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  • Write Your Novel From The Middle: A New Approach for Plotters, Pantsers and Everyone in Between (Bell on Writing)

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Write Your Novel From The Middle: A New Approach for Plotters, Pantsers and Everyone in Between (Bell on Writing) Kindle Edition

by James Scott Bell (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars (2,069)

"This book revolutionized my writing! I use it for every novel I write. Highly recommended!" — Colleen Coble, USA Today Bestselling Author

The reviews are in! See what thousands of writers have discovered in this ground-breaking approach to writing a novel:

"I love, love, love this book. It's to the point and explains things in a way that anyone can understand." – K. A.

"The best book for organizing your thoughts and getting from A to Z without freaking out." – S. K.

"This book, more than any other, brought to me the insight of what happens in the middle of a story." – L. W.

A powerful secret and a fresh approach to writing fiction that sells!

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.

"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 NYT Times & International Bestselling author

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  1. Part of series
    Bell on Writing
  2. Print length
    90 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    February 23, 2014
  6. File size
    557 KB
  7. Page Flip
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  8. Word Wise
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From the Publisher

Jenkins

Garcia

Sarah

Blackstock

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I needed advice before I tried to write a novel. The usual axiom — write what you know — wasn't helpful. So I turned to James Scott Bell. He taught me how to structure a great entrance — the equivalent of gliding down a spiral staircase in a wedding gown — and how to keep the next 400 pages from becoming as hopelessly tangled as the crumpled papers and wads of gum in my old desk. My novel sold." - Sarah Pekkanen, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"James Scott Bell is a master of writing craft with the rare ability to teach others, through his books and workshops. Rather than framing writing ability as gift bestowed upon a chosen few, Jim makes it accessible to anyone who is willing to dig deep and put in the time to learn the craft. I have learned more from Jim's books than any writing course, and this book is no exception. As a former teacher turned novelist, I know how to spot a talented teacher when I see one. James Scott Bell doesn't just make the cut, he sets the standard." — Kami Garcia, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"Time well spent. I expect Jim's teaching to inform my writing for years." - Jerry B. Jenkins, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"James Scott Bell is my go-to writing guru!" — Terri Blackstock, New York Times bestselling writer

"I am inspired by Bell's enthusiastic approach, and impressed with his numerous, helpful insights into the craft of storytelling." - Bill Marsilii, screenwriter, Deja vu

From the Author

Dear Writer: When I discovered the "mirror moment" it was like fireworks going off in my head. It immediately took front row center in the drafting of my own work. Then I started teaching it in workshops, and the fireworks went off there, too.

It was so gratifying to hear writer after writer tell me this was revolutionary for them. In one workshop a fellow was trying to form a mirror moment for his Lead, and it wasn't working. We discussed it then and there, and found out that he was resisting the moment that was trying to get out, because he thought it would make the reader not like the character. When I prompted him to go there, he did, and then read it out loud to the class. There was an audible gasp from the room, with several people going "Wow!" and "That's it!" His big fear had just turned into his huge breakthrough. When I asked for a show of hands how many now wanted to read his book now, all the hands went up.

I share this only because I've spent almost 30 years helping writers get better at their craft. I believe in paying it forward. When something works, I want writers to know about it. This book is written in that spirit.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00IMIXI6U
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Compendium Press
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 23, 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 557 KB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 90 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Part of series ‏ : ‎ Bell on Writing
  • Best Sellers Rank: #111,653 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars (2,069)

About the author

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James Scott Bell

James Scott Bell

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For notifications and deals about JSB's new releases, sign up for his occasional update at www.jamesscottbell.com and look for the FREE BOOK page. Your mail box will never be overstuffed nor will your address be shared with anyone else.

