From bestselling author Ally Carter, the definitive guide to writing a novel for the NaNoWriMo generation, including helpful tips from other YA stars. Have you always wanted to write a book, but don't know where to start? Or maybe you're really great at writing the first few chapters . . . but you never quite make it to the end? Or do you finally have a finished manuscript, but you're not sure what to do next? Fear not - - if you have writing-related questions, this book has answers! Whether you're writing for fun or to build a career, bestselling author Ally Carter is ready to help you make your work shine. With honesty, encouragement, and humor, Ally's here to answer the questions that writers struggle with the most. Filled with practical tips and helpful advice, Dear Ally is a treasure for aspiring writers at any stage of their careers. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at how books get made, from idea to publication, and gives you insight into the writing processes of some of the biggest and most talented YA authors today. With contributions from Jesse Andrews, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Holly Black, Sarah Rees Brennan, Z Brewer, Rachel Caine, Soman Chainani, Cassandra Clare, Dhonielle Clayton, Jay Coles, Zoraida Córdova, Melissa de la Cruz, Elizabeth Eulberg, Christina Diaz Gonzalez, Alan Gratz, Shannon Hale, Kody Keplinger, Gordon Korman, David Levithan, Alex London, Marie Lu, Marissa Meyer, Julie Murphy, Daniel José Older, Stephanie Perkins, Carrie Ryan, Eliot Schrefer, Maggie Stiefvater, and Kiersten White, Dear Ally is a must-read for anyone who has ever asked the question "How do you write a book?"