MasterClass - David Baldacci Teaches Mystery and Thriller Writing
MasterClass - David Baldacci Teaches Mystery and Thriller Writing
.MP4, AVC, 768x432, 24 fps | English, AAC, 128 kbps, 2 Ch | 3h 46m | + PDF Workbook | 1.51 GB
.MP4, AVC, 768x432, 24 fps | English, AAC, 128 kbps, 2 Ch | 3h 46m | + PDF Workbook | 1.51 GB
With more than 130 million sales worldwide, New York Times–bestselling author David Baldacci has been crafting high-stakes suspense for more than 20 years. His plots and characters blend reality and conspiracy, with stories woven from in-depth research and careful character development.
David has written 38 thrillers so far, several of which have been adapted for film and TV. His novels have been published in more than 45 languages and in more than 80 countries.
In his MasterClass, the prolific novelist teaches you his writing tools, from coming up with ideas to crafting action to weaving together mystery and suspense. Learn David’s techniques for conducting research, structuring your outline and chapters, and writing a novel that keeps readers turning the pages. David walks you through his process for developing characters, crafting action scenes, building tension and suspense, and pacing your novel for maximum impact. Discover how David injects mystery into his suspense, so you can keep readers hooked to the very last page.
In this online class, you’ll learn about:
• Finding writing ideas with potential
• Conducting research, interviewing sources, and developing outlines
• Opening your book with suspense
• Creating a sense of mystery
• Building tension and suspense
• Crafting compelling characters
• How to write dialogue
• How to write better action scenes
• Editing and revising
• Navigating the publishing industry
01. Introduction
Meet your new instructor: David Baldacci, the New York Times–bestselling author of 38 thrillers to date. David starts with an overview of his class and his hope that you’ll overcome any doubts you have about writing.
02. Finding the Idea
You want to write—but how do you find your idea? David walks you through his daily practice of looking at the world through what he calls the “writer’s prism.”
03. Research Methods and Sources, Part 1
Firsthand research brings depth and breadth to your story. David discusses why he recommends visiting locations in person, talking directly to people, and creating a battle plan.
04. Research Methods and Sources, Part 2
Building on the previous lesson, David provides practical tips for finding sources and getting the most out of interviews.
05. Outlining
David shows you how he writes outlines, emphasizing that it is an ever-evolving process.
06. Constructing Chapters
The first chapter of your book should be a touchstone. David talks about how to open with a “big pop” and how to reference that opening in the rest of your chapters.
07. Pacing, Tension, and Suspense
How do you keep readers on the edge of their seats? David shares how he builds suspense, using such strategies as red herrings, plot twists, cliffhangers, and a ticking clock.
08. Creating Compelling Characters
David describes the tools he uses to create compelling characters: Expect your characters to change, allow them to have flaws, and give equal importance to your sidekicks and antagonists.
09. Crafting Dialogue
Become a student of humanity. Learn how to deepen your characters by writing believable dialogue.
10. Writing Action
Action in your story can reveal information about a location, someone’s motivation, and someone’s special skills. David explains how you can use choreography and pacing to maximize the impact of your story’s action.
11. Writing Process
David began writing when he was a full-time lawyer. He encourages you to be creative about making time to write and finding a writing process that works for you.
12. Editing and Revising
David shares his approach to editing and revising his novels, and why he enjoys the process.
13. Working With an Editor
Personal chemistry is critical when it comes to working with an editor. David talks about what to consider when you look for an editor and how to build a real partnership.
14. Navigating the Publishing Business, Part 1
David offers rare insight into the inner workings of the publishing world, including how to find an agent, how to navigate rights, and how to best promote your book.
15. Navigating the Publishing Business, Part 2
Adding to his advice on how to run your own writing career, David explains the importance of forming relationships with both booksellers and fans, and discusses how to use new platforms.
16. Writing a Series
Should you turn your novel into a series? David takes you through the decision-making process.
17. Life as a Writer
David opens up about his journey as a writer, talking about passion, rejection, and how to stay authentic.
18. Follow the Words
David believes the world always needs fresh voices. He offers his final words of encouragement for all aspiring writers.
Meet your new instructor: David Baldacci, the New York Times–bestselling author of 38 thrillers to date. David starts with an overview of his class and his hope that you’ll overcome any doubts you have about writing.
02. Finding the Idea
You want to write—but how do you find your idea? David walks you through his daily practice of looking at the world through what he calls the “writer’s prism.”
03. Research Methods and Sources, Part 1
Firsthand research brings depth and breadth to your story. David discusses why he recommends visiting locations in person, talking directly to people, and creating a battle plan.
04. Research Methods and Sources, Part 2
Building on the previous lesson, David provides practical tips for finding sources and getting the most out of interviews.
05. Outlining
David shows you how he writes outlines, emphasizing that it is an ever-evolving process.
06. Constructing Chapters
The first chapter of your book should be a touchstone. David talks about how to open with a “big pop” and how to reference that opening in the rest of your chapters.
07. Pacing, Tension, and Suspense
How do you keep readers on the edge of their seats? David shares how he builds suspense, using such strategies as red herrings, plot twists, cliffhangers, and a ticking clock.
08. Creating Compelling Characters
David describes the tools he uses to create compelling characters: Expect your characters to change, allow them to have flaws, and give equal importance to your sidekicks and antagonists.
09. Crafting Dialogue
Become a student of humanity. Learn how to deepen your characters by writing believable dialogue.
10. Writing Action
Action in your story can reveal information about a location, someone’s motivation, and someone’s special skills. David explains how you can use choreography and pacing to maximize the impact of your story’s action.
11. Writing Process
David began writing when he was a full-time lawyer. He encourages you to be creative about making time to write and finding a writing process that works for you.
12. Editing and Revising
David shares his approach to editing and revising his novels, and why he enjoys the process.
13. Working With an Editor
Personal chemistry is critical when it comes to working with an editor. David talks about what to consider when you look for an editor and how to build a real partnership.
14. Navigating the Publishing Business, Part 1
David offers rare insight into the inner workings of the publishing world, including how to find an agent, how to navigate rights, and how to best promote your book.
15. Navigating the Publishing Business, Part 2
Adding to his advice on how to run your own writing career, David explains the importance of forming relationships with both booksellers and fans, and discusses how to use new platforms.
16. Writing a Series
Should you turn your novel into a series? David takes you through the decision-making process.
17. Life as a Writer
David opens up about his journey as a writer, talking about passion, rejection, and how to stay authentic.
18. Follow the Words
David believes the world always needs fresh voices. He offers his final words of encouragement for all aspiring writers.
MasterClass - David Baldacci Teaches Mystery and Thriller Writing
