As it is National Novel Writing Month, I thought I would review some books about the craft of writing, and what better book to start with than No Plot? no Problem!, written by NaNoWriMo founder, Chris Baty.
This 50,000 word book explains the origins of NaNoWriMo, way back in 1999 (when it took place in July rather than November – one whole extra day for noveling! Oh my!), gives a good pitch for why you should attempt to write a 50k word book in 30 days, and breaks down the pitfalls of the month in a week by week basis. There is even some mention of editing at the end of the book.
It’s an easy to read, humorous book that lays out the process of writing a novel in a month very well. I think beginner writers and NaNoWriMo participants who have never made it past the 50k word mark will find it of particular help. For seasoned NaNoWriMoers and novice writers with a bit of experience under their belt, there is not much new here. Also, as a plotter and speculative fiction writer, I found the examples used in the book skewed very much towards the pantser who is writing non genre fiction.
I award No Plot? No Problem!…
Click here to buy No Plot? No Problem! on Amazon.
Iseult Murphy 
Reading books on writing are (almost always) entertaining and/or informative but I don’t have time to read it this month… too behind on my word count 😊
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Haha! Probably better to read it in October!
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Ah, very nice. I’ll read this tonight. Thank you for sharing it.
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You’re welcome, and thank you. I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.
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As a plotter myself, I’m interested in the advice offered when you have nothing but your pants to run with.
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