JAMES SCOTT BELL is a winner of the International Thriller Writers Award and the author of many bestselling thrillers. He is a popular writing instructor and conference speaker, and formerly served as the fiction columnist for Writer's Digest magazine. Jim attended the University of California, Santa Barbara where he studied writing with Raymond Carver, and graduated with honors from the University of Southern California Law School. He lives and writes in L.A. and blogs weekly at Kill Zone -- www.killzoneblog.com

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
2,069 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find this writing book insightful, loaded with good information, and appreciate its innovative approach to storytelling. The book is easy to understand, with clear explanations and examples, and customers particularly value how it offers excellent ideas on creating story structure. They like its short length and consider it a steal at $2.99, while appreciating how it forces them to consider more creative approaches to their work.
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386 customers mention content, 375 positive, 11 negative
Customers find the book insightful and loaded with good information.
Great book. It actually provided me with simple, yet specific action items to improve the project I'm currently working on.Read more
...I’ve read several, are all well-written, easy to understand, and HELPFUL....Read more
Lots of good things to keep in mind. Very helpfulRead more
Good book, fast read, lots of good ideas or at least reminders. This is a book that "worked," for me on a couple of levels....Read more
169 customers mention writing style, 163 positive, 6 negative
Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, describing it as a practical piece of expertise that presents an entirely new approach to writing.
"Write Your Novel from the Middle" is simply put, one of the best writing books I've ever read. Why is it so great? Several reasons: 1....Read more
Concise, well-written, and to the point. Very easy to read and understand, with examples from film and literature....Read more
...They have all been well written, informative, and helpful for an author wannabe like me. I have read all of them 2 or 3 times....Read more
...A must read for writers.Read more
167 customers mention readability, 164 positive, 3 negative
Customers find the book easy to understand and appreciate its quick-read format, with one customer noting how it clearly lays out the writing process.
...It's a quick read with a few tips for discipline in writing at the end and a short synopsis of plot points with cute titles like "Kick in the...Read more
...I found the book informative with plenty of examples. It was easy to understand and didn't overload me with where to start. His approach fit for me.Read more
...This methodology promises to work for both camps. In a simple, easy to follow manner, James Scott Bell explains how to achieve the...Read more
...like to see more examples of how the method can be used but still a great read....Read more
96 customers mention plot, 96 positive, 0 negative
Customers praise the book's approach to story structure, highlighting its excellent ideas on creating narrative arcs and explaining the pivotal moment in a narrative.
I really liked the premise of the book, but James Scott Bell has written a lot of the intro to writing books, and except for the chapters dealing...Read more
Offers excellent ideas on creating story structure without losing your creative edge.Read more
Short, but concise. Great for making the plot of your novel stronger.Read more
...First write a great ending then make that ending come true....Read more
90 customers mention clarity, 88 positive, 2 negative
Customers find the book's approach clear and logical, with well-explained concepts and structure, and one customer mentions the helpful charts that assist in understanding the material.
...Concise, helpful and to the point, James Scott Bell has written another writer's reference book that is a permanent keeper on the e-book shelf.Read more
Doesn't waste your time, but gets right to the point. Clear, engaging, and actionable. Best novel writing advice I've read to date.Read more
...It makes perfect sense and I appreciated the way J.S. Bell shares this with new or 'well down the track writers'.Read more
...Easy to understand, and makes so much sense, I will get the rest of his books too.Read more
83 customers mention concept, 82 positive, 1 negative
Customers appreciate the book's concept, describing it as a powerful and interesting approach that presents ideas simply. One customer notes how it forces readers to consider more creative approaches, while another mentions how their ideas began churning as they read.
...It's another of his great ideas, and made my look at my manuscript in a new way.Read more
Overall it's an interesting concept and I learned quite a bit, but I actually bought "Just Write" by the same author before purchasing this book and...Read more
...This is not a "new approach" book as advertised. It's an interesting idea, writing from the middle. Too bad it was never fleshed out.Read more
Excellent concept. But you'll need other concepts to make the author's concept work....Read more
78 customers mention length, 56 positive, 22 negative
Customers appreciate that the book is short.
I recommend this book all the time to my editing clients. Short and sweet, Bell makes it easy to grasp and apply the concept of mapping your story...Read more
...It is a short book that can be read in one sitting, which is what I did, but it is worth the price....Read more
It’s a worthwhile read for any storytellers, but it’s very short. Fast and/or ambitious readers could easily finish it in a day....Read more
...Not only which, the book is short, concise, easy to read and filled with examples....Read more
47 customers mention value for money, 43 positive, 4 negative
Customers find the book worth the money, describing it as a steal at $2.99, with one customer noting it saves wasted effort.
...that can be read in one sitting, which is what I did, but it is worth the price. I easily understood exactly what the author meant....Read more
...very short and to the point, but it fulfills its purpose and is worth every penny.Read more
...Plus, JSB includes 5 extra tips that were worth the price of the book by themselves. A must read for all serious writers.Read more
...from an expert writing coach (and actual published author) is well worth the $2.99....Read more
There It Was!
5 out of 5 stars
There It Was!
A good, short read with helpful examples and suggestions. I opened my just-published novel to the exact center and discovered exactly what Mr. Bell was talking about, so I guess I can't argue with him. Certainly something to use as I continue on in the novel-writing adventure.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • WSnow
    5.0 out of 5 stars This book can transform how you write your novels
    Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2026
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Write Your Novel from the Middle is one of the most useful books about writing I have encountered in my 40-plus years of reading these. It gives a blueprint for developing your story -- as a plotter, a pantser, or a 'tweener. Not only which, the book is short, concise, easy to read and filled with examples. The book also explains WHY it is so valuable to focus on the middle-point = the moment when the protagonist faces either themself or their situation and wonders either, "What kind of person am I?" or "Do I have what it takes to overcome these impossible obstacles?" (Or both!) I would put this in my top-ten MUST READs for writers of all genres and experience levels.
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  • Cora L. Foerstner
    4.0 out of 5 stars A short book with a ton of valuable information
    Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Yesterday I received an email from Amazon asking me how many stars I’d give James Scott Bell’s book Write Your Novel from the Middle. That’s when I realized I had read his book several months ago, and although I’d planned to review it, I hadn’t. So, here goes . . .

