For anyone who might be interested, here is a selection of all the unsolicited testimonials I have received here at Novel Writing Help. All of the original emails are kept on file.
If you wish to make your own comment about the site - good or bad - please use this form.
"Here is the equivalent of David Letterman's Top 10 reasons why your site is The Best:
10. Thoughtful and provocative
9. Well researched and organized
8. Thorough and comprehensive
7. User friendly site map
6. Crisply written
5. Chock full of tips & traps
4. Informative not preachy
3. Uses plain English
2. A gem in Cyberspace and---
The number One reason why your site is The Best?
1. It's FREE!!!
Thank you, Harvey."
- Angela Kaan, Canada
"Thanks and kudos on a great and informative website."
- Marilina Tzelepi, Piraeus, Greece
"You are an amazing person! Thank you for this fantastic site...Keep doing what you're doing and God Bless You for it."
- Alina, NJ
"Your site is fantastic! You are helping much more than so many of the lengthy how-to books that are not clear about a number of issues."
- Dan, Chicago
"I'm amazed with your "hands-on" approach with novel writing. In a nutshell, your specific revelations and hand-holding ways are so counter to the approach used in so many textbooks, like the ones used in MFA creative writing programs. I almost wonder if that's because they expect you to struggle and figure it out on your own just like they had to."
- Krishna Satya
"I just wanted to say thank you for this website. It's so awesome that you would put this information for anyone to read for free...just wanted you to know what a cool thing you've done!"
- Emily Ferguson, Salisbury NC
"Thank you so much for making these articles free! They have helped me understand what exactly I should do to write a novel. Now all I have to do is start writing!"
- Spencer, Oregon
"What an amazing site! Thanks so much for your enormous efforts. I am relishing every detail and will share this find with others."
- Jodi O. James, New Jersey
"Just wanted to say thanks for putting such a comprehensive and "down-to-earth" site on writing in general. Kudos, my friend, from one writer to another! I have been putting together such a site myself now for a while and had put in more than a few hours writing the content, but after seeing your site...well, there is no point now...you have said all there is to be said and done so in a such a way that there really isn't any need for another site like it in my humble opinion."
- Dan Corkery, Ireland
"Fantastic site! I'm only 17 but I'm a writer aspiring to get published in the future. I've not yet had time to explore all your articles - clearly you have quite a few, and comprehensive ones at that - but I sure plan to!"
- Caroline, Ohio
"Thank you so much for pouring your heart into this website. You have inspired me to take a persistent idea for a novel that keeps hounding me and run with it. You've helped me believe in my writing ability and in the worthwhile experience of writing fiction. I think those two inspirations may be the biggest gift of your website, as helpful as your structured steps and advice are."
- Scott Jennings, Virginia, US
"I have looked all over the net and flipped through various novel writing sites and I was so happy to find you! Everything I needed to know is here and the amount of knowledge you gathered over the years is nothing short of amazing! Thank you for helping me on my first novel and pointing me in the proper direction. I do not think I would have done it without your help. I am now well on my way and I must say it is the most satisfying hobby almost anyone can learn, especially with help from this site. Thanks Again!"
- Tommaso Petrella, Hamilton, Ontario
"Hey Man! Fantastic sharing of knowledge...really appreciate you providing these details."
- Venkat, San Francisco
"Harvey, you are awesome! Thank you for the free, public education. Your clearly outlined steps and laid-back explanations are just right. You are giving my dream a foothold."
- Bonnie, Maine, USA
"I am writing a novel for my MFA thesis and came upon your site. I was looking for a discussion on the balance between narrative and dialogue, but I got a great deal more than that. It's BRILLIANT! Thanks for your terrific site."
- Valerie Harbolovic, Chicago
"I just wanted to say thank you so much...I have been having so many fustrations and complications and the site keeps me sane and organized better. Seriously, keep up the good work, because you don't have to do this....you didnt even have to do it for FREE but you did and i admire that. I will never forget how this site has helped me so much. Thank You"
- David, Philadelphia
"Hello! I just found your site and found it most informative. I will utilize it as a source of great information. Thank you for doing this."
