Writing a novel and getting it published: That's your goal. And nothing will keep you from making it happen. Such a goal, of course, presents a number of challenges. Make sure you have the tools you need to overcome them and succeed. In THE NOVEL WRITER'S TOOLKIT, NY Times Best-Selling author Bob Mayer shares a veteran writer's hard-won advice with a style that's straight from the hip. He lays out the nuts and bolts of novel writing, along with guidelines for starting, finishing and revising your work. You'll learn how to: Develop story-worthy ideas Translate those ideas into a compelling plot -- one that keeps readers mesmerized Pace your story for maximum excitement Create realistic, complicated characters Submit attention-getting manuscripts Self-contained chapters make it easy to focus on the just the elements you need. Take in the advice, sharpen your skills, and hit the ground running. Mayer provides all the reliable information and instruction you need to make your dreams of publication come true. What are you waiting for? THE NOVEL WRITER'S TOOLKIT ensures that you're properly equipped for success! “A book to inspire, instruct and challenge the writer in everyone.” #1 NY Times Best-Selling Author Susan Wiggs "An invaluable resource for beginning and seasoned writers alike. Don't miss out." #1 NY Times Best-Selling Author Terry Brooks "Something for every writer, from neophyte to old hand. My hat is off to Bob." Best-Selling Myster Writer Elizabeth George

1. Plot Part I:
The Events of Your
Story.
Narrative Questions,
Book Dissection

2. The Foundation: One Sentence
Idea
•Can you state the original idea for your book
in 25 words or less?
•Have you written it down?
•Does it bring an emotional reaction?
•Good writing and strong characters are key.

3. Have You Filled Out Your Conflict
Box?
Do You Have Conflict Lock?
Protagonist
Conflict
Protagonist
Goal
Antagonist
Goal
Antagonist
Conflict

4. The Craft Of Writing
•You start with an Original Idea.
•You figure out your protagonist, antagonist,
and core conflict (conflict lock.)
•Remember to stay open-minded to
possibilities.
•So now you . . .

5. Research
•Research your characters.
•Research your setting (place & time).
•Research your plot.
•Research produces possibilities.

6. Research
•The Special Forces Area Study.
•The CARVER formula.
• Criticality
• Accessibility
• Recoverability
• Vulnerability
• Effect
• Recuperability

7. Narrative Questions:
Characters
•Who is my protagonist? What is his goal? What
is his motivation for achieving that goal?
•Who is my antagonist? What is his goal? What
is his motivation for achieving that goal?
•How does this bring them into conflict?
•Does my story collapse if I remove the
antagonist?
•If I remove my protagonist, what happens? What
is at stake?

8. Narrative Questions: Theme
•What is my intent?
•What tone do I want to achieve in my story?
•What will be my resolution?

9. Narrative Questions: Plot
•What point of view will tell the story best?
•What will be my setting? (Time and place)
•What are the pieces of my narrative
structure?
•What is the climactic scene that the entire
book is driving toward

10. Book Dissection
• Many successful novelists do what people in any
business do.
• They study those who have been successful.
• Find books like what you want to write.
• Break them down and analyze them.
• What worked?
• What didn’t work?

11. Book Dissection
• It’s been done before.
• Learn from the experts.
• Everything in a story is done for a purpose.
• Read first and breakout novels.
• Do a scene break down, focusing on purpose.
• Do the story break down, focusing on narrative
structure.
• How are you going to be different?

12. Original Idea
Conflict the Fuel of Your Story and the Conflict Box
Plot I: Research and Narrative Questions
Plot II: Outlining
Plot III: Narrative Structure
Character
Point of View
Write It Forward: From Writer to Bestselling Author
Writers Conference Guide (Free eBook)
Three P’s: Platform, Product, Promotion
Writers’ Block and Rewriting
How to Write the Query/Synopsis
Planning for NaNoWriMo Success
Bob Mayer’s Workshops, Seminars & Presentations
Your Creative Process: How You Write
The Present and Future of Publishing for Writers
Writers Workshop and Retreat
ON WRITING SLIDESHARES

13. For More Information click on covers
The Complete Writer is four books at discount in one
bundle.

14. New York Times bestselling author, graduate of West Point, former Green
Beret, and feeder of two yellow Labs, most famously Cool Gus. He’s had
over seventy books published, including the #1 bestselling series Time
Patrol, Area 51, Atlantis, and the Green Berets. Born in the Bronx and
having traveled the world he now lives peacefully with his wife and labs.
Sort of. Free books below available HERE
www.bobmayer.com

15. Writing Scenic Workshop
•An intense, on-premises workshop focusing on idea, conflict, story and the ever-
changing business of publishing.
•At our house on Scenic Drive in Knoxville, TN
•Most importantly, this workshop focuses on developing your creative process as
a writer.
•Led by Bob Mayer and his wife, Debbie.
•We’ve worked with everyone from #1 NY Times best-selling authors to novices
writing their first book.
•Limited to four people per workshop. This workshop can also come to you if you
have four interested writers. For schedule contact bob@bobmayer.com