Today, I'm happy to share Creating Your First Novel by Hank Quense virtual book tour sponsored by iRead Book Tours. Read my book review about navigating your writing journey below and enter the giveaway!
My Review:
⭐⭐⭐1/2
Embarking on the journey of writing your first novel can be both thrilling and daunting. Aspiring authors often find themselves lost in the creative process, neglecting crucial aspects beyond the writing phase. In "Creating Your First Novel" by Hank Quense, readers are guided through a comprehensive roadmap that not only demystifies the art of writing but also illuminates the often-overlooked stages of publishing, marketing, and managing author business issues.
One of the standout features of Quense's book is its structured approach, breaking down the entire novel creation process into five distinct phases: Planning, Writing, Publishing, Marketing, and Author Business Issues. This segmentation provides a clear and organized framework, ensuring that writers understand the holistic nature of the journey they are about to embark upon.
The initial phases, Planning and Writing, are fundamental and often the focus of aspiring authors. Quense, drawing from his extensive experience having gone through the process over two dozen times, offers valuable insights and advice in these sections. The emphasis on planning is particularly noteworthy, as it addresses a common misconception among writers – the belief that a compelling story alone is enough to guarantee success. The author advocates for meticulous planning, emphasizing that even the most riveting narrative needs a strategic foundation.
The Marketing section of the book is a breath of fresh air in a literary landscape where many authors, especially those venturing into self-publishing, often underestimate the importance of promoting their work. Quense underscores the need for writers to actively engage in marketing, dispelling the notion that a book will naturally find its audience. While the reviewer wished for more detailed information in this area, the book serves as an effective springboard, prompting writers to delve deeper into the nuances of book promotion.
The inclusion of Author Business Issues as a distinct phase is a masterstroke by Quense. Often neglected in writing guides, this section sheds light on the ongoing responsibilities authors face even after the book is launched. It delves into the administrative and strategic aspects of managing one's writing career, ensuring that writers are equipped to handle the business side of being an author.
The reason I gave the book three and a half stars is because, while the book has some great information it is particularly focused only for first-time writers contemplating self-publishing or working with a small press. Experienced authors who've already been through the trenches would have already conquered most of these issues or need to find a book that will go in-depth on a certain topic, such as a book only on marketing or the writing process.
In conclusion, if you find yourself at the crossroads of starting your writing journey, or if you've already set sail and feel adrift in the sea of creative projects, "Creating Your First Novel" is a beacon of guidance, offering a comprehensive and insightful roadmap to navigate the intricate landscape of novel creation.