From First Draft To Finished Novel

Book excerpt: Build a fully developed, multi-layered story from the ground up! Writing a story is not that much different than building a house. Both require some brainstorming (to provide a clear vision), a blueprint or outline (to lay a solid foundation upon which that vision can be built), building or drafting (to make the vision a reality), and decorating or revising (to polish the masterpiece and make it presentable to the public). In From First Draft to Finished Novel, novelist Karen S. Wiesner carefully explores each of these stages, showing you how to: Create a quick outline to help organize and expand your original idea Develop a detailed Story Plan Checklist to solidify your story's details Combine and effectively use tools like your outline and story checklist to weave together a cohesive draft Put together a strong query letter and submission package This book also features exclusive worksheets, checklists, and detailed examples designed to help you: Improve your outlining techniques through the use of character, plot, and setting sketches Write a strong Story Plan Checklist that ensures your characters evolve and your plot progresses Develop your editing skills using revision and "punch" checklists Whether you're working on a new story or a project in development, From First Draft to Finished Novel is your blueprint to a story readers won't be able to resist.