From First Draft To Finished Novel

by Wiesner, Karen S.

• ISBN13: 9781582975511
• ISBN10: 1582975515
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-09-15
• Publisher: Writers Digest Books
• More Book Details
• Purchase Benefits

Summary

From First Draft to Finished Novel carefully explores each of stage of story development from brainstorming and outlining to drafting and revision. Writers will learn how to turn an idea into a rich, textured story by layering core story elements, such as plot and character, to create a cohesive, seamless novel. From a thorough look at the fundamentals of writing to comprehensive story building techniques, as well as submission guidelines and etiquette, this must-have guide will see writers through the entire novel writing process from start to finish.

Table of Contents

Principles of Building a Cohesive Story
The Essential Process of Layering	p. 1
Layering to Gain Cohesion	p. 3
How to Use This Book	p. 5
Getting Started	p. 8
Layer I: Planning for and Laying a Foundation
Stage 1: Brainstorming	p. 9
Stage 2: Researching	p. 11
Stage 3: Story Blueprinting	p. 12
Stage 4: Setting the Story Blueprint Aside	p. 23
Layer II, Part A: Building on the Foundation
Stage 1: Building a Cohesive Story With a Story Plan Checklist	p. 24
Stage 2: Evaluating the Blueprint	p. 84
Layer II, Part B: Strengthening the Foundation
Stage 3: Writing the First Draft	p. 85
Stage 4: Creating a Punch List	p. 103
Layer III: Decorating
Stage 1: Revising	p. 107
Stage 2: Involving Critique Partners	p. 109
Stage 3: Setting the Final Draft Aside	p. 109
Stage 4: Final Editing and Polishing	p. 110
Layer IV: Preparing a Proposal
The Query Letter	p. 128
The Synopsis	p. 132
The Partial	p. 135
Putting the Proposal Together	p. 136
Epilogue: The Cohesive Story	p. 140
Glossary of Terms	p. 142
Story Plan Checklist Exercises	p. 147
Editing and Polishing Exercises	p. 174
Story Plan Checklist Examples
Example 1: I Am Legend, by Richard Matheson	p. 180
Example 2: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, by J. K. Rowling	p. 184
Example 3: Scared to Death, by Debby Giusti	p. 197
Example 4: The Friday Night Knitting Club, by Kate Jacobs	p. 207
Outlining Worksheets
Worksheet 1: Character Sketch	p. 216
Worksheet 2: General Setting Sketch	p. 220
Worksheet 3: Character Setting Sketch	p. 221
Worksheet 4: Plot Sketch	p. 223
Worksheet 5: Formatted Outline Capsule	p. 228
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