or screenplay entertaining, commercial, original, and irresistible. Contrary to what some may think, structure is not a nasty inhibitor of creativity. Quite the opposite. Properly understood and utilized, structure is what translates story into a form readers are wired to receive it. And it is only when readers truly connect with your story that they turn from casual readers into fans. The material in this book greatly expands upon the chapter on structure in Write Your Novel From the Middle. Super Structure can be considered a companion to that book, but it also stands alone in its treatment of the elements of a solid and pleasing plot. Here's more good news: Super Structure will work for any type of writer--those who like to outline, those who just fly by "the seat of the pants," and those who do a little of both. That's because Super Structure stresses the concept of "signpost scenes." There are fourteen signpost scenes, or beats, that can be used to create an entire plot, the skeleton of an idea, or a map to help you figure out what to write next. Every signpost is given its own chapter and explanation, along with a section called "Helpful Hints for Plotters and Pantsers," showing you how to apply what you've learned and adapt it to your own style of writing. Never write a weak novel or screenplay again. Super Structure is a proven foundation that never fails. It frees you to add your original voice and vision, all of which adds up to bestselling fiction and hit screenplays. "I need three things before I tackle a new novel: Diet Coke, a laptop, and my dog-eared copies of James Scott Bell's books on writing craft!” - Kami Garcia , #1 NY Times & International Bestselling author
Sell more books and build your career by kicking these blunders to the curb! Ever wonder why some books shoot to the top of the bestseller lists? And others that you think should, don't? It's usually a matter of mistakes that could have been avoided! #1 bestselling writing coach James Scott Bell has analyzed thousands of manuscripts over the years, by both new and experienced writers, and noticed certain errors that keep showing up to take readers out of the fictive dream. Now he's tackled the biggest offenders and shows you how to fix them. In 27 Fiction Writing Blunders you'll learn: * The biggest reason readers get stuck in your opening pages...and how to unstick them * How to avoid marshmallow dialogue * The simple solution for low stakes * The art of getting into and out of flashbacks * Getting rid of the kind of characters that readers never want to see in your novel * The biggest point-of-view gaffe and how to spot it * How to perform liposuction on flabby scenes * The best way to show what characters think and feel And much more! Plus, Bell attacks some of the blunders writers can pull on their own careers, including fear, false competition, market ignorance, and the neglected brain. Don't let little mistakes keep you from big success. Eliminate these 27 blunders forever...and sell more books! James Scott Bell is the bestselling author of many thrillers and popular books on the writing craft. Visit his website at jamesscottbell.com" " James Scott Bell is my go-to writing teacher !" - Terri Blackstock, New York Times Bestselling Author of Intervention and Vicious Cycle
What is the single greatest secret to a breakout writing career? What is it that every agent and editor wants to see, and every reader delights in? It's VOICE. Everyone talks about it, yet no one seems able to define it. Voice has therefore been the most elusive aspect of the entire writing craft to teach.Until now.In this book, #1 bestselling writing teacher James Scott Bell reveals the true source of voice, and what any writer in any genre can do to capture it for their own work. In VOICE: The Secret Power of Great Writing you'll learn:• An actual working definition of voice that is simple yet powerful• Bell's original method for turning that definition into book-length voice power• How to vary voice from genre to genre, book to book• How to enhance voice with emotion, flow, and attitude• How to create vivid word pictures • Exercises to expand your voice and style• Example after example of voice in actionDon't settle for good writing. Go for the unforgettable. The secret of voice will help you get there.
“Everybody has got to die, but I have always believed an exception would be made in my case. Now what?” - Last words of William Saroyan But there are no exceptions. Now what? James Scott Bell spent a good chunk of 2015 thinking and writing about that. Some famous people died that year. So did others not so famous. It doesn't matter, because each life is a story. And if we look deeply enough they all have something to say. In Some People Are Dead , Bell weaves his musings on the departed into a form of essay combining memoir and reflection, thoughts on how to live and how to die, and an occasional peek inside the mind of a writer. It's a book you don't have to read in one sitting. The entries are short, so it's perfect when you're waiting in line for coffee, or at the doctor's, even in the checkout line at the grocery store. "I advise against reading it in commuter traffic," says Bell. "But on lunch break at the office, perfect." Some People Are Dead is a book full of humor and insight, a bit of ranting, but mostly wonder at the gift of life and how we can live it to the full.
