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Writing: A User Manual: A practical guide to planning, starting and finishing a novel
All too often writers focus exclusively on 'what to write' rather than 'how'. This is a manual offering plain-language insight into the everyday mechanics of creating a book from hazy idea to finished manuscript. These real-world challenges - how to approach a manuscript, to manage research, to fix the right point of view - represent important and recurring obstacles every writer, novice or professional, must overcome. This practical user manual is a must-have starting point for anyone facing that challenge. It is not a book on writing technique or how to get published. It's a practical guide to the craft of planning, starting and finishing a novel.
- GenresWritingNonfiction
272 pages, Paperback
First published February 16, 2012
About the author
David Hewson
86 books490 followersDAVID HEWSON was born in Yorkshire in 1953. His books range from the Nic Costa series set in Italy to adaptations of The Killing in Copenhagen and the Pieter Vos series in Amsterdam.
He's adapted Shakespeare for Audible and in 2018 won the Audie for best original work for Romeo and Juliet: A Novel, narrated by Richard Armitage.
2019 sees the release of a new, full-cast Audible drama set in New York, Last Seen Wearing, and a standalone novel set in the Faroe Islands, Devil's Fjord.
Series:
Nic Costa
Pieter Vos
The Killing
He's adapted Shakespeare for Audible and in 2018 won the Audie for best original work for Romeo and Juliet: A Novel, narrated by Richard Armitage.
2019 sees the release of a new, full-cast Audible drama set in New York, Last Seen Wearing, and a standalone novel set in the Faroe Islands, Devil's Fjord.
Series:
Nic Costa
Pieter Vos
The Killing
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 21, 2013
I think this is one of the best writing guides I have read so far.
It is divided into three sections: planning, writing, and revising. Hewson leads us through each of these sections, building with us an imaginary novel called Charlie and the Mermaid. This is, in fact, one of the most useful parts of the book. You get to see this novel taking shape, from the first spark of an idea to a completed manuscript ready to send off to an agent or publisher. I actually wish Charlie and the Mermaid was a real novel, as it sounds fascinating.
Not only does Hewson guide you through the creation of a brand new novel, he also gives examples from some of his previously published work. This is not only limited to things he believes he has done well, but things that (particularly in his ealier novels) he believes that he could have done better. I enjoyed this because it kind of shows how reflective you have to be as a writer, especially when it comes to things you could improve on.
Hewson also spends time going over some writing and note-taking software, as well as the art and practice of keeping a book journal. This may seem like obvious stuff - I mean, most people know how to use a generic word processor - but it was actually one of the most useful and relatable sections of the book. Apparently he has book out on writing a novel in Scrivener, which is a programme I use regularly, and, on the strength of what I've read in this book, I'm seriously debating picking it up. Take from that what you will.
The voice Hewson uses in this book - and he admits that it is a calculated, conscious voice - is relatable and easy to read. I felt a bit like he was talking to me. That's something you want from a guide, I think. Of course, the fact that he admits that he consciously chose the book's voice to be that way is useful in and of itself - it makes you reflect on the choice of voice in your own work just a little bit more.
Something about David Hewson's advice just clicked for me, and I came away from it raring to create the novel that has been brewing inside my head for years. I'm not saying that his advice will work for everyone (he says that you should question everything, and to see whether or not it works for you), but Hewson has a lot of interesting things to say. Writing is a very personal thing, and this is his way of doing it.
This is not really a 'how to' book. This is a writer explaining his methods and giving some advice along the way. And that's why, I think, it is one of my favourite books on writing I've read.
It is divided into three sections: planning, writing, and revising. Hewson leads us through each of these sections, building with us an imaginary novel called Charlie and the Mermaid. This is, in fact, one of the most useful parts of the book. You get to see this novel taking shape, from the first spark of an idea to a completed manuscript ready to send off to an agent or publisher. I actually wish Charlie and the Mermaid was a real novel, as it sounds fascinating.
Not only does Hewson guide you through the creation of a brand new novel, he also gives examples from some of his previously published work. This is not only limited to things he believes he has done well, but things that (particularly in his ealier novels) he believes that he could have done better. I enjoyed this because it kind of shows how reflective you have to be as a writer, especially when it comes to things you could improve on.
Hewson also spends time going over some writing and note-taking software, as well as the art and practice of keeping a book journal. This may seem like obvious stuff - I mean, most people know how to use a generic word processor - but it was actually one of the most useful and relatable sections of the book. Apparently he has book out on writing a novel in Scrivener, which is a programme I use regularly, and, on the strength of what I've read in this book, I'm seriously debating picking it up. Take from that what you will.
