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Plot Twist: Life, Craft, and the Messy First Draft: A Memoir on Writing

Plot Twist: Life, Craft, and the Messy First Draft: A Memoir on Writing

4.9(11 ratings)

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$22.75at Barnes & NobleChecked Nov 8

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Price facts

  • Last seen at $22.75 at Barnes & Noble on Nov 8.
  • Our take on the Plot Twist: Life, Craft, and the Messy First Draft: A Memoir on Writing

    Harlan Coben's first memoir doubles as a writing guide. He traces his path from a suburban childhood and years of rejection to a career with 100 million books in print and more than twenty film and TV adaptations. Instead of splitting craft into chapters on plot, character and setting, he treats writing as one connected process and shows where his characters and twists came from. It suits aspiring novelists and longtime Coben readers; John Grisham called it "a romp, a riot, and a joy to read."

    Best forAspiring novelists learning craft from a bestsellerFans of Coben's thrillers who want the stories behind themWriters who prefer memoir and anecdote to a how-to manualPublished authors revisiting the early struggle years
    Pros
    • Craft advice tied to real examples from Coben's own books
    • Covers self-doubt and rejection, not just technique
    • Reveals the inspirations behind well-known characters and plots
    • Treats writing holistically rather than in separate categories
    • Endorsed by John Grisham
    Cons
    • Memoir-first structure may frustrate readers wanting a step-by-step manual
    • Coben's thriller method does not map onto every genre
    • Little on the business side of publishing beyond his early years

    Plot Twist: Life, Craft, and the Messy First Draft: A Memoir on Writing prices at every store

    • Barnes & NobleNew

      In stock

      $22.75Checked Nov 8
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    What reviewers say

    • 4.9 / 511 ratings

    Readers rate it very highly, and the small sample of ratings is overwhelmingly positive. They respond to the honesty about self-doubt and rejection and to the practical advice woven into the stories.

    What people mention
    • Craft advicePraisedReaders find the writing tips practical and grounded in Coben's own work.
    • HonestyPraisedThey value how openly he discusses self-doubt and early rejection.
    • StructureMixedSome readers want a more organized, how-to format rather than a memoir.
    • AnecdotesPraisedStories about his characters and plots keep the book entertaining.

    About the Plot Twist: Life, Craft, and the Messy First Draft: A Memoir on Writing

    Plot Twist is a memoir on writing by Harlan Coben, a #1 New York Times bestselling author with 100 million books in print worldwide. Over twenty television and film adaptations have been made from his work. The book is part personal memoir and part guide to storytelling.

    Coben draws on memories of his suburban childhood and his early years trying to break into publishing. He tells his own story for the first time. He also describes the real-world inspirations behind some of his best-known characters and the plots that drive his novels.

    The book offers tips and techniques on the creative process. Instead of covering characters, plot and setting as separate categories, Coben looks at writing as a whole. He also writes about the self-doubt, hubris, contradictions, passion and dedication that come with being a writer.

    Author
    Harlan Coben
    Genre
    Memoir on writing
    Topics
    Writing process, storytelling, creative process, life as a writer

    Questions and answers

    Is this a how-to writing book or a memoir?
    Both. It is Coben's personal story, with craft lessons drawn from his own novels woven through it.
    Does it cover plot and character separately?
    No. Coben deliberately avoids the usual categories and treats the writing process as a whole.
    Is it useful for genres other than thrillers?
    The advice comes from thriller writing, but the lessons on discipline, doubt and revision apply broadly.
    Does it explain where his famous characters came from?
    Yes. He names the real-world inspirations behind several of his best-known characters and plots.
    Do I need to have read Coben's novels first?
    No. The memoir stands alone, though fans will recognize more of the references.
    Where is the Plot Twist: Life, Craft, and the Messy First Draft: A Memoir on Writing cheapest?
    At Barnes & Noble, for $22.75, as of our latest check.
    What do buyers say about the Plot Twist: Life, Craft, and the Messy First Draft: A Memoir on Writing?
    Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 11 ratings.

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