Write Your Novel from the Middle

A New Approach for Plotters, Pantsers and Everyone in Between

By: James Scott Bell

Narrated by: James Scott Bell

A powerful secret and a fresh approach to writing bestselling fiction!

What's the best way to write a "next level" novel? Some writers start at the beginning and let the story unfold without a plan. They are called "pantsers", because they write by the "seat of the pants".

Other writers plan and outline and know the ending before they start. These are the "plotters".

The two sides never seem to agree with each other on the best approach.

But what if it's not the beginning or the end that is the key to a successful book? What if, amazing as it may seem, the place to begin writing your novel is in the very middle of the story?

According to #1 bestselling writing teacher James Scott Bell, that's exactly where you'll find your story's heart and heat. Bell's "Mirror Moment" is the secret, and its power is available to any writer, at any stage of the writing process.

Bringing together years of craft study and personal discovery, Bell presents a truly unique approach to writing a novel, one that will stand the test of time and serve you all your writing life.

©2014 James Scott Bell (P)2019 James Scott Bell

Critic reviews

"I need three things before I tackle a new novel: Diet Coke, a laptop, and my dog-eared copies of James Scott Bell's books on writing craft!" (Kami Garcia, #1 New York Times and International Bestselling author)

A solid book…recorded in a closet, on a tape deck?

I’m being very critical about this one.

The book is a solid B in its dispensation of information. However, the production quality of the book goes off of a cliff. I can hear every time the narrator/author pauses, edits, or attempts to omit background noise. He really should have re-recorded this book to achieve a higher quality.

Other than that, the book was fine.

JSB summarily delivers again

This is my second title from James Scott Bell, the other and more in depth one is from the Great Courses, and while this one covers some of the same information it does a great job of summarizing without a lot of fluff.

Wonderful new book on writing. GREAT in audio!!!

I own most of James Scott Bell’s books on writing, many in both print and ebook formats. I’d gladly buy every single one of them again to have them in audio format. Mr. Bell has done a fine job of narrating this new book, and I think it is really brilliant content, as well.

Bravo James Scott Bell! Let’s have a few more, okay?

One of the greatest craft books I’ve ever read.

Concise, informative, and easily applicable! Every author should read this book if they want to write better stories. It has definitely transformed and informed the way I view plot and structure as well as scenes.

Short and to the point

This is a great in depth explanation of the others method of starting in the middle of your story. Even if you start writing from the beginning, it is great advice for thinking through your middle in the pre writing phase. It would also be useful to sharpen the story in editing if you write more freely in your first draft. I incorporate a few plotting styles (The Plot Whisperer and Save the Cat.) I will be adding this to the mix.