- Wade Bissell, Washington State, USA
"I am blown away by your insight and your accessible way of explaining the basic. I stumbled upon you and just want to say THANK YOU. I am adapting a situation comedy (based on a real life story) to a novel and have been asked to write one or two chapters. I could write 1000 pages but do not know ANYTHING about structure and your advice is beyond anything I could have hoped for."
- Linda Saetre, New York and Norway
"Dear Harvey - I've read quite a few "How to Write A ..." books and, boy-oh-boy, yours is best! Thanks SO much for writing it...it pulled me out of my self-indulgent lethargy and has me back on track. Thanks!"
- Morven Hands, UK
"Having used various helpful tips on your website, I just wanted to drop you a line and say how useful it is. Out of all the websites I have trawled through this one is definitely the best. So thank you!"
- Melanie Ellis, Munich
"Thank you very much for this site. Although I am extremely well read, thus knowing things intuitively, your guide has really helped me polish my book."
- J. R. Ballard, US
"I have been to many writing sites, but yours is the best. With your instruction techniques, you have given me the inspiration and help that I have been searching for in order to begin my novel writing journey. Thank you so much."
- Judy Duckworth, Long Beach, CA
"Same story as most. After a year of preparation, I am almost ready to start my first novel. Your website has helped answer some of the questions I could not find answers for. Keep it up and don't stop."
- Shawn Poirier, Ottawa, Canada
"I found your site while researching how to plot a novel. I have been amazed at how thorough yet concise, practical and ENCOURAGING it is. I am a writer. I always have been and will never cease to be. Thank you for the tools and the push."
- Amanda, Maine
"Thank you for your site!! I had no idea what I wrote was mainstream fiction. Now I know why I've been turned down by agents. Thanks again."
- Michael Duane, S.California
"I have seen soooo many writing sites yet this one never ceases to be my favourite by far!"
- Juanita-Marie, London, England
"Hi. I just wanted to say that the advice on this website about novel writing is really helpful...I'm writing my first novel and it's in the English language and the tips helped me greatly. Thankyou very much."
- Nahla, Egypt
"Wow! Great! I love this site, and I recommend it to anyone writing a novel!"
- Eva, London
"With all the trash on the internet, I appreciate that there are a couple of legitimate writers out there willing to share their expertise. Thanks."
- Joey Przymus, Connecticut
"I love your website. It's like my second Bible :)"
- Teresa Dolezal, Michigan
"Hi there. I have just come across your website and would like to tell you that finally I have found a writing help page that helps! Well done. Your advice is fantastic and very helpful, keep up the great work!"
- Jodi, Adelaide, South Australia
"I am busy with my third novel, the other two never got finished. Your site seems very straightforward and full of easy stuff. I have bought loads of books and software and none of it seems to help. Thanks."
- Lynne, Caerphilly, South Wales
"First off, I truly LOVE your site. I wish to thank you so much for the time and effort that you have put into it for those of us who are learning creative writing and how to write a novel. Not everyone is meant to be a teacher - you sir, most definitely are. I find your site not only clear and concise but truly, deeply helpful."
- Mel, NY, USA
"After a number of years of thinking about writing my first novel, I'm finally starting. Problem is, I don't know where to start. Read through books, websites, looked for training courses. Now finally I've found your site. Can't wait to put my bum on the chair and start writing."
- Monya Vermaak, South Africa
"Harvey, this is the best ever writers' site I have been to and everything I could possibly need and want is all on one complete site. I don't have to deal with conflicting information, and your Ultimate Guide is a great add-on for writers so they don't have to buy many different books."
- Rebecca Anne Dillon, Wolverhampton, UK
"Great job on the website. It's my new favorite on novel writing."
- Bob Schellenberg, USA
"I love your website! I am bookmarking it and will return often. I've started 8 or 9 novels and haven't stuck with one yet...you are inspiring me to finish one, so thank you."
- William, USA
"...after reading several pages of your web site, I decided to call you 'Friend'. I'm writing just to congratulate you for you great work!"
- Charlles Nunes, Brazil
"There is a lot of great information here! Thank you for sharing."
- Misty Stone, USA
"Hello! I just wanted to thank you for creating such a wonderful site! I'm glad I found it. :)"
- Rachel
"I've just skimmed over your site, but I will be a daily visitor; it looks great."