Anybody can write. Right? But how do you write "right"? That is, how do you write in a way that leads to success as a writer? In Writing Right to Success , best-selling and award-winning authors share their journeys from taking the first step to achieving success. They also offer valuable insights and instruction into mastering the craft of writing. Topics include: Seven Habits of the Purpose-driven Christian Writer – James Watkins Writing Stories that Move Your Readers – Gayle Roper Why Write? and How to Start – Yvonne Lehman The Magic of Transitional Words and Phrases – Donn Taylor Is It Too Late? – Gail Gaymer Martin Writing Roadblocks and Destination Detours – Edie Melson Your Unique Voice – Cecil Murphey Tenacity – the Vehicle to Publication – DiAnn Mills Understanding a Writer’s Psyche – Dennis E. Hensley, Ph.D Stellar Dialogue – Tosca Lee Avoiding Misuse of Words – Donn Taylor Dissecting Your Novel – Gail Gaymer Martin Writing is Recorded - Tom Morrisey Heroes with Clay Feet – Ann Tatlock Excellent Success – James Watkins Tips for Writing Dynamic Devotions – Dianne Neal Matthews Thou Shalt Copy – Brian Bird Children’s Writing 101: Five Common Misconceptions – Michelle Medlock Adams Writers and the Power of Definition – Donn Taylor Can You Say Change? – Gayle Roper Becoming a Resilient Writer – Edie Melson Waiting for Inspiration – Cecil Murphey Writing Amish Fiction – Kathleen Fuller Spontaneous Creativity – Eva Marie Everson Plot in Action! – Eddie Jones When to Fix and When to Let Go – Yvonne Lehman True, inspirational success stories by:Dennis E. Hensley, Ph.D., Ramona Richards, Brian Bird, Ann Tatlock, Tosca Lee, James Watkins, DiAnn Mills, Gail Gaymer Martin, Lynette Eason, James Scott Bell, Edie Melson, Eva Marie Everson, Cecil Murphey, Jenny Cote, Michelle Medlock Adams, Susan May Warren, Donn Taylor, Tom Morrisey, Lori Marett, Gayle Roper, Richard L. Mabry, MD, Dianne Neal Matthews, Kathleen Fuller, Eddie Jones, and Yvonne Lehman. Whether you are already a writer or aspire to be, this book is for you. Buy a copy … give a friend a copy. Break out your highlighter, settle in, and allow these authors to motivate, encourage, and inspire you to follow your dream!
Enthrall your readers, love the process, & become the writer you are meant to be! Writers are given a wealthy of opportunities to cultivate a successful writing life, break out, and find an audience for their work. Yet so many writers, from beginners to veterans, find their careers stuck in neutral. The solution is simple: Just write . Write yourself past fears, doubts, and setbacks, and use your desire for writing excellence to deeply immerse yourself in the craft. In Just Write , best-selling author and veteran writing coach James Scott Bell shows you how to develop unforgettable stories while leading a rewarding writing life. You'll learn how to master the nuances of fiction, discover what readers really want, and persevere through the challenges of getting started, conquering writer's block, and dealing with rejection. Look inside to discover how to: • Brainstorm new concepts for your fiction and develop a believable premise. • Create memorable characters that keep your readers coming back for more. • Study classic & contemporary novels to improve your writing. • Effectively market yourself as a writer. • Manage your time to maintain peak efficiency. Fulfilling writing careers are developed through hard work, an investment in practice, and complete dedication to the process. Don't succumb to excuses or procrastination. Dive into your career with gusto and enthusiasm. Fall in love with writing every day. Just write .
Whatever happened to true manliness? It used to be we honored something called the "manly virtues." Things like duty, discipline, sacrifice, honor. These were the virtues of American men, passed down through the generations. Until society started to mock and dismiss them.Now manhood is in crisis. Boys are growing up lost. Young men are confused about how to act. Women are wondering where all the good men have gone. And parents, who want to do the right thing, have scant resources to help them raise virtuous sons.There is a surprising resource waiting for them – the movies of Robert Mitchum.During his lengthy acting career Mitchum took on many iconic roles that embodied true manliness. Watching these films you see how men of a past generation acted in times of crisis. How they treated women and children and marriage and community. And when Mitchum played a heavy, the negative consequences of bad behavior are equally clear.Mitchum's body of work is a visual handbook on what it means to be a real man.In this highly readable book, bestselling author James Scott Bell pulls together essential lessons in manliness from the best Mitchum films. These movies comprise a short course on masculinity for young men, and a teaching opportunity for parents of sons. Watching these films will also bring you hours of viewing pleasure from the golden age of Hollywood – a welcome relief from the mixed messages in movies and TV shows today. In these classic Mitchum films you'll learn what a real man should be and do.
