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SoBrief
Searching...
Aspects of the Novel
by E.M. Forster • 1927
A novelist dismantles fiction into its working parts: story, plot, and the characters who breathe.
3.80
5k+
Aspects of the Novel Summary
Aspects of the Novel 90%
A novelist dismantles fiction into its working parts: story, plot, and the characters who breathe.
by E.M. Forster 1927
3.80
5k+ ratings
The Naive and the Sentimental Novelist
by Orhan Pamuk • 2010
Why great novels put you in a trance even as you know every word is invented.
3.95
3k+
The Naive and the Sentimental Novelist Summary
The Naive and the Sentimental Novelist 89%
Why great novels put you in a trance even as you know every word is invented.
by Orhan Pamuk 2010
3.95
3k+ ratings
Write Your Novel From The Middle
by James Scott Bell • 2014
Forget outlining and pantsing. The one scene every novel needs sits exactly in the middle.
4.20
3k+
Write Your Novel From The Middle Summary
Write Your Novel From The Middle 89%
Forget outlining and pantsing. The one scene every novel needs sits exactly in the middle.
by James Scott Bell 2014
4.20
3k+ ratings
How to Write a Novel Using the Snowflake Method
by Randy Ingermanson • 2014
From one sentence to a full novel draft, one step at a time, without the pain.
4.24
3k+
How to Write a Novel Using the Snowflake Method Summary
How to Write a Novel Using the Snowflake Method 89%
From one sentence to a full novel draft, one step at a time, without the pain.
by Randy Ingermanson 2014
4.24
3k+ ratings
The Bestseller Code
by Jodie Archer • 2016
An algorithm spots bestsellers with 80 percent accuracy, reading signals no writing class teaches.
3.81
1k+
The Bestseller Code Summary
The Bestseller Code 89%
An algorithm spots bestsellers with 80 percent accuracy, reading signals no writing class teaches.
by Jodie Archer 2016
3.81
1k+ ratings
The Marshall Plan For Novel Writing
by Evan Marshall • 1998
Turn one crisis into a full novel: three acts, three shocks, a synopsis that sells.
3.76
482
The Marshall Plan For Novel Writing Summary
The Marshall Plan For Novel Writing 89%
Turn one crisis into a full novel: three acts, three shocks, a synopsis that sells.
by Evan Marshall 1998
3.76
482 ratings
Story Engineering
by Larry Brooks • 2011
Six storytelling skills and a four-part map that transform an idea into a novel that works.
4.10
3k+
Story Engineering Summary
Story Engineering 89%
Six storytelling skills and a four-part map that transform an idea into a novel that works.
by Larry Brooks 2011
4.10
3k+ ratings
How to Write a Dynamite Scene Using the Snowflake Method
by Randy Ingermanson • 2018
Two scene patterns drive every novel: one forces a setback, the other forces a hard choice.
4.33
634
How to Write a Dynamite Scene Using the Snowflake Method Summary
How to Write a Dynamite Scene Using the Snowflake Method 88%
Two scene patterns drive every novel: one forces a setback, the other forces a hard choice.
by Randy Ingermanson 2018
4.33
634 ratings
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel
by Jessica Brody • 2018
A screenwriter's 15-beat method, adapted for novels: how to map a flawed hero's full transformation.
4.49
14k+
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel Summary
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel 88%
A screenwriter's 15-beat method, adapted for novels: how to map a flawed hero's full transformation.
by Jessica Brody 2018
4.49
14k+ ratings
How to Write a Damn Good Novel, II
by James N. Frey • 1994
Most novelists fail at the premise, not the prose. The craft rules for getting it right.
4.07
720
How to Write a Damn Good Novel, II Summary
How to Write a Damn Good Novel, II 88%
Most novelists fail at the premise, not the prose. The craft rules for getting it right.
by James N. Frey 1994
4.07
720 ratings
Refuse to Be Done
by Matt Bell • 2022
Finish your novel in three drafts: a rough discovery, a full rewrite, and a layered polish.
4.43
2k+
Refuse to Be Done Summary
Refuse to Be Done 88%
Finish your novel in three drafts: a rough discovery, a full rewrite, and a layered polish.
by Matt Bell 2022
4.43
2k+ ratings
Outlining Your Novel
by K.M. Weiland • 2011
Stop staring at the empty page: a pre-writing method that builds your novel before chapter one.
4.11
5k+
Outlining Your Novel Summary
Outlining Your Novel 88%
Stop staring at the empty page: a pre-writing method that builds your novel before chapter one.
by K.M. Weiland 2011
4.11
5k+ ratings
The Anatomy of Genres
by John Truby • 2022
Genres are philosophies disguised as story types. Crack the beats and you crack writing and life.
