Writing the Breakout Novel

by Maass, Donald

• ISBN13: 9781582971827
• ISBN10: 158297182X
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-08-01
• Publisher: Writers Digest Books

Summary

A breakout novel is one that rises out of its category and hits the best-seller lists. Maass explains the elements that all breakout novels share and shows readers how to write a novel that has a good chance of succeeding in a crowded marketplace. Then, using several of his clients' experiences, including best-selling novelist Anne Perry, Maass provides insider examples to show how this type of novel can generate agent and publisher interest. Donald Maass is the author of 17 novels. He now works as a literary agent, representing dozens of novelists in the SF, fantasy, crime, mystery, romance and thriller categories. He speaks at writer's conferences throughout the country and lives in New York City.

Table of Contents

Foreword	1	(4)
Anne Perry
Introduction	5	(10)
You Have the Power to Break Out
How to Use This Book
Why Write the Breakout Novel?	15	(18)
The Truth About Book Publishing
The Truth About Authors
The Myths of Success
The E-Revolution
Where to Go From Here
Premise	33	(26)
The Stories That You Love
Four Facets of Three Great Novels
The Little Components of Big Ideas
Build It and the Breakout Premise Will Come
Brainstorming the Breakout Premise
Stakes	59	(22)
Creating High Human Worth
Public Stakes
Personal Stakes
Escalating Stakes
our Own Stakes
Time and Place	81	(22)
The Psychology of Place
Keeping Up With the Times
Working With Historical Forces and Social Trends
God at Work in the World
The Secret Ingredient
Characters	103	(30)
Real People vs. Larger-Than-Life Figures
What Makes a Character Larger-Than-Life?
Dark Protagonists
The Highest Character Qualities
Building a Cast
Advanced Character Relationships
Sidekicks and Narrators
Depth and Differentiation of Character
Plot	133	(30)
Conflict
The Five Basic Plot Elements
Bridging Conflict
What is the Worst That Can Happen?
High Moments, Turning Corners, Killing Characters
Structuring Plot
Larger Plot Structures
Contemporary Plot Techniques	163	(18)
The New Shape of the Novel
The Character-Driven Story
Self Discovery in the Plot Driven Novel
Nonlinear Narrative
Tension on Every Page
Multiple Viewpoints, Subplots, Pace, Voice, Endings	181	(18)
Multiple Points of View
Successful Subplots
Narrative Pace
Voice
Endings
Advanced Plot Structures	199	(30)
Families, Groups, Generations
Thrillers
Crossover Fiction
Whole Life
Historicals
Out-of Category Romance
Linked Short Stories
Inventing Your Own Advanced Plot Structure
Theme	229	(18)
Having Something to Say
Step-by-Step Theme Building
Symbols
Becoming Passionate
Right and Wrong in the Novel
The Protagonist's Declaration of Purpose
What Makes a Theme Universal?
Discovering Theme
Breaking Out	247	(14)
Agent and Editor
The Pitch
Outlines
Breakout Publishing, Breakout Living
Success, Sequels, Series and Beyond
Index	261