Frey lays out the basics here: character, conflict, and climax. He also looks at premise, viewpoint, and dialogue. Chapter 4 includes a section on the stepsheet, a useful technique for planning your story. The final chapter, "The Zen of Novel Writing," discusses the mindset necessary for the art. If you are a new writer, this book is a great place to start.
Written in a clear, crisp, accessible style, this book is perfect for beginners as well as professional writers who need a crash course in the down-to-earth basics of storytelling. Talent and inspiration can’t be taught, but Frey does provide scores of helpful suggestions and sensible rules and principles.
An international bestseller, How to Write a Damn Good Novel will enable all writers to face that intimidating first page, keep them on track when they falter, and help them recognize, analyze, and correct the problems in their own work.