4.21
607
The Anatomy of Genres Summary
The Anatomy of Genres 88%
Genres are philosophies disguised as story types. Crack the beats and you crack writing and life.
by John Truby 2022
4.21
607 ratings
Plot & Structure
by James Scott Bell • 2004
Four pillars of plot that hold readers from opening to climax, whether you outline or not.
4.11
6k+
Plot & Structure Summary
Plot & Structure 88%
Four pillars of plot that hold readers from opening to climax, whether you outline or not.
by James Scott Bell 2004
4.11
6k+ ratings
The Story Grid
by Shawn Coyne • 2015
Why stories fail, scene by scene: an editor's diagnostic that finds the break and the fix.
4.30
2k+
The Story Grid Summary
The Story Grid 88%
Why stories fail, scene by scene: an editor's diagnostic that finds the break and the fix.
by Shawn Coyne 2015
4.30
2k+ ratings
The Plot Whisperer
by Martha Alderson • 2011
One line on a page reveals where your story sags and what the middle needs most.
4.02
1k+
The Plot Whisperer Summary
The Plot Whisperer 88%
One line on a page reveals where your story sags and what the middle needs most.
by Martha Alderson 2011
4.02
1k+ ratings
Julio Cortázar
by Robert Brody • 1976
The novel that made the reader an accomplice: its mechanisms and meanings, fully decoded.
4.37
8k+
Julio Cortázar Summary
Julio Cortázar 88%
The novel that made the reader an accomplice: its mechanisms and meanings, fully decoded.
by Robert Brody 1976
4.37
8k+ ratings
The Anatomy of Story
by John Truby • 2007
The organic alternative to formula: how character, plot, and theme grow from a single premise's DNA.
4.25
7k+
The Anatomy of Story Summary
The Anatomy of Story 88%
The organic alternative to formula: how character, plot, and theme grow from a single premise's DNA.
by John Truby 2007
4.25
7k+ ratings
Life
by Georges Perec • 1978
A Paris building, room by room. A man paints seascapes just to erase them.
4.17
10k+
Life Summary
Life 88%
A Paris building, room by room. A man paints seascapes just to erase them.
by Georges Perec 1978
4.17
10k+ ratings
Writing Your Novel from Start to Finish
by Joseph Bates • 2015
Your novel, start to finish: a guide that treats structure as discovery's framework, not a cage.
4.21
184
Writing Your Novel from Start to Finish Summary
Writing Your Novel from Start to Finish 88%
Your novel, start to finish: a guide that treats structure as discovery's framework, not a cage.
by Joseph Bates 2015
4.21
184 ratings
Mastering Plot Twists
by Jane K. Cleland • 2018
Why your plot twists fall flat: the real conflict is never external.
3.88
199
Mastering Plot Twists Summary
Mastering Plot Twists 88%
Why your plot twists fall flat: the real conflict is never external.
by Jane K. Cleland 2018
3.88
199 ratings
Crafting Novels & Short Stories
by The Writer's Digest • 2011
Character, plot, prose, and revision: the craft kit every fiction writer returns to.
3.89
373
Crafting Novels & Short Stories Summary
Crafting Novels & Short Stories 88%
Character, plot, prose, and revision: the craft kit every fiction writer returns to.
by The Writer's Digest 2011
3.89
373 ratings
Story Genius
by Lisa Cron • 2016
Your reader's brain is wired for story. The neuroscience for building a novel that actually grips.
4.19
7k+
Story Genius Summary
Story Genius 88%
Your reader's brain is wired for story. The neuroscience for building a novel that actually grips.
by Lisa Cron 2016
4.19
7k+ ratings
The Seven Basic Plots
by Christopher Booker • 2004
All stories are one of seven shapes. And they all solve the same psychological problem.
3.76
2k+
The Seven Basic Plots Summary
The Seven Basic Plots 88%
All stories are one of seven shapes. And they all solve the same psychological problem.
by Christopher Booker 2004
3.76
2k+ ratings
How To Write A Novel The Easy Way Using The Pulp Fiction Method To Write Better Novels
by Jim Driver • 2014
How pulp writers finished novels without writer's block, and how you can do the same.
3.78
572
How To Write A Novel The Easy Way Using The Pulp Fiction Method To Write Better Novels Summary
How To Write A Novel The Easy Way Using The Pulp Fiction Method To Write Better Novels 88%
How pulp writers finished novels without writer's block, and how you can do the same.
by Jim Driver 2014
3.78
572 ratings
Invisible Ink
by Brian McDonald • 2010
Forget formulas: the deep craft of story is a hidden framework of theme, pain, and dramatic irony.
