There are moments in our stories that can make or break them.
These are “linchpin” moments, and in a world deluged with tomes on craft, John Matthew Fox has brought a new angle and fresh insights to the writing conversation.
The Linchpin Writer is divided into three main sections: firsts (paragraphs, description, dialogue), emotions (sorrow, wonder, desire), and endings (chapter, story, character). Each chapter concludes with actionable advice and prompts, and to expand on the ideas, Fox offers a clear pathway to the resources on his blog, where we can take an even deeper dive into the subject matter.
There are insights aplenty for both the neophyte and the seasoned professional, and along with the analysis and breakdown of what works and what doesn’t, Fox proffers stories of his travels and some of the high and low points of his career to deepen the insights and encourage writers to stay the course.
You won’t find detailed instructions on world-building or character development. That’s already been done by hundreds of other writers in thousands of other books, and that’s not the purpose of The Linchpin Writer, anyway, which is precisely what makes it a welcome addition to any bookshelf.
With its excellent guidance on nailing key moments in your novel, clear and concise explanations for each topic, and encouraging tone, The Linchpin Writer is exactly what we writers need: nothing more, nothing less.
The linchpin moment of Fox’s book just might be the final sentence, which is a swift sock to the gut to anyone who calls themselves a writer. But I won’t spoil it here. I’d simply encourage you to pick up a copy of The Linchpin Writer, read it, and answer for yourself.
The Linchpin Writer goes on sale this week. Inside, you'll find the keys to creating memorable moments in your fiction and tips for creating stories that will stay with your readers long after they've finished.
*I was gifted an ARC of this book to review, but this in no way swayed my opinion: an easy 5/5 stars for any writer at whatever point of the journey they might be on.
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Stay tuned, because I have an interview with John posting in the next few days. :)
~Katie~
