MasterClass

James Patterson Teaches Writing

James Patterson, the author of 19 consecutive No. 1 New York Times bestsellers, reveals his tricks of the trade for the very first time. In this course, he guides you through every part of the book writing process.

Where to Watch James Patterson Teaches Writing

22 Episodes

Introduction
E1
IntroductionYour instructor, James Patterson—currently the best-selling author in the world—lets you know what he has planned for your class and what you'll need to learn to start writing your own best-sellers.
Passion + Habit
E2
Passion + HabitGetting into the proper mindset is an essential first step to writing a best-seller. This lesson explores James's secrets for staying focused, productive, and motivated.
Raw Ideas
E3
Raw IdeasHow do you recognize a great idea? How do you figure out if it's worthy of your effort? James spells out the techniques he uses to generate his ideas and then separate the good ones from the less compelling ones.
Plot
E4
PlotWith the right plot, your reader won't be able to stop turning the pages. In this lesson, James measures out his unique approach to developing plot lines that keep readers wanting more.
Research
E5
ResearchFor James, conducting in-depth research not only makes his writing better, it also boosts his credibility with his readers. Find out when and how James conducts his research and how he incorporates it into his writing in a thoughtful way.
Outlines: Part 1
E6
Outlines: Part 1James' secret weapon is a comprehensive outline. Learn how he sets himself up for a fast and successful first draft. No matter what, don't skip this lesson!
Outlines: Part 2
E7
Outlines: Part 2James has never shown the outline for his best-seller Honeymoon to anyone (not even his publisher) until now. Follow along with the outline provided in your Class Workbook as James further explains his process.
Writer's Block
E8
Writer's BlockEven when you've written as many books as James has (76 best sellers and counting), there's still nothing scarier than staring at the blank page. Here's how to conquer those fears.
Creating Characters
E9
Creating CharactersFrom Alex Cross to Michael Bennett, James has mastered the art of creating complex and memorable characters. Hero to villain, learn how to make your character stay with your reader well beyond the last page.
First Lines
E10
First LinesGrab your reader's attention quickly and make them hold on for dear life. James shares his tips for getting your reader hooked from the very first line.
Writing Dialogue
E11
Writing DialogueDialogue should always push the story forward. Listen to James explain a few common dialogue pitfalls and easy ways to avoid them.
Building A Chapter
E12
Building A ChapterJames is well known for his numerous short and snappy chapters. Learn how he propels the reader through the book with an outline as his roadmap.
Writing Suspense
E13
Writing SuspenseThe secret to suspense is...
Ending The Book
E14
Ending The BookWe've all read great books with terrible endings. Of the infinite possible endings, learn how James chooses the right one.
Editing
E15
EditingJames is liberal with a red pen; his editing is key to keeping the reader engaged. Learn how to trim the fat with our interactive editing assignment.
Working With A Co-Author
E16
Working With A Co-AuthorWhen does James decide to use a co-author and is it a true collaboration? In this lesson, we meet two of his most trusted co-authors who share their process for making a collaboration truly successful.
Getting Published
E17
Getting PublishedAuthor of 76 best-sellers and holder of the Guinness World Record for the first person to sell over 1 million eBooks, James knows a thing or two about getting published. In this lesson he shares what he's learned.
Book Titles And Covers
E18
Book Titles And CoversReaders do judge books by their covers. What should they think about yours?
Marketing The Patterson Way
E19
Marketing The Patterson WayBefore publishing his first book, James was an executive at a top ad agency in New York. Find out what James learned from his time in advertising and how he used it to change the book marketing game.
Hollywood
E20
HollywoodWhat happens when Hollywood takes an interest in your story? Sit back and listen as James shares the best and worst moments from his time on the set.
Personal Story
E21
Personal StoryEvery master begins as a student. James shares his long, winding path to becoming the world's best-selling author.
Closing
E22
ClosingYou've been given the tools to help write your next book. Now what?