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The Linchpin Writer: Crafting Your Novel's Key Moments by John Matthew Fox, John Matthew Fox
_joyfullyyy's review
5.0
'Linchpin moments' are the pivotal places that can make or break a book. This book clearly steps us through those key moments and provides writing challenges to enhance our storytelling. I found it helpful as there were lots of ideas and advice I hadn't come across before.
jaymilynn96's review
5.0
"But every writer must overcome their natural instinct to avoid conflict and make the conscious decision to wallow, to linger, and to dwell in a tragic, conflict-heavy moment."
This was my first "how to write a good novel" book. Now, I'm no pessimist, but I went into this expecting industry formulas for an ironclad plot, the true essentials for writing a great character, and written-in-stone stunts a writer can pull to trick readers into believing that they're a better author than they actually are. Seriously, I'm no pessimist, but that's all anyone ever talks about: How to write a book that sells.
And, of course, we all want to sell.
But "The Linchpin Writer" broke down the most difficult parts of the storytelling craft. The ones we all struggle with, regardless of talent. The ones we're all afraid of, regardless of success. The ones that not only make or break our books, but make or break us as artists. With intimate anecdotes from his own journey and a handful of raw exercises, the author teaches how to assemble those moments, not just into something that sells, but into something that makes you a better artist.
This book is gospel for all writers, but especially new ones like myself, who are still trying to navigate the depth of their own artistry. A big thanks to John and his team for sending me this ARC.
This was my first "how to write a good novel" book. Now, I'm no pessimist, but I went into this expecting industry formulas for an ironclad plot, the true essentials for writing a great character, and written-in-stone stunts a writer can pull to trick readers into believing that they're a better author than they actually are. Seriously, I'm no pessimist, but that's all anyone ever talks about: How to write a book that sells.
And, of course, we all want to sell.
But "The Linchpin Writer" broke down the most difficult parts of the storytelling craft. The ones we all struggle with, regardless of talent. The ones we're all afraid of, regardless of success. The ones that not only make or break our books, but make or break us as artists. With intimate anecdotes from his own journey and a handful of raw exercises, the author teaches how to assemble those moments, not just into something that sells, but into something that makes you a better artist.
This book is gospel for all writers, but especially new ones like myself, who are still trying to navigate the depth of their own artistry. A big thanks to John and his team for sending me this ARC.
johnmatthewfox's review
5.0
Thanks to everyone who bought the book!
The Linchpin Writer is getting a lot of wonderful feedback from writers who are using the techniques in their novels.
It's wonderful to see authors appreciating all the practical advice and the stories.
The Linchpin Writer is getting a lot of wonderful feedback from writers who are using the techniques in their novels.
It's wonderful to see authors appreciating all the practical advice and the stories.
domisreading's review
4.0
As most craft books are this book wasn't written for entertainment but did help out a lot with my own writing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
amberlee_etc's review
3.0
Nice introduction to creating a story, but it sort of felt like the goal is to get you to purchases one of his courses.
georges_mom's review
5.0
A worthy addition to my craft library, since it does have something new to say. Of particular relevance to my novel were the chapters on chapter endings and love scenes. The latter was especially helpful because the author and I seem to have the same philosophy on that topic—that you don’t have to “fade to black” and there’s a way to write sex memorably without resorting to cringey euphemisms or, ahem, clinical descriptions of what’s happening. This is the first lit fic craft book I’ve read that specifically addresses this.
A quick and useful read.
A quick and useful read.
ljwrites85's review
4.0
Rounded up from 3.5
Lately I've read a good deal of writing advice books to hone my craft as a writer, so I was interested in what The Linchpin Writer had to offer.
The Linchpin Writer is part memoir, part writing advice with helpful literary examples and exercises scattered throughout to help you along the way. If I were to compare it to another novel, it would be On Writing by Stephen King except this has a lot clearer writing advice in it.
There is also a uniqueness to the novel. I've not read another novel that handles such a broad amount of subjects, from why you want to be a writer to writing your first paragraph and first dialogue, even to making time for your writing.
This book really challenged me, in a good way, about the way I'd been writing, in particular when it came to character description, which is my current nemesis. I would also very much recommend this book if you are in the editing stages of your novel, rather than doing a first draft, to help strengthen the story.
As I was reading, I found there was a bit of a literary angle to the book. As a lover of crime fiction, many of the fiction examples used I'd either never read or even heard of. Also, when discussing steamy/romantic scenes, the tone came across as kind of snobby, but of course, that's just my opinion.
The Linchpin Writer is a book full of practical writing advice, interesting anecdotes and great if you're looking for help to sharpen up your writing skills.
Lately I've read a good deal of writing advice books to hone my craft as a writer, so I was interested in what The Linchpin Writer had to offer.
The Linchpin Writer is part memoir, part writing advice with helpful literary examples and exercises scattered throughout to help you along the way. If I were to compare it to another novel, it would be On Writing by Stephen King except this has a lot clearer writing advice in it.
There is also a uniqueness to the novel. I've not read another novel that handles such a broad amount of subjects, from why you want to be a writer to writing your first paragraph and first dialogue, even to making time for your writing.
This book really challenged me, in a good way, about the way I'd been writing, in particular when it came to character description, which is my current nemesis. I would also very much recommend this book if you are in the editing stages of your novel, rather than doing a first draft, to help strengthen the story.
As I was reading, I found there was a bit of a literary angle to the book. As a lover of crime fiction, many of the fiction examples used I'd either never read or even heard of. Also, when discussing steamy/romantic scenes, the tone came across as kind of snobby, but of course, that's just my opinion.
The Linchpin Writer is a book full of practical writing advice, interesting anecdotes and great if you're looking for help to sharpen up your writing skills.