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David Morrell has been a successful novelist for more than forty years, an eternity when many literary careers end after twenty years. His debut novel FIRST BLOOD introduced the character of Rambo, an international icon that became the basis for a blockbuster movie franchise. His classic espionage novel THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE ROSE was the basis for the only television miniseries to be broadcast after a Super Bowl. An Edgar, Anthony, and Macavity nominee, David received three Bram Stoker awards and the prestigious thriller master award from International Thriller Writers, among other honors. During his numerous decades in the publishing world, David has seen vast changes, and yet the principles of effective fiction writing remain the same. Using a conversational tone that will make you think he is actually speaking to you, he describes every facet of writing fiction, including the all-important “Why do you want to do something this insane?” His chapters about description and dialogue will instantly improve your writing. His discussions about the business of writing and the world of Hollywood will give you a rare insider’s look behind closed doors. His advice about how to get published and about self-publishing will help you chart your course. But The Successful Novelist is more than a how-to book. It will teach you about yourself as well as about your writing. It will help you find your own unique voice and subject matter, the essential elements of a long, successful career. Praise for THE SUCCESSFUL NOVELIST “This is the best guidebook to both writing and the business of writing that I’ve ever read.” —Peter Straub, New York Times bestselling author of Ghost Story “I found the acute observations and [David Morrell’s] narrative philosophy more valuable for the new writer than the contents of any 100 other texts.” —Dean Koontz, New York Times bestselling author of Innocence “If this book had been available when I started writing, I could have saved myself some miles, some heartache, and a lot of typewriter ribbons. The Successful Novelist is the vehicle you want if you plan to drive your way to successful fiction.” —Joe R. Lansdale, New York Times bestselling author of Edge of Dark Water “David Morrell’s not just a fine writer; he’s also a great and generous teacher. This book’s a keeper.” —Lawrence Block, New York Times bestselling author of A Walk among the Tombstones “David Morrell isn’t just one of the best thriller writers out there; he’s one of the finest writers alive today. A preeminent novelist as well as storyteller.” —Providence Journal