The Plot Thickens

"I can think if countless novels that would have been improved by following The Plot Thickens, which is full of practical common sense about how to write fiction and answers many of the difficult questions first novelists ask themselves."—Michael Korda, author of Making the List

"In his book The First Five Pages, Noah Lukeman, one of the top literary agents in New York, gave writers a gift. Now, in The Plot Thickens, he shows writers how to build stories in which the plot emerges from fresh, alive, and intense characters. Both beginners and more advanced writers will find many wonderful, thought-provoking concepts and approaches here to help them hone their craft."—James Frey, author of How to Write a Damn Good Novel

"Noah Lukeman keeps laserlike focus on the single most important principle of good writing: creating plot through the characters. The Plot Thickens is a pleasure to read and filled with useful information."—John Truby, Truby's Writer's Studio

"Brilliant. The Plot Thickens literally gears a person up to writing big-themed, deep, humorous, and varied fiction. Personable and very wise, The Plot Thickens made me feel wildly buoyed up with that joy that is particular to fiction writing."—Carol Bly, author of Beyond the Writers' Workshop

"The Plot Thickens is a highly useful book that is written in an accessible style and filled with valuable examples."—The Writer

"Lukeman's personable writing style elevates The Plot Thickens from a text on writing to a written version of the mentor you always wished you could have."—The Midwest Review

"A crisply written, nicely detailed examination of the art of storytelling. Beginning writers will find plenty of practical tips and useful advice in its pages."—Booklist

"[Lukeman] wisely asserts that the observations in this volume are applicable to all types of imaginary writing, from film to poetry. Indeed, it is a worthy addition to any narrative writer's reference shelf."—Publishers Weekly