    I have a few books about writing that I love, and so far every book I’ve read by Bell falls into that category, and this one isn’t an exception.

    Although I didn’t think writing a novel from the middle sounded very promising, I decided to give it a try.

    This is a short book, but there’s a ton of valuable information. It’s practical, down-to-earth, and eye-opening.
    Because so many writing teachers talk about the midpoint of books being important, Bell got curious and did some research. He discovered that teachers didn’t agree about what happens in the middle. Plus, definitions and explanations about the mid-point were vague and fizzy.

    Here what he says:

    “In researching the topic, I discovered there was no agreement on what the midpoint was supposed to do. So I took some of my favorite movies and books and went right to the smack-dab middles and rooted around. What was going on here?”

    “What I found literally knocked my socks off. (Yes, I actually had to go around my house picking up my socks, so revelatory was this).”
    And, did I mention that he’s funny?

    What he discovered was not a scene, or a turning point, or a big reveal, but a moment. An important moment that he calls “the mirror moment.” It’s a moment when the lead character metaphorically looks in the mirror and confronts something in his life.

    Yep, that’s all I’m going to say because you should read the book. He’s going to explain everything far better than I can in a short blog post.
    I will add this: this midpoint is important because everything hangs in the balance for the lead and the story can go in different directions from this point onward. If you figure out your midpoint, that knowledge helps you write the beginning and the end.

    Okay, before you writers who love outlines start shaking your fingers that those who hate outlines and extolling the virtue of outlines, let me add this:

    One of the cool things about this book is Bell gives both groups and those in between strategies on how to use the mirror moment. One of the things I like about Bell’s books is that he realizes writers work in different ways. His books always have a little advice for plotters and non-plotters.

    This is a short book overflowing with excellent information and strategies that might just knock your socks off. I found it easy to read and full of excellent advice. I read it twice, a fast read and a slower second read, taking my time to digest what he had to say.
    12 people found this helpful
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  • The Write Edge
    5.0 out of 5 stars Bell writes another winner; definitely get this one!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2014
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Those of you who have followed my reading list know how much I thoroughly enjoyed Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell. When I found out through another writer’s blog that he had a new book planned, I didn’t hesitate. I bought it right away.

    Normally when I read a book for The Workshop, I make notes along the way. But I didn’t do that with this book. I literally didn’t have time to make notes. But I really didn’t need to jot anything down either.

    At a slim 84 pages, Bell has condensed a key component of writing into a succinct volume. You’d think 84 pages might lack a little bit of meat, but you’d have to read the book to understand the depth of Bell’s experience and his willingness to help writers. I didn’t need to make notes because he presents his one main idea to writers, gives some examples to back it up, and then leaves it up to the writer reader to do the work.

    Simple, right? It is. And brilliant, really.

