I just finished rereading Martin Cruz Smith's novel set in pre world war two Japan. "December Sixth" is a novel writing workshop in a few hundred pages. Aside from being an excellent read, this book is a how-to on just about every aspect of novel writing. From showing how all the sub-plots must connect to the main character, to making an unsympathetic protagonist endear himself to the reader, this author has done that and more. And though it was probably not his intent, he makes me want to rush to the computer for a go at my own writing.
You may have guessed I like this writer and you would be right. Gorky Park, Red Square, Rose, and Havana Bay are a few of his books. Havana Bay and Rose won the Hammett Award. The author writes characters to root for and plots to keep the pages turning.
Try one of Mr. Smith's books, you will learn something about writing.
