Take Your Novel to the Next Level

*Book acquired through Netgalley. Post contains affiliated links.* 

*Book acquired through Netgalley. Post contains affiliated links.* 

TAKE YOUR NOVEL TO THE NEXT LEVEL presents and analyses tools that will raise the writer's manuscript to a higher level of craftsmanship. Subjects include how to use subtext, how to connect emotionally with the reader, why a sex scene is not about sex, and how to use the echo technique and fiction’s silent language along with other topics that are not usually covered in other craft books.

I was really excited about this book. I'm drowning in revisions and was hoping for a breath of inspiration. Or, you know, some stroke of magic that would prevent me from banging my head against the keyboard until I developed that unsightly red mark..again.

(Yes, I know that doesn't exist. Just let me have my moment.)

TAKE YOUR NOVEL TO THE NEXT LEVEL is very well-written and thorough. The author presents an enormous amount of information in a precise, conversational style that never feels overwhelming. I'm sure she is a great teacher and makes her lessons enjoyable as well as informative.


It is packed with suggestions for applying the techniques to your manuscript, checklists to keep you on track, lengthy examples from every genre of literature. There is even a glossary of terms specific to the writing community.


I would definitely recommend this for someone just starting out on their writing journey. It would be a valuable tool.  


But, the subtitle: Advanced Techniques for the Fiction Writer promised more than that to me. 

Unfortunately, I've read most of the craft books the author cited for examples. I've also attended numerous writing conferences and workshops. I know about the Hero's journey, GMC, story structure and various plotting/pantsing versions of outlines. 

 So, most of this information was review for me and probably would be for most experience writers.


What I found most useful was a detailed chapter on subtext and a 23 question guide to start your second draft.

 For a new writer, this would probably be a book they'd keep close and ready to reference. For an experienced writer, it would be a handy consolidation of what they've already studied.