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Writing the Novel from Plot to Print to Pixel: Expanded and Updated! Paperback – December 20, 2015

by Lawrence Block (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 104 ratings
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"WRITING THE NOVEL FROM PLOT TO PRINT TO PIXEL is like having a pocket-sized mentor you can consult any time. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy.”—Alex Kourvo, Writing Slices

Lawrence Block is almost as well known for his instructional books for writers and his 14 years as a monthly contributor to "Writers Digest," as he is as a bestselling author and MWA Grand Master. WRITING THE NOVEL, his first book for writers, has remained continuously in print since its original appearance in 1978. Recently revised and expanded, each chapter has been updated, and Block has included essential information on digital publishing, self-publishing, how to get published, and the perils—and opportunities—awaiting debut and veteran novelists alike.

Unlike so many advice-givers, Block doesn’t tell you what book to write, or the one and only way to write it. He holds that every novel is different, and so is every novelist; his aim is to give you the tools to enable you to find your own way.

You will find chapters on:
  • deciding which novel to write
  • developing plot ideas and characters
  • outlining
  • rewriting
  • getting published
  • self-publishing
  • and so much more!
In this revised edition, WRITING THE NOVEL FROM PLOT TO PRINT TO PIXEL, Lawrence Block retains all his original text while creating a writer’s guide that’s fifty percent longer than previous editions. As he would be the first to tell you, you don't need this book—or any other—to succeed as a novelist. Still, thousands of writers have found it most helpful—and who couldn’t use a little extra help?
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  1. Print length
    294 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    December 20, 2015
  4. Dimensions
    6 x 0.67 x 9 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    1522858873
  6. ISBN-13
    978-1522858874
  7. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Writing the Novel from Plot to Print to Pixel is not a practical, nuts-and-bolts writing manual. It's a philosophical handbook that answers the tough questions whoever wants to write a novel has to eventually face: Should you write novels or short stories? How do you get ideas? I've written a novel, now what? That sort of stuff. Lawrence Block delivers his take on writing novels from the widest, most conceptual angle possible, which only a renowned novelist like him could've done successfully. There are some things you can only discuss if everyone around you knows you excel at it. One of the bosses as my job calls it "high level stuff". Writing the Novel from Plot to Print to Pixel is a high level writing manual."
-Benoit Lelievre, Dead End Follies

"Because he doesn't seem capable of writing a sentence that's not entertaining, reading this book is an enjoyable experience in itself, not just for its educational and informational value. Block also provides quite a bit of background on how some of his novels came to be written, and that's always interesting to me. As for the writing, I already do many of the things he suggests, but I also picked up some ideas about things I'm going to be watching for in my own books. One of the nice things about writing is that you can always get better at it...If you're a novice writer or an experienced writer or anywhere in between, or if you're just interested in good fiction and its creation, I highly recommend it."
-James Reasoner, Rough Edges

"An essential book, not just for writers but for anybody interested in writing and reading. My favorite chapter is Chapter 18, which is the one I advised my daughter to read first after I gave her the book. You should start wherever you want to. Just be sure to go ahead and read them all because this is still right at the top of my list of good books about writing. Highly recommended."
-Bill Crider, Pop Culture Magazine

"Since the Seventies I've probably bought a dozen or so books on how to write good. I've kept two them and they're both by Larry Block. The damned things are fun to read. He shares his stories of writerly failure and success with his usual wit, style (the best sentences in the business as I always say) and genuine wisdom. And he teaches you stuff. Useful, practical, serious stuff. I keep the two books on the shelf right of my desk. I pick them up all the time if only to make myself feel that maybe the piece I'm working on will not, after all, end my career. Larry makes you feel good about being a writer....This is must-have material, folks. No kidding."
-Ed Gorman

"When a venerated, award-winning craftsman like Lawrence Block pens a tome on how to write a novel, authors would be well advised to pay heed. As much a memoir as it is a how-to, or how-not-to, book, I found the insights into Block's process fascinating, especially the aspects that mirror my own approach. While he makes the point that there may be no right way to write the perfect novel, Block underscores the marvelous diversity of systems that provably work, drawing from a long career as one of the most respected names in the business. Highly recommended to authors, and readers interested in the writing process, alike. Five solid stars."
-Russell Blake

"WRITING THE NOVEL FROM PLOT TO PRINT TO PIXEL is like having a pocket-sized mentor you can consult any time. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy."
-Alex Kourvo, Writing Slices

"In addition to old reliable topics like developing plots and characters, rewriting, developing your style, and breaking into the business, Block also addresses the increasingly important topics of self-publishing and all the pros and cons that go with it. If you're looking for a new book on writing, this is it."
-Dan Schwent, Dangerous Dan's Book Blog

"In no way does Lawrence Block ever say that THIS is how you write a book, there is NO other way. On the contrary, this is an informational guide, subjective and simple."
-Rhiannon Mills

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; Expanded, Updated edition (December 20, 2015)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 294 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1522858873
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1522858874
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.9 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.67 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 104 ratings

About the author

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Lawrence Block

Lawrence Block

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Lawrence Block has been writing crime, mystery, and suspense fiction for more than half a century. He has published more than 100 books, and no end of short stories.

LB is best known for his series characters, including Matthew Scudder, Bernie Rhodenbarr, Evan Tanner, and Keller. LB has also published under pseudonyms including Jill Emerson, John Warren Wells, Lesley Evans, and Anne Campbell Clarke.

His monthly instructional column ran in Writer’s Digest for 14 years and led to a series of books for writers. He has also written television and film screenplays. Several of LB’s books have been filmed, including A Walk Among the Tombstones.

