Writing Your First Novel

Writing Your First Novel is written for aspiring writers of fiction. As a practical guide it succinctly covers key points including: characters, dialogue, descriptive passages, love and sex, grammar and punctuation, and promotion and marketing. Examples to illustrate the key points are drawn from Reynolds' two novels (Uncommon Enemy and Robyn Hood: Outlaw Princess) and from a wide variety of other writers from a range of countries and backgrounds. This practical book is one that writers will want to return to again and again as they develop their own writing ability.

Writing Your First Novel succinctly covers all the basic questions to which a new writer needs answers. Author John Reynolds initially based the book on the experience he gained in writing his first novel Uncommon Enemy. His new young adult novel Robyn Hood Outlaw Princess was published in 2016 and in this second edition he draws upon the additional knowledge and experience that he gained. The content covers a range of key points including: developing the plot, creating contrasting characters, writing effective dialogue, developing descriptive passages, the challenges of writing about love and sex, grammar and punctuation, giving attention to detail, catalyst crisis and climax, resources and sources of support, review and review again, it's finished: what now? selling the sizzle, and marketing and promotion. The book is written in an easy personal style using excerpts from Reynolds' two novels as well as drawing from a wide variety of writers from a range of countries and backgrounds. Reynolds is a New Zealand writer, radio broadcaster, educator and filmmaker. He has worked in a number of countries including New Zealand, Australia, England, Canada, Zimbabwe and the USA. He travelled through eastern Europe during the Cold War, western Europe, South Africa under apartheid, coast to coast across the USA, and the Pacific Islands. All these experiences have informed his writing. He has written books, scripts, screenplays and the plot and dialogue for four full-length musicals as well as lecturing on education, writing and the media. He is an entertaining speaker and has delivered author talks to a wide variety of cultural, social and service groups - in person or at a distance through Skype.

John Reynolds is a freelance New Zealand writer. He has worked in a number of countries including England, Canada, Zimbabwe, Australia, the USA and New Zealand. He has a Masters degree from San Jose State University California and a PhD from the University of Auckland. His travels have taken him through Eastern Europe during the Cold War, parts of Southern Africa, across the USA, key countries in Asia and the Pacific Islands. He draws on his international experience to inform his fictional writing. His published works include four full-length musicals and two novels - Uncommon Enemy and Robyn Hood Outlaw Princess. His latest book titled Writing Your First Novel is based on the experiences he gained in writing both of these novels. This book covers all the key areas needed by the aspiring or existing writers including: making a start, developing the plot, creating characters, writing effective dialogue, creating descriptive passages, the challenges of writing love and sex sequences, grammar and punctuation, catalyst, crisis and climax, resources and sources of support, and selling the sizzle. Examples to illustrate these and other key points are drawn from his novels and a wide variety of other writers from different countries. Reynolds is an accomplished presenter and has shared his life and writing experiences with a wide variety of cultural, service and social groups through his entertaining author talks - mostly in person but also through Skype. He enjoys meeting and talking to groups and is always seeking new opportunities both in New Zealand and overseas.