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The Linchpin Writer: Crafting Your Novel's Key Moments by John Matthew Fox, John Matthew Fox
travelsalongmybookshelf's review
4.0
The Linchpin Writer: Crafting your novels key moments - John Matthew Fox
Linchpin moments are where the reader decides whether to abandon the book or keep reading (the beginning, the end of a chapter). These are the moments when you have a climax (surprise, main climax, emotional climax) and in this book the author teaches you how to nail these.
I am not a writer, but what I am is an avid reader and this book really engaged me as to why I love certain books. It was insightful and useful and should I ever choose to write a book will be helpful. There were several tips and hints that stand out from this book. The first is to read the first paragraph of a few books in your genre, what stands out, does it hook you in? This is the first lynchpin and it really made me think, what catches you as you read, what will make you keep reading on. There are a few books I’ve DNF’d after the first paragraph, when I’ve just thought it’s not for me.
Secondly -Dialogue, what is the characters first line? It is usually significant- this made me deep dive back into many of my shelves books to read first lines and it tells you tons about that characters trajectory in a nutshell.
Thirdly -Situations give emotions to the reader, don’t name it, there are micro emotions on every page, strive for wonder, you know as a reader what that feels like, it’s rare, it’s intangible and individual but it is there in books and it can be written.
I could go on with this but there’s so much to take in and with exercises to do, it is one of those books that you will constantly refer back to.
It has an easy to read style, is simple and has great tips for budding and not so budding writers. There are lots of examples to illustrate his points using well known authors work which is helpful, and as the true scientist I am, I do like evidence to back up a theory! It has made me read with new eyes, this is a break down of how books work on us as readers. I’m not convinced that I will ever write a book but I think also it will make me a better reader and who knows maybe one day I will write!
‘You cannot save the world with your book, but you can reach your tribe: those who know you, those who live around you, those who care about your topic. If you have limited expectations—if you truly understand what Gandhi called your “insignificance”—then you are free to write what you are meant to write, and reach who you are meant to reach.’
Linchpin moments are where the reader decides whether to abandon the book or keep reading (the beginning, the end of a chapter). These are the moments when you have a climax (surprise, main climax, emotional climax) and in this book the author teaches you how to nail these.
I am not a writer, but what I am is an avid reader and this book really engaged me as to why I love certain books. It was insightful and useful and should I ever choose to write a book will be helpful. There were several tips and hints that stand out from this book. The first is to read the first paragraph of a few books in your genre, what stands out, does it hook you in? This is the first lynchpin and it really made me think, what catches you as you read, what will make you keep reading on. There are a few books I’ve DNF’d after the first paragraph, when I’ve just thought it’s not for me.
Secondly -Dialogue, what is the characters first line? It is usually significant- this made me deep dive back into many of my shelves books to read first lines and it tells you tons about that characters trajectory in a nutshell.
Thirdly -Situations give emotions to the reader, don’t name it, there are micro emotions on every page, strive for wonder, you know as a reader what that feels like, it’s rare, it’s intangible and individual but it is there in books and it can be written.
I could go on with this but there’s so much to take in and with exercises to do, it is one of those books that you will constantly refer back to.
It has an easy to read style, is simple and has great tips for budding and not so budding writers. There are lots of examples to illustrate his points using well known authors work which is helpful, and as the true scientist I am, I do like evidence to back up a theory! It has made me read with new eyes, this is a break down of how books work on us as readers. I’m not convinced that I will ever write a book but I think also it will make me a better reader and who knows maybe one day I will write!
‘You cannot save the world with your book, but you can reach your tribe: those who know you, those who live around you, those who care about your topic. If you have limited expectations—if you truly understand what Gandhi called your “insignificance”—then you are free to write what you are meant to write, and reach who you are meant to reach.’
oceanwriter's review
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
As a writer, I'm always happy to come across good writing advice. The Linchpin Writer happened to be terrific writing advice that made me want to drop everything and throw open my notebook.
It's been my experience that creative writing teachers/mentors/blogs like to keep an upper hand. Somewhere down the line, they begin preaching that their way is the best way — if not the only way. John Fox's exercises were a sigh of relief. He knows there isn't one way to write that's going to fit every book and every author. Each chapter ends with a series of prompts (keep a pen handy!) that force you to think outside of the box. Speaking as someone who gets hung up on the 'rights' and 'wrongs' of writing and having a set way of doing things, it was nice to have a push outside of my limited mindset. Though I didn't have the time to do every lesson at the time of reading this, I am excited to go back and give my undivided attention to the exercises. It's been a while since I've had such a burst of motivation.
Part memoir and part handbook, there is a lot to discover about the writing industry and the craft in under 200 pages. The writing itself, no surprise, was charming and encouraging. I'm looking forward to exploring the author's blog and other books.
A huge thanks to the author and his team for sending me a free ARC to read and review!
It's been my experience that creative writing teachers/mentors/blogs like to keep an upper hand. Somewhere down the line, they begin preaching that their way is the best way — if not the only way. John Fox's exercises were a sigh of relief. He knows there isn't one way to write that's going to fit every book and every author. Each chapter ends with a series of prompts (keep a pen handy!) that force you to think outside of the box. Speaking as someone who gets hung up on the 'rights' and 'wrongs' of writing and having a set way of doing things, it was nice to have a push outside of my limited mindset. Though I didn't have the time to do every lesson at the time of reading this, I am excited to go back and give my undivided attention to the exercises. It's been a while since I've had such a burst of motivation.
Part memoir and part handbook, there is a lot to discover about the writing industry and the craft in under 200 pages. The writing itself, no surprise, was charming and encouraging. I'm looking forward to exploring the author's blog and other books.
A huge thanks to the author and his team for sending me a free ARC to read and review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident
Moderate: Sexual content
More...