This marvelous little guide provides the beginning novelist with a step-by-step plan for writing fiction. An experienced editor takes you through the various forms of outlines that will help you to start - and finish - your first or even your second or third novel, whether it's a mystery, spy thriller, sci fi or a romance. There are sections on: Plots, Locale, Characters, Dialogue, Sex Scenes, Writing Technology and Developing Your Style, as well as Editing and Marketing. Sample outlines are included that you can use as the basis for planning your book. If you're an aspiring writer, this will get you started constructing something readable - maybe not The Great American Novel, but at least a serviceable beach read and maybe even a series of works that can bring you a steady income stream.