- Michael Richards
"Your website is the most straightforward site I have visited on novel writing. I like its clarity and voice...Thanks for the motivation to get going on this project."
- John Lund, BC, Canada
"Hey! I saw your site on LASR. Thanks for the help! I am a published author, but still very green behind the ears."
- Jennifer
"I'm interested to learn with you. your ideas are great for a beginner."
- Belarbi
"This is just to tell you that I liked the uncluttered layout of your site...so easy on the eyes and a pleasure to read."
- Noel
"I am just beginning to write a novel (hopefully the first of many) and am one of those jump-right-in kind of people. I got stuck on my first paragraph and, needless to say, had to revise my strategy. Your tips and help on planning have been of invaluable help. I will probably reread your site until I have it memorised and then read some more. Keep up the good work."
- Barend, South Africa
"I like this site very much! I will recommend it to new writers."
- Barbara
"Hi Harvey. I look forward to using your e-book to continue my novel writing. I'm reading the section on plotting and it's great. Simple and to the point. Best of luck in any future efforts to help all the struggling writers out there! Your talents are sorely needed."
- Loren E. Pedersen
"Hello Harvey. I hope you don't mind my writing to you, but I wanted to tell you how interesting and useful I am finding your site. When I first started writing novels, without exaggeration, I would have bought 50-60 books. Except for very specialised reference books, none was as useful as yours. And it's still early days."
- Ray Walsh, Australia
"Thank you so much for sharing. I almost wanted to give up writing until i stumbled on your website."
- Abigail, Nigeria
"I just found your guide online and for the first time since I decided that I wanted to write a novel, I felt real hope. Writing has always been a hobby of mine but now I believe I might actually be able to write something someone else would want to read."
- Michelle Barnes, Verona, MO
"Thanks to your writing guide, I'm well on the way to writing my first novel. It is written in a way that can be easily understood, and clearly outlines the important information needed."
- John Romia, Australia
"I think your site is very expert and extremely useful."
- Rebecca Mansell
"I discovered your site in the later stages of writing my first novel. Never have the words 'better late than never' rang more true. The onerous stage of polish, review and rewrite have been made easier, and dare I say, almost enjoyable, with a little help from my new friend. I consult your pages every day as part of my writing warm up and it always helps. Many, many, thanks."
- Maureen Ross, UK
"Thanks for your great information."
- Erik
"This is a great website. The "writer" (I am assuming is you) does a great job of becoming the reader's "friend". I feel like your friend now!"
- Raquel
"I am writing a memoir which I want to read like a novel and found your writing advice very useful. Thank you for so generously sharing..."
- Yasmin Azad
"I think you should be commended for a) your willingness to share your knowledge with new writers (like me) and experienced ones and b) do so for free! Not many people would share their knowledge for free...I find your website extremely informative and very helpful!! Your website literally takes one through the steps!! So yes, I will be using this website as my reference while I write my first book ....then hopefully go on Oprah!"
- Patricia, Canada
"Wow! All I can say is Wow! I've been reading your website in detail for the last two and half to three hours and I've learned more in that short time than many of the half day classes I've attended. I mean, already some of the points you made, especially in the characterization sections, have prompted new insights how to flesh out my main character. Even though I love my main character - I created him after all - he was still kind of a cardboard cut-out to me. Already you've jumped started the creative juices....so thanks a million!"
- Terry Adcock, Bethseda, MD, USA
"Thnx for the website."
- Mohsien, South Africa
"I've found so many "How to Write" sites from so many places, I can't even begin to tell you! I have found a lot of useful tips on your site and wanted to wish you luck on your current project! Thanks for the site!"
- Kerstin
"I would like to thank you for the greatest writing website that has ever been created, and your work work over the last 12 months has helped me to improve my writing skills as a future novelist. In all honestly if I am ever to write a published novel it will be because of this website of yours."
- Anthony Jury, Australia
"I am so glad I found your website, Thank you so very much for that."
- Karen Rule
"From one daydreaming incurable romantic to another, thank you."
- George F. Montgomery, Waterford, MI
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