I’m very pleased that tomorrow, March 21, is the official publication date for my new book called Write Your First Novel.
The purpose of this book is to help those who are starting their fiction-writing journey. It teaches the basics and may give some needed help to that struggling writer.
There is a fun backstory as to how this book came about. I quote from the preface:
Many years ago, I was a brand-new editor working for Bethany House Publishers. I had some English composition classes in college but no formal education on how to write fiction. And here I was, as green as one could be, tasked to edit a new novel. It quickly became evident that I needed to start teaching myself the art and craft of fiction.
One of the first books I read on the topic was by a best-selling author, Gilbert Morris. As I devoured the material, the lights kept turning on in my mind. It was quite enlightening (pun intended).
A few years later my boss, Carol Johnson, asked me to do the editorial work on a novel called Through a Glass Darkly written by . . . Gilbert Morris. Our friendship was forged in the fire of editorial scribblings, and he honored me by dedicating the book with these words: “To Steve Laube, who made this one possible.”
After Gilbert passed away, I began thinking of a way not only to continue his legacy but also to present some of my own thoughts that I’d developed over the past thirty years as a teacher at writers conferences and in acquisitions as an editor and a literary agent. Thus began the project you are now reading.
We have paired the best of Gilbert’s book with chapters of my own. The goal here is to help brand-new writers with the basics of the art and craft of fiction. We don’t claim to possess groundbreaking secrets; but inside this slim volume, you will find the foundational building blocks on which all good fiction rests.
By the end, you should have everything needed to write your first novel.
Of course, you can order your copy from Amazon (link), but as of this writing they have not discounted the paperback yet. However, the folks over at ShopTheWord.com have it on sale for 32% off (link). Christianbook.com also has it on sale, if you prefer (link). They also have a nice 10-page slideshow preview where you can see the table of contents and some early pages. (Amazon’s “Look Inside” feature won’t be enabled until the ebook is released.)
Since I’m asked the question so often, I added an appendix titled “What Makes Christian Fiction Christian.” Hope it will add to the conversation.
Below is the wonderful cover designed by Hannah Linder Designs. You’ll also note that Jerry B. Jenkins graciously wrote a foreword. In addition, I was honored to receive eighteen endorsements from some great writers.
I hope this book helps you on your journey!
Fun Fridays – March 17, 2023
Congratulations, Steve!
No longer now a nestling,
its wings are primed for flight,
and now there comes the wrestling
with how to do it right.
This child of your considered nights
and keyboard-tapping days
will this day have name up in lights,
but you must part the haze
that meet recognition
will come on this fresh morn;
it’s up to you, it’s your decision
how a book is born
and the success of your midwifery
will form your life and legacy.
This is great, Steve! I’m mentoring my daughter’s friend right now about writing middle grade/YA novels! I’m excited to get this book. Congrats!!
I first heard about this book on Nadine Brandes’ Instagram. While I’ve already written my first novel (and two novellas and multiple short stories) I’d still love to read this! Will it ever become an audiobook? My brain handles nonfiction better that way, for whatever reason. 🙂
There may be an audiobook at some point. But it would be quite some time before that could be put together properly.
Congratulations, Steve! Looking forward to reading it.
Congratulations, Steve! This is such exciting news. I’ve toyed with writing a book my whole adult life, but I never got past the dream stage. I doubt I ever will, honestly, considering my age and advanced procrastination skills. But I WILL enjoy your book, and—who knows? I wish you the best of God’s blessings and great success.
Congrats, Steve! And thanks for those links. I’ll pick one up for myself and be recommending it to my publisher who is working with a few newbie fiction writers. 🙂
Congratulations, Steve! What a great gift to new writers.
Congratulations! I know someone who will benefit from reading this.
Ordered! Thank goodness for Kindle😁 Congratulations Steve.
I’m not a new writer (6 completed novels filed in my computer) but I believe I can learn from this book and, possibly, make the necessary improvements to take my books from good to publishable. Ordered it today and am eager to learn! Thanks.
I had English classes under Gilbert Morris in college. I can’t wait to read this book. Congratulations!
Barbara,
I’ve met many people who Gilbert mentored in the writing world but I don’t think I’ve run into someone who was in one of his college classes! That is really wonderful.
Steve
Wonderful. I will add it to the resource page on my website. I’m working on my first children’s historical fiction trilogy and look forward to growing in my writing journey.
I can’t wait to get my copy! I’ve had it pre-ordered since you told me about it at ACFW conference. 😀
Congratulations, Steve. That’s awesome! When I saw it was a new book co-authored by Gilbert Morris, my first thought was “I thought he was dead.” I used to devour Morris’s books! It was not immediately obvious how you had co-authored a book with someone in heaven. Thanks for the explanation.