The keys to success as a writer are yours for the thinking! All success begins in the mind. For writers, the mind fuels the imagination and creates stories. But for authors who are productive and resilient, and see a good return on their efforts, there is another factor at work. They are winning the mental game of writing. Successful writers have the ability to inspire themselves to produce consistently, improve systematically, overcome obstacles and keep up a positive mental attitude. In this book, #1 bestselling writing teacher James Scott Bell takes you through the mental landscape of the successful author. He shows you not only how to stay on your game, but how to improve it. He gives you insights, strategies and techniques for blasting through walls and jumping over hurdles, setting you free to concentrate on what you love most – writing. You'll learn how to define true success, formulate goals and plans, find courage and commitment to write, unleash your creativity and write with joy. You'll also be given steps to handle challenges like stress, burnout, envy, expectations and the trap of comparison. In short, you'll learn to get all your mental jets going full blast so your writing can reach new heights! "I need three things before I tackle a new novel: Diet Coke, a laptop, and my dog-eared copies of James Scott Bell's books on writing craft." - #1 NYT Times Bestselling Author Kami Garcia
Now, learn the master key for writing great short stories, and the strategies for using them to advance your writing career As most writers will tell you, the hardest fiction form to master is the short story. To be successful, a short story needs to have "emotional wallop," and in under 7,000 words. Not easy to do. In this book, #1 bestselling writing teacher James Scott Bell explains the essential ingredient for a successful short story, no matter the genre. He shows how any writer—whether planner or "pantser"—can use this key to unlock infinite story possibilities. And turn readers into fans. Which is part of the strategy for short story writing today. With the coming of the digital revolution in publishing, short fiction presents possibilities beyond a one-time sale to a literary journal. Writers can use stories to increase discoverability, grow as a writer, generate some side income, and get back in touch with the sheer joy of writing. This book uses examples from the best stories by undisputed masters of the craft, including Ernest Hemingway, Raymond Carver, John O'Hara, John Cheever, Stephen King and Irwin Shaw. In addition, five complete stories are included to show you the master key in action. Once you've been through this book, even once, you'll be well on your way to crafting short stories that readers love—which will build your fan base and boost your long-term writing career.
Is marketing sucking the joy out of your writing life? Do you wish you could spend more time writing and less time selling? Do you suffer from platform paranoia or social marketing madness? Are you stressed because you can't keep up with the latest marketing gimmicks and perpetual-motion author-entrepreneurs? Here's good news: Marketing For Writers Who Hate Marketing will show you how to have the kind of writing life you long for by dispelling the marketing myths that weigh you down. You'll learn what works best, what doesn't, and how a few simple strategies are all you need to get the most out of your marketing efforts. Marketing For Writers Who Hate Marketing will help you prioritize your marketing so you can concentrate on the handful of tools that are most effective, and eliminate the worry that you're never doing enough. It will teach you: • The #1 most effective marketing tool ... one you already love! • How to maximize the all-important first impression your book makes on a browser. • How to turn browsers into readers. • How to turn readers into fans. • Pricing as a strategic marketing tool. • How to grow and nurture an email list. • All the time-sucking practices you can avoid so you're free to write! • And more. Whether your are self-publishing or working with a traditional publisher –– or both –– you need to know how to market smart. This book will show you how.
