James Scott Bell

It's not every day you bleed to death... Things have started to turn around for Jonathan Curtis. He's out of jail and staying clean. When a car restoration job shows up, it's right in Jonathan's wheelhouse. This could be the first step in his dream of opening his own auto-body shop. A dream that is shattered when the job turns deadly. For Kris Boland, acting is what brought her to L. A. But when she rebuffs the sexual invitation of a top producer, her career begins to head south. Then her friend is arrested for a murder she is sure he did not commit. It's got to be a frame. Or does it? Somehow, Jonathan and Kris find each other in the deadly swirl, becoming the only hope each has of setting things straight before an innocent man is convicted ... or before a killer stops them both.

Type Hard. Type Fast. Make Dough. That was the formula of old-school pulp fiction-plot-driven, popular and gobbled up by a reading public hungry for more. And it produced many writers who hammered out a living selling "cash-and-carry" stories and novels. Some of these writers were among the best America has ever produced. Writers like Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett and John D. MacDonald. Others are numbered among the bestselling authors of all time, including Erle Stanley Gardner, Lester Dent, and Frederick Faust (better known by his pen name, Max Brand). What were the secrets of these successful pulp writers? And how can any writer, of any genre, use them to produce fiction that sells? How to Write Pulp Fiction will teach you: - how to be more prolific - the secrets of pulp plotting- how to elevate your pulp prose- the fiction "formulas" of some of the best pulp writers of all time- the bestselling genres- how to harness the power of the series character- the most effective publishing strategies - how to market your pulp fictionAdded bonus The Start-A-Plot Machine, a brainstorming partner that will help you instantly generate a story or novel idea. You'll never again wonder what to write next. There has never been a better time to be a writer. By tapping into the vibe of the pulp writers of old, and making use of the tools of publication available now, any hard-working writer has a serious shot at realizing steady income from their fiction. "James Scott Bell is my go-to writing guru " - Terri Blackstock, New York Times bestselling writer

She was beautiful and naked and dying... Mike Romeo finds her in the fog, on the beach, staggering around like a drunk. But it's not alcohol that's in her - it's poison. After getting this mysterious woman to the hospital, Romeo figures that's the end of the matter. But it's only the beginning. When the woman goes missing, Romeo is hired by her father to find her. But the trail grows cold, the circumstances strange. The people involved with her are a mix of L. A. odd and downright dangerous. There's a washed-up Hollywood star hoping for a comeback; hired muscle willing to break bones just for the workout; a fight manager with underworld connections; and a strange cult predicting the return of angels to the earth. And some very bad people who want Romeo dead. From the posh beaches of Malibu to the dark corners of L. A.'s fight game, Romeo's Hammer takes you on another thrill ride in the series that New York Times bestselling author Meg Gardiner calls "sharp as a switchblade."

Now, learn the master key for writing great short stories, and the strategies for using them to advance your writing career As most writers will tell you, the hardest fiction form to master is the short story. To be successful, a short story needs to have "emotional wallop," and in under 7,000 words. Not easy to do. In this book, #1 bestselling writing teacher James Scott Bell explains the essential ingredient for a successful short story, no matter the genre. He shows how any writer-whether planner or "pantser"-can use this key to unlock infinite story possibilities. And turn readers into fans. Which is part of the strategy for short story writing today. With the coming of the digital revolution in publishing, short fiction presents possibilities beyond a one-time sale to a literary journal. Writers can use stories to increase discoverability, grow as a writer, generate some side income, and get back in touch with the sheer joy of writing. This book uses examples from the best stories by undisputed masters of the craft, including Ernest Hemingway, Raymond Carver, John O'Hara, John Cheever, Stephen King and Irwin Shaw. In addition, five complete stories are included to show you the master key in action. Once you've been through this book, even once, you'll be well on your way to crafting short stories that readers love-which will build your fan base and boost your long-term writing career.

The keys to success as a writer are yours for the thinking All success begins in the mind. For writers, the mind fuels the imagination and creates stories. But for authors who are productive and resilient, and see a good return on their efforts, there is another factor at work. They are winning the mental game of writing. Successful writers have the ability to inspire themselves to produce consistently, improve systematically, overcome obstacles and keep up a positive mental attitude. In this book, #1 bestselling writing teacher James Scott Bell takes you through the mental landscape of the successful author. He shows you not only how to stay on your game, but how to improve it. He gives you insights, strategies and techniques for blasting through walls and jumping over hurdles, setting you free to concentrate on what you love most - writing. You'll learn how to define true success, formulate goals and plans, find courage and commitment to write, unleash your creativity and write with joy. You'll also be given steps to handle challenges like stress, burnout, envy, expectations and the trap of comparison. In short, you'll learn to get all your mental jets going full blast so your writing can reach new heights "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." - #1 NYT Times Bestselling Author Kami Garcia

