During his numerous decades in the publishing world, David has
seen vast changes, and yet the principles of effective fiction writing remain
the same. Using a conversational tone that will make you think he is actually
speaking to you, he describes every facet of writing fiction, including the
all-important “Why do you want to do something this insane?” His chapters about
description and dialogue will instantly improve your writing. His discussions
about the business of writing and the world of Hollywood will give you a rare
insider’s look behind closed doors. His advice about how to get published and
about self-publishing will help you chart your course.
But The Successful
Novelist is more than a how-to book. It will teach you about yourself as
well as about your writing. It will help you find your own unique voice and
subject matter, the essential elements of a long, successful career.
Praise for THE SUCCESSFUL NOVELIST
“This is the best guidebook to both writing and
the business of writing that I’ve ever read.”
—Peter Straub,
New York Times bestselling author of Ghost
Story
“I found the acute observations and [David
Morrell’s] narrative philosophy more valuable for the new writer than the
contents of any 100 other texts.”
—Dean Koontz, New
York Times bestselling author of Innocence
“If this book had been available when I started
writing, I could have saved myself some miles, some heartache, and a lot of
typewriter ribbons. The Successful
Novelist is the vehicle you want if you plan to drive your way to
successful fiction.”
—Joe R. Lansdale, New York Times bestselling author of Edge of Dark Water
“David Morrell’s not just a fine writer; he’s also
a great and generous teacher. This book’s a keeper.”
—Lawrence Block, New
York Times bestselling author of A
Walk among the Tombstones
“David Morrell
isn’t just one of the best thriller writers out there; he’s one of the finest
writers alive today. A preeminent novelist as well as storyteller.”
—Providence Journal
David Morrell is the author of First Blood, the award-winning novel in which Rambo was created. A popular public speaker, he holds a Ph. D. in literature and was a professor for many years. His numerous New York Times bestsellers include the influential espionage novel, The Fraternity of the Stone, and an acclaimed Victorian mystery/thriller, Murder as a Fine Art. His works have been translated into 26 languages.