Type Hard. Type Fast. Make Dough. That was the formula of old-school pulp fiction—plot-driven, popular and gobbled up by a reading public hungry for more.And it produced many writers who hammered out a living selling “cash-and-carry” stories and novels. Some of these writers were among the best America has ever produced. Writers like Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett and John D. MacDonald. Others are numbered among the bestselling authors of all time, including Erle Stanley Gardner, Lester Dent, and Frederick Faust (better known by his pen name, Max Brand). What were the secrets of these successful pulp writers? And how can any writer, of any genre, use them to produce fiction that sells?How to Write Pulp Fiction will teach you:• how to be more prolific • the secrets of pulp plotting• how to elevate your pulp prose• the fiction “formulas” of some of the best pulp writers of all time• the bestselling genres• how to harness the power of the series character• the most effective publishing strategies • how to market your pulp fictionAdded bonus! The Start-A-Plot Machine, a brainstorming partner that will help you instantly generate a story or novel idea. You’ll never again wonder what to write next. There has never been a better time to be a writer. By tapping into the vibe of the pulp writers of old, and making use of the tools of publication available now, any hard-working writer has a serious shot at realizing steady income from their fiction. “James Scott Bell is my go-to writing guru!” - Terri Blackstock, New York Times bestselling writer
“The first page of a book sells that book. The last page sells your next book.” –– Mickey Spillane What are the secrets for writing a great ending for your novel? How do you leave readers so satisfied that they'll want another book by you—right now? What tools and techniques can shape your last fifty pages into a powerful, unforgettable experience? In this book, International Thriller Writers Award winner and #1 bestselling writing teacher James Scott Bell reveals: • The five types of endings. • What needs to happen in Act 3. • How to use the Ah and Uh-Oh emotional wallops. • A simple technique for crafting twist endings. • The most important secret of all—resonance. • The Stew, Brew, Accrue, Do brainstorming method. • The best way to tie up loose ends. • The most common ending mistakes, and how to avoid them. And more. Read this book and you will come away with a thorough knowledge of why great endings work and how to create them for every novel you write.
Most people think the way to write a best seller is to have a lot of talent and even more luck. As you will learn, there is a recipe for success, and luck may be the least important ingredient in creating a best seller. When it comes to solving the mystery of what makes a best-selling novel, no one has cracked the code better than James Scott Bell. A best-selling author himself, winner of the International Thriller Writers Award and the Christy Award for Suspense, plus the author of the number-one best seller for writers, Plot & Structure , Mr. Bell has been teaching the principles of best-selling fiction for over 20 years, principles that apply to any genre or style. In the 24 lectures of How to Write Best-Selling Fiction , Mr. Bell provides a comprehensive, eye-opening, and illuminating survey of the entire writing process, as well as a full breakdown of how best-selling authors such as Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Michael Connelly, Suzanne Collins, Janet Evanovich, and dozens of others have implemented best practices in their own writing. From fun creative challenges to help you get started with unique plot and character ideas to how to format, package, and promote your finished material - with help dotting every "i" and crossing every "t" along the way - Mr. Bell offers an insightful, intimate, and extraordinarily revealing look at the elements that elevate a novel to become a best seller. Any aspiring author will gain a wealth of tools that will not only improve their ability to write, but will also increase their enjoyment of the craft. The famous writer Somerset Maugham once said, “There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.” And maybe no one knows the “rules”, but there are writing techniques, practices, and fundamentals that writers have used for decades to become best-selling authors. And just like Picasso, once you master the basics of your art, then you can create your own rules. With How to Write Best-Selling Fiction , you get an intimate introduction to the fundamentals of how to write your best seller, from a best-selling author who has mastered the secrets to success. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
"Help! My plot drags, sags, and has no heart!" This looks like a job for Plotman! Yes, solving your plot problems is why the superhero of story came to Earth. His mission? To give practical, easy-to-apply answers to the most vexing plot questions writers face, such as:• How do I plan a plot if I'm not a plot planner?• Does my plot need a prologue?• What if I hit a plot wall?• What if my plot is getting away from me?• Why ins't my plot more gripping at the start?• Why is my overall plot dull?• What should I do if my plot is implausible?• Do I really need to think about plot structure?• How do I deepen the emotional impact of my plot?• What's the best way to plug a plot hole?• How do I keep my plot from ending with a thud?And more! With bonus material on how to find and utilize beta readers; and several plot generating methods you can put to use at any time. Whether used as a reference guide or refresher course, this book will strengthen your storytelling muscles and help you elevate every novel you write. Because Plotman, along with his faithful sidekick Subplot Boy, has sworn to uphold plot, story, and the bestselling way.
What will take your fiction from good to great? From decent to dazzling? From lackluster to blockbuster? Characters who "jump off the page." Of course plot matters. So does conflict, and scenes, and every other aspect of the fiction craft. But without unforgettable characters, your books will always be less than they could be. Don't let that happen. In WRITING UNFORGETTABLE CHARACTERS you'll learn: • How to lay the foundation for a memorable character • How to bond the reader with the main character from the start • The super power of unpredictability • The secrets of grit, wit, and moxie • How to bring your character to life on the page • How and when to reveal backstory • All about arcs and what they truly mean • The key to unforgettable villains • How to make minor characters memorable, too • How to create a great series character And more, PLUS the powerful exercises James Scott Bell has taught in his sold-out writing workshops. No more flat stories! Give your readers what will turn them into career-long fans—characters who jump off the page.