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How to Write Best-Selling Fiction

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How to Write Best-Selling Fiction

By: James Scott Bell, The Great Courses
Narrated by: James Scott Bell
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About this listen

Most people think the way to write a best seller is to have a lot of talent and even more luck. As you will learn, there is a recipe for success, and luck may be the least important ingredient in creating a best seller.

When it comes to solving the mystery of what makes a best-selling novel, no one has cracked the code better than James Scott Bell. A best-selling author himself, winner of the International Thriller Writers Award and the Christy Award for Suspense, plus the author of the number-one best seller for writers, Plot & Structure, Mr. Bell has been teaching the principles of best-selling fiction for over 20 years, principles that apply to any genre or style.

In the 24 lectures of How to Write Best-Selling Fiction, Mr. Bell provides a comprehensive, eye-opening, and illuminating survey of the entire writing process, as well as a full breakdown of how best-selling authors such as Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Michael Connelly, Suzanne Collins, Janet Evanovich, and dozens of others have implemented best practices in their own writing.

From fun creative challenges to help you get started with unique plot and character ideas to how to format, package, and promote your finished material - with help dotting every "i" and crossing every "t" along the way - Mr. Bell offers an insightful, intimate, and extraordinarily revealing look at the elements that elevate a novel to become a best seller. Any aspiring author will gain a wealth of tools that will not only improve their ability to write, but will also increase their enjoyment of the craft.

The famous writer Somerset Maugham once said, “There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.” And maybe no one knows the “rules”, but there are writing techniques, practices, and fundamentals that writers have used for decades to become best-selling authors. And just like Picasso, once you master the basics of your art, then you can create your own rules. With How to Write Best-Selling Fiction, you get an intimate introduction to the fundamentals of how to write your best seller, from a best-selling author who has mastered the secrets to success.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2019 The Great Courses (P)2019 The Teaching Company, LLC
Words, Language & Grammar Writing & Publishing

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All stars
Most relevant
An inspirational lecture series presented with humour and clarity by James Scott Bell. He fully captivated my attention.

Great lecture series

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The most comprehensive collection of writing knowledge outside of actual campus education. Something that you could listen to over and over again and either refresh or gain new understanding. I’ve tried many courses on the art of writing and this is by far the best. I’ve learnt so much and it shows in my manuscript and my feedback. Thank you.

Outstanding...

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This is easy to listen to. The advice and information are very clear and in-depth (but in a manageable way). I'm just about to start it again even though I just finished it : first time around I just listened, but, now I am going back to do each exercise and section. This has been the best audible book I have bought so far.

Brilliant. Well worth the money

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This is a very interesting and useful book that I would recommend for any writer.

Great

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found it very helpful and gave me lots of ideas
will re listen to it again.

great listening easy to understand

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