The voice Hewson uses in this book - and he admits that it is a calculated, conscious voice - is relatable and easy to read. I felt a bit like he was talking to me. That's something you want from a guide, I think. Of course, the fact that he admits that he consciously chose the book's voice to be that way is useful in and of itself - it makes you reflect on the choice of voice in your own work just a little bit more.
Something about David Hewson's advice just clicked for me, and I came away from it raring to create the novel that has been brewing inside my head for years. I'm not saying that his advice will work for everyone (he says that you should question everything, and to see whether or not it works for you), but Hewson has a lot of interesting things to say. Writing is a very personal thing, and this is his way of doing it.
This is not really a 'how to' book. This is a writer explaining his methods and giving some advice along the way. And that's why, I think, it is one of my favourite books on writing I've read.
February 9, 2016
3.5 stars
a lot of unnecessary detail on the nuts and bolts of using word processing programs
a lot of unnecessary detail on the nuts and bolts of using word processing programs
March 29, 2016
If you're considering writing a novel, then read this first. It'll probably influence the way you write it, for the better.
Hewson offers his own take on the writing process, drawing upon his own experience of what has worked for him. In particular, his views on some of the classic rules of writing (adverbs, for example) are more relaxed than some other writing guides might suggest. What's important is the creativity process. Hewson also provides a working example, throughout the book, which clarifies his processes further. It's easy to read, and as a result, I'm now reviewing a project I'm working on.
Although it is divided into clear sections, I would advise reading the book from cover to cover (which due to the chatty, but authoritative style, is easily done).
Hewson offers his own take on the writing process, drawing upon his own experience of what has worked for him. In particular, his views on some of the classic rules of writing (adverbs, for example) are more relaxed than some other writing guides might suggest. What's important is the creativity process. Hewson also provides a working example, throughout the book, which clarifies his processes further. It's easy to read, and as a result, I'm now reviewing a project I'm working on.
Although it is divided into clear sections, I would advise reading the book from cover to cover (which due to the chatty, but authoritative style, is easily done).
August 21, 2020
One of the better books on writing, with an easy to read style. Motivating, while being realistic.
June 25, 2024
This was a great nuts and bolts book re writing fiction. Highly recommend for aspiring writers.
June 16, 2024
I loved this book. I loved the concept of doing a 'story' together. I loved the titbits about the different software and what they offer. I loved everything about this book. David Hewson really made it feel achievable to plan a novel. Highly recommend.
October 6, 2012
This is one of the best writing guides that I've read. It's very down to earth, constructive and informative, without any of those American-style 'how to be a millionaire writer without lifting a finger' type promises to it. The author of the Nic Costa series of detective stories and the recent The Killing novelisation is a gifted and insightful guide, using examples from his own books and other well-known writers to show you what kind of books sell these days and how, if you put enough work in, you can at least complete a manuscript. From planning to writing and on to crucial points such as building characters and varying the pace of a story, David Hewson has a lot of valuable advice. There are also very handy passages about useful software packages for writers.
June 27, 2012
Such a great book for aspiring writers. David Hewson has the experience and know how to make this book just fantastic reading. The many examples throughout really drove the points he was making home. From planning, to writing, to publishing there is just a lot of great stuff. I think this book definitely lives up to what it states it is. It is a user's manual for writing. I've read some books that claimed to be about writing but were really just motivational nonsense. There was no substance. This is not one of those books. This is the best money I've spent on a writing book to date, bar none.
May 5, 2014
This is a great book with many practical advices about writing a novel. David Hewson has a different approach than Larry Brooks, with less formal planning, but there is "the three part act" foundation. David include the concept of a real book to show his points and that makes his advice more concrete. I highly recommend the book.
December 29, 2014
Great practical advice from Dave Hewson. Destined to be hugely useful on the planning and writing stages. The publication stage takes little account of the indie author revolution, but there are other references for that.
April 7, 2016
Maybe what David Hewson had to say was exactly what I wanted to hear. A great book to read if you are swamped with advice on how to write from the many many books on the subject. Refreshing. Also, it has given me the impetus to give Scrivener a go.
February 6, 2016
Along with "Outlining Your Novel" by K.M. Weiland probably my favourite book on writing. Lots of useful insights and tips. I also like the semi-structured approach to writing a novel that Hewson advocates
August 20, 2012
Very stimulating and down to earth. Hoping it is going to galvanize me into getting on with my writing.
January 9, 2013
I found this book to be quite valuable in helping me consolidate my thoughts about my own book. I would highly recommend it for anyone about to embark on the arduous journey of writing a novel.
December 21, 2015
Very practical advice on the sleeves rolled-business of writing a novel...
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews