| "The Art Of War For Writers: fiction writing | | | | writers experience as I'm currently learning first |
| strategies, tactics, and exercises" by James Scott | | | | hand. |
| Bell is an enlightening, informative, motivating, and | | | | Bell uses quotes from Sun Tzu in places |
| practical little gem of a book for anyone who | | | | throughout the text, but he also quotes many |
| wants to successfully start and finish a publishable | | | | authors, agents, and editors. There are tons of |
| novel. I'm a fan of Sun Tzu, and I'm working on | | | | examples contained in the short chapters, and it's |
| selling my first novel, so I was immediately drawn | | | | a book I know I'll be turning to again and again to |
| to this book when I saw the title. It was much | | | | assist me with my writing. I'll look to it for both |
| better than I even anticipated. Bell's advice is solid | | | | for practical strategies and suggestions, and for |
| and this book contains the essential elements | | | | motivation. One of the most important things Bell |
| needed to be victorious as a writer. | | | | stresses in various places is to continue to write. |
| The wisdom comes in seventy-seven short | | | | He provides quotes from various authors on how |
| chapters divided into three main parts: | | | | they design their typical writing days, but the |
| Reconnaissance, Tactics, and Strategy. Under | | | | bottom line is that every writer must be |
| reconnaissance, you find suggestions such as | | | | disciplined to hit the keyboard. The final word is |
| being aware of what the successful writing life is | | | | encouraging and motivational and I'm sure I'll read |
| like, put heart into everything you write, and finish | | | | this chapter more than any other. The final words |
| your novel. The tactics in part two include testing | | | | must be remembered and kept on the forefront |
| your premise to prove it worthy, utilizing the Q | | | | of all writers, "Keep fighting. Keep writing." |
| Factor as a strategic weapon for motivation at | | | | If you are inspiring to write fiction, I highly |
| just the right time, and whether to outline or not | | | | recommend "The Art of War For Writers" by |
| to outline. The third part, Strategy, focuses more | | | | James Scott Bell. It is a great addition to any |
| on the business of writing, such as goals, | | | | author's bookshelf, and one that you will turn to |
| networks, when to get an agent and when not | | | | again and again as you navigate and pursue |
| to, and promoting your book. I also really liked the | | | | victory in the publishing industry. |
| chapters on rejections and criticism, something all | | | | |