4.38
2k+
Invisible Ink Summary
Invisible Ink 88%
Forget formulas: the deep craft of story is a hidden framework of theme, pain, and dramatic irony.
by Brian McDonald 2010
4.38
2k+ ratings
Dialogism
by Michael Holquist • 1990
All speech answers prior speech, all selves depend on others: the dialogic philosophy of Bakhtin.
4.09
88
Dialogism Summary
Dialogism 88%
All speech answers prior speech, all selves depend on others: the dialogic philosophy of Bakhtin.
by Michael Holquist 1990
4.09
88 ratings
Revision & Self-Editing
by James Scott Bell • 2008
A big-picture-first revision system: fix your novel's bones before you polish a single sentence.
4.19
2k+
Revision & Self-Editing Summary
Revision & Self-Editing 88%
A big-picture-first revision system: fix your novel's bones before you polish a single sentence.
by James Scott Bell 2008
4.19
2k+ ratings
How to Write a Novel
by Nathan Bransford • 2013
Forty-seven rules for finishing a novel, from character motivations to the editing that saves it.
4.18
441
How to Write a Novel Summary
How to Write a Novel 88%
Forty-seven rules for finishing a novel, from character motivations to the editing that saves it.
by Nathan Bransford 2013
4.18
441 ratings
About Writing
by Samuel R. Delany • 2006
The sentence, not the world, is science fiction's true unit of meaning. A master explains why.
4.26
459
About Writing Summary
About Writing 88%
The sentence, not the world, is science fiction's true unit of meaning. A master explains why.
by Samuel R. Delany 2006
4.26
459 ratings
Elements of Fiction Writing - Scene & Structure
by Jack M. Bickham • 1993
Your novel drags because your scenes end well. End them badly and the pages turn themselves.
4.11
2k+
Elements of Fiction Writing - Scene & Structure Summary
Elements of Fiction Writing - Scene & Structure 88%
Your novel drags because your scenes end well. End them badly and the pages turn themselves.
by Jack M. Bickham 1993
4.11
2k+ ratings
Techniques of the Selling Writer
by Dwight V. Swain • 1965
Master the rhythm of conflict and emotional reaction that makes any story impossible to put down.
4.33
2k+
Techniques of the Selling Writer Summary
Techniques of the Selling Writer 88%
Master the rhythm of conflict and emotional reaction that makes any story impossible to put down.
by Dwight V. Swain 1965
4.33
2k+ ratings
Beginnings, Middles & Ends
by Nancy Kress • 1992
Three pages to lose an editor: a framework for beginnings, middles, and endings that deliver.
4.00
3k+
Beginnings, Middles & Ends Summary
Beginnings, Middles & Ends 87%
Three pages to lose an editor: a framework for beginnings, middles, and endings that deliver.
by Nancy Kress 1992
4.00
3k+ ratings
Writing With Emotion, Tension, and Conflict
by Cheryl St. John • 2013
For novelists: how to build stories on emotion, tension, and conflict so readers cannot look away.
4.06
372
Writing With Emotion, Tension, and Conflict Summary
Writing With Emotion, Tension, and Conflict 87%
For novelists: how to build stories on emotion, tension, and conflict so readers cannot look away.
by Cheryl St. John 2013
4.06
372 ratings
How to Write a Damn Good Novel
by James N. Frey • 1987
Step-by-step dramatic craft for building a novel from premise to final draft. No muse required.
3.87
3k+
How to Write a Damn Good Novel Summary
How to Write a Damn Good Novel 87%
Step-by-step dramatic craft for building a novel from premise to final draft. No muse required.
by James N. Frey 1987
3.87
3k+ ratings
Characters, Emotion & Viewpoint
by Nancy Kress • 2005
Viewpoint controls what your readers know, who they root for, and what the story finally means.
4.05
2k+
Characters, Emotion & Viewpoint Summary
Characters, Emotion & Viewpoint 87%
Viewpoint controls what your readers know, who they root for, and what the story finally means.
by Nancy Kress 2005
4.05
2k+ ratings
Outline
by Rachel Cusk • 2014
In Athens to teach writing, she listens to every story but tells none of her own.
3.67
72k+
Outline Summary
Outline 87%
In Athens to teach writing, she listens to every story but tells none of her own.
by Rachel Cusk 2014
3.67
72k+ ratings
The Art of Intimacy
by Stacey D'Erasmo • 2013
Fiction's real intimacy lives in the subjunctive, the white space, and the shared glance.
