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.

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.

Worth the read for aspiring writers

This book makes a lot of sense and it t even delivers more great insights than what the title offers.
Definitely worth reading.

Very Helpful

I’ve purchased Mr. Bell’s books in the past. They have always helped to fine tune my writing. I wasn’t sure this particular book would be worth the time, money or effort. A few months went by and I decided that since his lessons had helped me so much in the past I’d try this. I’m applying it to a few ideas I’ve been pushing aside bc the story didn’t seem emotionally moving or plain entertaining enough. Starting from the middle, using the “golden triangle” and a number of other ideas he passed along in this book turned a few pedestrian plots and characters into good storylines that have pace, change and amazingly a point. Thank you, as always.

The Midpoint: An important insight

Subtracted a point for missing chapter titles, making the audio book less useful as a reference.

About 55% is about the idea regarding the midpoint as a mirror moment, the remainder of the book is about writing a page turner in general.

The information is highly valuable and I enjoyed listening to it. Short and to the point.