LB is a Grand Master of Mystery Writers of America. He has won multiple Edgar and Shamus awards, the Japanese Maltese Falcon award, the Nero Wolfe and Philip Marlowe awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Private Eye Writers of America, and the Diamond Dagger for Life Achievement from the Crime Writers Association of the UK, been proclaimed a Grand Maitre du Roman Noir, and has been awarded the Société 813 trophy.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
104 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Brett Engetschwiler
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent update.
Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2016
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All in all, this is the same book as Writing the Novel from Plot to Print, but it has been updated and quite a lot. Nearly every chapter has a segment cut off from the rest. I gather that in the actual print version, these sections are in a different font, but in the Kindle version, they are not. But there is a dividing line between 1978 and 2015 and that's enough to keep it from being confusing. The new information is all good but the "to Pixel" section is what sticks out the most and is worth the price alone. It weighs both the pros and cons of self-publication, while also warning readers that the information may well be out of date by the time they read it. Ultimately, I found the updates welcome and well worth the price, even though I already own the original.
3 people found this helpful
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Chicago Sue
5.0 out of 5 stars Common sense book on writing
Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2021
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I read first time in late '70's. There is non-stop sage advice from a working writer. The book helped me transit from journalism to novels and I just bought this updated version to revisit Lawrence Block's easy approach to writing the novel. No graphs, charts, convoluted plans to follow. He understands the writer's demons (self-doubt, giving up, etc.) and teaches you how to stomp on them. A must in every writers library.
One person found this helpful
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Kirti Vyas
4.0 out of 5 stars A little something for every part of the author’s journey!
Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2023
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Some of it is dated, as the author has had the foresight to caution the reader, and some amazing nuggets of wisdom in the last few chapters.
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Julian Grant
5.0 out of 5 stars LB continues to shine
Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2020
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One of the best writers of mystery/ crime fiction and a helluva teacher and guru. What’s great about LB is he knows he isn’t curing cancer - but he is making a huge difference when it comes to providing the inspiration and the stories all writers can benefit from. As a longtime reader and now fledgling author, I can say this book is a classic and essential for all the right reasons. Thank you.
One person found this helpful
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Cory M Tsuhako
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!
Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2022
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This was an excellent writing book! One of my favorites.
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Slade Grayson
5.0 out of 5 stars Updated Edition of a Classic
Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2016
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I read the original edition of this book way, way back in the mid 80s, back when I had made the decision to become a writer, but was unsure of how to go about writing a novel. I didn't know if there was a magic formula on how to write, or how to write a novel...

Well, there is, and there isn't. But the book covers that much better than I could in this review.

Mr. Block's book, along with his other books on writing, helped me learn my craft. And although I wouldn't have thought this particular book would require an updated edition (as his advice in it is timeless), it's nice to see the author's modern day reflections paired with the original text.

Required reading for anyone who fancies the idea of writing a novel.
7 people found this helpful
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nellfenwick
5.0 out of 5 stars the book itself is fun to read
Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2016
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As always, Block writes with wit and clarity about a subject of which he is a master: writing. This updated version of an earlier book is very helpful and particularly interesting to the serious writer. Although, with his usual flare, the book itself is fun to read, full of good stories and witty comments. I recommend it highly to anyone who wants to improve his/her writing, plotting, dialogue and point of view, especially if interested in publishing.
One person found this helpful
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Ned Barnett
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Update of a great book.
Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2017
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This is a well-needed update of a book that's been my "bible" since it was first published, I think during Lincoln's first term. Block is a great writing coach (I'm not a big fan of "new age," so I'm not a fan of his "write for your life," but when he gets practical, I can't get enough of him.
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Top reviews from other countries

Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Pearls from a pro
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 13, 2021
Verified Purchase
I loved the LB novels I have read, and am astounded this book took me so long to get around to reading. Brilliant but not dictatorial, Writing the Novel has to be a must read for anyone wanting to see their work through to completion. Special mention must be given to the more recent updates LB has made to keep the advice fresh for more recent times.
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Lynne Bedbrook
4.0 out of 5 stars good for beginners
Reviewed in Canada on February 17, 2017
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good book
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Richard Ballina
5.0 out of 5 stars Genuinely helpful writing book from a skilled writer
Reviewed in Australia on August 24, 2023
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Unlike a lot (actually most) of how-to-write books, this one was written by a hugely successful writer with decades of experience. He wrote the original version in 1978 covering all the topics usually covered about plots, characters, settings, style, etc, but in a way that gave genuinely practical information.

Then, decades later, in 2015, he returned and extensively updated it. Now it also includes lots of advice on publishing, including extensive information about ebooks, agents, marketing, professional services.

It really is a very worthwhile book and reads easily as this guy knows how to write. And he knows what might help you. Highly recommended.
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Lee Hopkins
5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous book. Worth the money.
Reviewed in Australia on February 28, 2019
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I've got several of Block’s books on writing, because I love his Keller and Bernie series and trust a man who has written as many books as he has to have something useful to say to the aspiring novelist. This newer book has much to say that is relevant to me, and I found it definitely worth my time reading and re-reading his essays on length and outlining. I've used various ideas and tips I've found in this and his other books to great effect.
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C. N. Bezuidenhout
5.0 out of 5 stars An extremely useful book for aspiring novelists
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 18, 2016
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I'm halfway through writing my first novel, and I'm glad I took the time out to read this. This book won't tell you how to write a novel, but it will tell you what issues to consider when doing it. Which is much more useful.
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