There's a way that's right and a way that's deadly. Then there's Romeo's way." I don't want anybody bleeding to death, okay?" I said. "I think your problem is education. There's just no discipline anymore. You have to know there are consequences for bad behavior. Without that, society falls apart." Baton Guy croaked, "I can't breathe.""You just can't go around doing this sort of thing," I said. "It isn't right. Now, one of you is bleeding pretty badly and won't be riding a bike anytime soon. The other one still needs to learn, am I right?""Don't kill us," Knife Guy said. Mike Romeo, the former cage fighter living low in L. A., doesn't look for trouble. He doesn't have to. It comes after him. So when he's hired by a California senatorial campaign to do undercover work, Romeo doesn't have any illusions. Especially when his duty takes him to San Francisco. But as Romeo gets closer to solving the mystery of who is behind the hit job on an honorable man, things heat up in the City by the Bay -- and between Mike and a beautiful political operative. Until a bullet nearly takes him out for good. Now all bets are off. Because if there's one thing Romeo wants, it's justice. And he's going to get it--his way.

Whatever happened to true manliness? It used to be we honored something called the "manly virtues." Things like duty, discipline, sacrifice, honor. These were the virtues of American men, passed down through the generations. Until society started to mock and dismiss them. Now manhood is in crisis. Boys are growing up lost. Young men are confused about how to act. Women are wondering where all the good men have gone. And parents, who want to do the right thing, have scant resources to help them raise virtuous sons. There is a surprising resource waiting for them - the movies of Robert Mitchum. During his lengthy acting career Mitchum took on many iconic roles that embodied true manliness. Watching these films you see how men of a past generation acted in times of crisis. How they treated women and children and marriage and community. And when Mitchum played a heavy, the negative consequences of bad behavior are equally clear. Mitchum's body of work is a visual handbook on what it means to be a real man. In this highly readable book, bestselling author James Scott Bell pulls together essential lessons in manliness from the best Mitchum films. These movies comprise a short course on masculinity for young men, and a teaching opportunity for parents of sons. Watching these films will also bring you hours of viewing pleasure from the golden age of Hollywood - a welcome relief from the mixed messages in movies and TV shows today. In these classic Mitchum films you'll learn what a real man should be and do.

Half intensive craft workshop and half practical advice on building and sustaining a successful writing practice, Live to Write marries craft and technique with encouragement and insider advice. Featuring the best posts written for the Kill Zone blog (a thriller writers' blog that has appeared on WD's 101 Best Websites for Writers multiple times) as well as brand-new material, the book will serve as a guide for all fiction writers on mastering the craft and "keeping at it," no matter what their chosen genre.

A sweeping historical epic about dreams and dreamers, love and lovers, and the glitter factory of Hollywood Two high school kids in small town Nebraska have their dreams. Zee, a minister's daughter, wants to be a movie star. Doyle, the son of a wealthy lawyer, expects to follow in his father's footsteps and practice law. But World War I explodes and changes everyone forever. When Doyle ends up on the battlefields of France, though he performs ably, he comes home disillusioned. Rejecting his parents' pleas to return to school, he finds himself in Los Angeles on the bottom rung of society. Unknown to him, Zee Miller is also in L. A., having run away from her father and the religion of her youth. But a stunning string of events, resulting in a charge of murder, will see their lives intersecting again in a way that may shatter them both.

If you want to stay alive, you better know the rules . . . Natalia Mayne said, "What's the first rule?""Fear nothing," I said." You have any more?""Do unto them before they do unto you.""Really?""And you don't owe the truth to people who lie.""I've never met anybody like you.""I've heard that before." Mike Romeo is an ex-cage fighter living off the grid in L. A. Running from a dark guilt that dogs him, he's finally found a place where he can rest and even heal. Then a church blows up. And with it all of Romeo's hopes to be left alone. When he stops to help an injured woman whose kids are missing, someone decides to put a target on his back. But whoever wants him dead picked the wrong guy. Because Romeo has rules--and he's going to make them stick.

What is the single greatest secret to a breakout writing career? What is it that every agent and editor wants to see, and every reader delights in? It's VOICE. Everyone talks about it, yet no one seems able to define it. Voice has therefore been the most elusive aspect of the entire writing craft to teach. Until now. In this book, #1 bestselling writing teacher James Scott Bell reveals the true source of voice, and what any writer in any genre can do to capture it for their own work. In VOICE: The Secret Power of Great Writing you'll learn: - An actual working definition of voice that is simple yet powerful- Bell's original method for turning that definition into book-length voice power- How to vary voice from genre to genre, book to book- How to enhance voice with emotion, flow, and attitude- How to create vivid word pictures - Exercises to expand your voice and style- Example after example of voice in actionDon't settle for good writing. Go for the unforgettable. The secret of voice will help you get there.

