Aristotle for Novelists
Douglas Vigliotti
Genre:
Non-Fiction
Title: Aristotle for Novelists
Author: Douglas Vigliotti
Genre: Non Fiction
Publisher: Slightly Crooked
Published Date: 2024
Book Length: 132
Format Read: Paperback supplied by Love Books Tours in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 4**** I liked it a lot and recommend
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About Book: In many ways, we've been telling the same stories, over and over, for the last 2300 years. This book will show you why, and how you can do it too.
For centuries, dramatic writers have relied on Aristotelian principles to write their stories for the screen and stage—the same stories you stream and watch today. But for the first time ever, the timeless principles from Aristotle’s esteemed Poetics have been adapted for novelists.
With succinct clarity, novelist Douglas Vigliotti shows you exactly how to write a novel using tried-and-true principles that have been used since antiquity to tell great stories. These principles are the foundation on which any story can be written. Whether you are writing your first or tenth novel, Aristotle for Novelists has something to offer any serious writer of fiction. It is both a challenge to writers to simplify their craft and a no-frills, impassioned outcry for novelists everywhere.
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My Thoughts: Aristotle for Novelists is a non-fiction book based on 14 principles of writing a novel. Now, I’m not a novelist myself, but as a prolific reader, I’ve always been curious about how stories are crafted. I also wondered if the lessons from this book could be applied beyond writing fiction—and that curiosity is what drew me to it.
First off, I have to mention the cover design—it’s gorgeous! It hooked me right away. The book itself is well-organised, breaking down each principle into manageable sections. It offers plenty of practical advice, making it a great starting point for anyone embarking on their writing journey. The tone is pragmatic yet sprinkled with humour, which kept me engaged throughout.
One thing I loved is that you don’t have to read it cover to cover in order. You can dip in and out as you like, which makes it feel more like a handy reference guide than a rigid manual. As a reader, I had several lightbulb moments where I found myself nodding along, realising how these principles influence the stories I enjoy. Some ideas were entirely new to me, and I could see how they might apply outside of novel-writing too.
That said, a few chapters felt a bit long for my taste, and I found myself wishing they were more concise. But overall, the layout and content make this a book you can return to again and again, whether for inspiration or a quick refresher.
If you’re a writer—or even just someone curious about the mechanics of storytelling—I think you’d find this book insightful and enjoyable!