Writing the Blockbuster Novel by Albert Zuckerman
This book discloses the hidden nuts and bolts of what makes a huge bestseller tick, and shows how you too could write a novel that might sell millions of copies. The topics covered in this book include: how to develop and use a synopsis or outline of your novel; the value of setting your novel in an exotic or unique world; how to choose and build your characters; to control point of view and use it as a technique for developing reader empathy; how to knit together the relationships between characters; to weave plot strands in order to build maximal climaxes; how to build scenes while setting up suspense and maintaining current action; what a story point is and how to make sure each chapter includes at least one. All of this is illustrated through numerous examples of current, and timeless, popular fiction, including "Gone With the Wind", "The Godfather", "The Thorn Birds" and the works of Ken Follett, who has contributed the introduction.