Ty Buchanan thought he was defending a simple DUI... It's Christmas time, and a six-foot-five, 280-pound drunk driver named Carl Richess is stopped on Hollywood Boulevard. He's wearing only a G-String and a Santa hat, and insists his reindeer need to be fed. Ty Buchanan, now defending the down and out, takes the case. But soon this simple DUI becomes something no one saw coming-a homicide. As Ty and his assistant, Sister Mary Veritas, dig deeper, they uncover tentacles of corruption that reach into the citadels of city power. Soon the case catches the attention of the media, putting Ty and everyone else involved in the spotlight. When Sister Mary starts getting threatening e-mails from a cyberstalker, Ty is sure it has something to do with the upcoming trial. He must track down the real killer, and soon. Because somewhere in the dark labyrinth of L. A. is someone who will do anything to keep from being found out, someone who knows how to use the greatest weapon-fear. "Part Michael Connelly and part Raymond Chandler, Bell has an excellent ear for dialogue and makes contemporary L. A. come alive. Deftly plotted, flawlessly executed, and compulsively readable, Bell takes his place among the top authors in the field. Highly recommended." -Sheldon Siegel, New York Times bestselling author

Sell more books and build your career by kicking these blunders to the curb Ever wonder why some books shoot to the top of the bestseller lists? And others that you think should, don't? It's usually a matter of mistakes that could have been avoided #1 bestselling writing coach James Scott Bell has analyzed thousands of manuscripts over the years, by both new and experienced writers, and noticed certain errors that keep showing up to take readers out of the fictive dream. Now he's tackled the biggest offenders and shows you how to fix them. In 27 Fiction Writing Blunders you'll learn: * The biggest reason readers get stuck in your opening pages...and how to unstick them* How to avoid marshmallow dialogue* The simple solution for low stakes* The art of getting into and out of flashbacks* Getting rid of the kind of characters that readers never want to see in your novel* The biggest point-of-view gaffe and how to spot it* How to perform liposuction on flabby scenes* The best way to show what characters think and feelAnd much more Plus, Bell attacks some of the blunders writers can pull on their own careers, including fear, false competition, market ignorance, and the neglected brain. Don't let little mistakes keep you from big success. Eliminate these 27 blunders forever...and sell more books James Scott Bell is the bestselling author of many thrillers and popular books on the writing craft. Visit his website at jamesscottbell.com""James Scott Bell is my go-to writing teacher " - Terri Blackstock, New York Times Bestselling Author of Intervention and Vicious Cycle

She was the woman he was going to marry... A man shoots his young wife to death. He drives to a freeway overpass, gets out, shoots himself, and drops 100 feet to the freeway below, crushing a Toyota Camry. Inside is an elementary school teacher named Jacqueline Dwyer, who dies at the scene. Ty Buchanan is a hotshot lawyer. Jacqueline Dwyer was the woman he was going to marry. Ty goes into a tailspin. And it gets worse when a mysterious man finds him at the funeral and says Jacqueline's death may not have been an accident after all. In fact, she may have been murdered. Now Ty Buchanan will risk everything, including his skyrocketing career, to find out what really happened to the only woman he ever truly loved. That is if he can stay alive. Because someone out there does not want him to know the truth. From the high-rises of the city's most powerful law firms to the mean streets of gangland L. A., Try Dying is a blistering thrill ride in the finest tradition of modern noir. "Bell, an attorney turned prolific novelist, has created in Buchanan an appealing and series-worthy protagonist, and the tale equally balances action and drama, motion and emotion. Readers who pride themselves on figuring out the answers before an author reveals them are in for a surprise, too: Bell is very good at keeping secrets. Fans of thrillers with lawyers as their central characters-John Lescroart and Phillip Margolin, especially-will welcome this new addition to their must-read lists." - Booklist

Story loves structure...and so do readers Super Structure represents over two decades of research on what makes a novel or screenplay entertaining, commercial, original, and irresistible. Contrary to what some may think, structure is not a nasty inhibitor of creativity. Quite the opposite. Properly understood and utilized, structure is what translates story into a form readers are wired to receive it. And it is only when readers truly connect with your story that they turn from casual readers into fans. The material in this book greatly expands upon the chapter on structure in Write Your Novel From the Middle. Super Structure can be considered a companion to that book, but it also stands alone in its treatment of the elements of a solid and pleasing plot. Here's more good news: Super Structure will work for any type of writer--those who like to outline, those who just fly by "the seat of the pants," and those who do a little of both. That's because Super Structure stresses the concept of "signpost scenes." There are fourteen signpost scenes, or beats, that can be used to create an entire plot, the skeleton of an idea, or a map to help you figure out what to write next. Every signpost is given its own chapter and explanation, along with a section called "Helpful Hints for Plotters and Pantsers," showing you how to apply what you've learned and adapt it to your own style of writing. Never write a weak novel or screenplay again. Super Structure is a proven foundation that never fails. It frees you to add your original voice and vision, all of which adds up to bestselling fiction and hit screenplays." 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 NY Times & International Bestselling author