3.93
248
The Art of Intimacy Summary
The Art of Intimacy 87%
Fiction's real intimacy lives in the subjunctive, the white space, and the shared glance.
by Stacey D'Erasmo 2013
3.93
248 ratings
Screenplay
by Syd Field • 1979
The structural template that turned screenwriting into a learnable craft, from setup to final draft.
3.99
9k+
Screenplay Summary
Screenplay 87%
The structural template that turned screenwriting into a learnable craft, from setup to final draft.
by Syd Field 1979
3.99
9k+ ratings
Writing Deep Scenes
by Martha Alderson • 2015
Three layers power every great scene. Learn to weave them so readers feel, not just follow.
4.09
318
Writing Deep Scenes Summary
Writing Deep Scenes 87%
Three layers power every great scene. Learn to weave them so readers feel, not just follow.
by Martha Alderson 2015
4.09
318 ratings
How Fiction Works
by James Wood • 2008
How do novels create the illusion of a thinking mind? A master critic explains the techniques.
3.99
8k+
How Fiction Works Summary
How Fiction Works 87%
How do novels create the illusion of a thinking mind? A master critic explains the techniques.
by James Wood 2008
3.99
8k+ ratings
Making a Good Script Great
by Linda Seger • 1987
Script doctor's toolkit: structure fixes, subplot craft, and momentum rules that sell a screenplay.
3.88
1k+
Making a Good Script Great Summary
Making a Good Script Great 87%
Script doctor's toolkit: structure fixes, subplot craft, and momentum rules that sell a screenplay.
by Linda Seger 1987
3.88
1k+ ratings
Plot
by Ansen Dibell • 1988
Plot isn't what happens; it's why it matters. A practical guide to structuring fiction that grips.
3.88
890
Plot Summary
Plot 87%
Plot isn't what happens; it's why it matters. A practical guide to structuring fiction that grips.
by Ansen Dibell 1988
3.88
890 ratings
A Swim in a Pond in the Rain
by George Saunders • 2021
Seven Russian classics, read one line at a time, reveal the hidden machinery of great fiction.
4.53
26k+
A Swim in a Pond in the Rain Summary
A Swim in a Pond in the Rain 87%
Seven Russian classics, read one line at a time, reveal the hidden machinery of great fiction.
by George Saunders 2021
4.53
26k+ ratings
Video Game Storytelling
by Evan Skolnick • 2014
Screenwriting's classic tools applied to games, so story and gameplay pull the same direction.
3.99
503
Video Game Storytelling Summary
Video Game Storytelling 87%
Screenwriting's classic tools applied to games, so story and gameplay pull the same direction.
by Evan Skolnick 2014
3.99
503 ratings
The Art of Fiction
by John Gardner • 1984
Master the craft that makes readers forget the page and live inside your story.
3.99
6k+
The Art of Fiction Summary
The Art of Fiction 87%
Master the craft that makes readers forget the page and live inside your story.
by John Gardner 1984
3.99
6k+ ratings
Super Structure
by James Scott Bell • 2015
Your story's midpoint holds the key. A flexible framework of beats for outliners and pantsers alike.
4.40
942
Super Structure Summary
Super Structure 87%
Your story's midpoint holds the key. A flexible framework of beats for outliners and pantsers alike.
by James Scott Bell 2015
4.40
942 ratings
The Art and Craft of Storytelling
by Nancy Lamb • 2008
Fiction's core toolkit: structure that moves, characters who breathe, and revision that polishes.
4.06
204
The Art and Craft of Storytelling Summary
The Art and Craft of Storytelling 87%
Fiction's core toolkit: structure that moves, characters who breathe, and revision that polishes.
by Nancy Lamb 2008
4.06
204 ratings
Le troisième mensonge
by Ágota Kristóf • 1991
Returning home to die, an exile's search for his twin unravels a lifetime of deceptions.
4.04
7k+
Le troisième mensonge Summary
Le troisième mensonge 87%
Returning home to die, an exile's search for his twin unravels a lifetime of deceptions.
by Ágota Kristóf 1991
4.04
7k+ ratings
Million Dollar Outlines
by David Farland • 2013
An outlining method that pressure-tests your plot, designed to sell a novel on proposal.
4.16
844
Million Dollar Outlines Summary
Million Dollar Outlines 87%
An outlining method that pressure-tests your plot, designed to sell a novel on proposal.
by David Farland 2013
4.16
844 ratings
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