This unpretentious little guide through the perils of writing fiction follows the process through four stages: gathering the raw material, planning, rough draft writing, and revision.

Novelist Dan Brown shares not only his own experience but also the thoughts of many classic masters of fiction.

Teachers call it "common-sensical and wise," raising the right questions and offering suggestions, never rules. Beginning writers call it "reassuring" yet "demanding." Experienced writers say they dip into it again when beginning a novel "or just when I feel low."

Beginning writers following this step by step plan will complete a finished novel by the end of this course of study.

"Concise and to-the-point. This book is not just about writing; it's about being who you are and doing what you can." - Writer's Digest

Dan Brown is a novelist and short fiction writer who currently resides in New York City.