    (Disclaimer: any mistakes in quotes are my own. Unless noted, all italics come from the original book.)

    Bell builds his entire book on a single premise: the mirror moment.

    “At any stage of your writing you can ask yourself what the Mirror Moment in your story might be. This is the most crucial thing to know, because this is what your story is really all about.”

    He’s referring to the middle of the story you’re writing—literally. To test his theory before writing the book, he took several of his favorite books and opened them to the middle. He read the pages of the books in and immediately around their midpoints and found an amazing thing: the midpoint of the books formed the exact moment where the major change in story takes place.

    “Once you know what the moment is, you can truly write from the middle. Because now you know what sort of transformation happens at the end…”

    Give it a little thought, and it completely makes sense. Just decide what you want your story’s big moment to be—that moment, to complete the analogy, when your protagonist looks in the figurative (or literal if you like) mirror and realizes what the whole journey finally means—and after deciding on that moment, plan your book around it. Or, if you’re a pantser, write around it and see how the story unfolds.

    In true form, however, Bell gives writers instruction on how to accomplish the before and after of the mirror moment. He talks about building the pre-story psychology of the characters and then also what he calls the “transformative visual.”

    “Transformation is about change, and change needs to be proven. Change does involve an inner realization. But then, to prove itself, it must work outward in a visual form.”

    The most interesting aspect of the book comes in the fact that Bell acknowledges plotters, pantsers, and in-between writers. That is, he uses his techniques to teach writers who love to outline the minutia of their stories, those who don’t plan a single word until they start typing, and those who do a combination. Despite what people in each of these groups might think, they can all use Bell’s techniques and he shows each group how to do it well.

    I loved this book and know I’ll go back to it again and again. The singular concept might appear simple on the surface, but its depth will certainly provide readers with the tools needed to write a story full of impact. I’ve already bought Bell’s book on self-editing and can’t wait to jump into it.

    I highly recommend Bell’s Write Your Novel From the Middle for all writers no matter how much experience you have or how far you’ve gotten in your story. It’s definitely a keeper and worth re-reading.
    6 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars I'm going to use the methods taught in this book. Worth the buy
    Reviewed in Canada on November 1, 2018
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    its basically the length of a small novella. i was shocked by how thin (and therefore short) it was when i first got it in the mail. However, the information expressed is both very valuable and easily understandable. Bell sets out a method for approaching noel writing that is either rare or perhaps - dare I to suggest - unique. And as near as I can tell, his method makes a lot of sense.
    As with any writing process, not everyone is going to love it. However, if you do use this method, I feel it will deliver for you every time.
    The main purpose of this process is to give you a mid point in your novel that is well written/not boring. While this means his book is more for beginners, I'd highly recommend it to a writer at any stage of experience.

    Would recommend. Would buy again (if anything happened to my current copy. This ones a keeper)
    Report
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars smart way to begin your novel writing
    Reviewed in France on March 16, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I had never thought writing a novel this way, but it is really brilliant, it's easy to follow and in case you are mostly a pantser so you hate schemes etc it guides you with confidence. Easy to read book with the familiar style of J.S.Bell.
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  • ML
    5.0 out of 5 stars Short and sharp
    Reviewed in Australia on July 29, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I love this author’s tips on writing; he’s always clear, concise and practical. (I listened to his writing course on Audible, which is an excellent resource.) I loved the breakdown of Big Red’s Daughter at the end of this book as extra tips to consider.
    If you are a complete beginner at writing this book will offer enough info to get you started, with lots of gold to work on for your own book. If you want more depth, I would recommend his other books.
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  • Anon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful resource
    Reviewed in Germany on April 9, 2026
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Helpful resource
    Report
  • ADS
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent guide for plotting
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 8, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I don't usually buy books on "writing" but was intrigued enough by the title of this one and the reputation of its author to give it a try. James Scott Bell doesn't disappoint with this new approach to plotting a better book. Write Your Novel From the Middle is an excellent, short, and easy to read guide that will have you thinking in ways you have never done before when it comes to structuring your novel. Mr.Bell's passion for understanding and teaching great novel writing is also evident in this guide. I thoroughly recommend this book for all authors! And at 72 pages, it doesn't take you long to get through it.
    Report
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