Writing Master Classes

Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or experienced writer, you can always improve your craft through reading novels analytically, going to conferences to listen to lectures, and taking classes. For some, traveling to reach resources isn't always an option. Getting an MFA may not be possible.

Luckily there are options for learning at home as long as you have an internet connection.

There is a site called Master Classes that gives courses offered by famous writers, performers, directors, and actors. You can pay $90 for a single class or $180 for a year's access to all of their courses. The lectures come with downloadable workbook pages with exercises. Some lecturer provide Question and Answer options. There is a community for discussion about the material following each lesson.

1. R.L Stine, the award-winning author of Goosebumps and Fear Street, wrote for twenty years before reaching world-wide fame by exploring the horror genre for young readers. His series have sold more than 400 million copies. His course covers writer's block, plot development, and building nail-biting suspense. https://www.masterclass.com/classes/rl-stine-teaches-writing-for-young-audiences

2. Judy Blume, author of Are There God, It's Margaret and the Fudge series among others, offers a twenty-four lesson course on how to develop vibrant characters and hook your readers. https://www.masterclass.com/classes/judy-blume-teaches-writing

3. James Patterson, the prolific author of NYT best selling thrillers, teaches tricks of the trade through every part of the book writing process.
https://www.masterclass.com/classes/james-patterson-teaches-writing

4. Malcolm Gladwell, author of Blink and The Tipping Point, offers a 24 lesson course on how to find, research, and write stories that capture big ideas. icon. Malcolm analyzes his own works to reveal his unique creative process.
https://www.masterclass.com/classes/malcolm-gladwell-teaches-writing

5. David Mamet, the Pulitzer Prize-winning writer of Glengarry Glen Ross, takes you through his process for turning life's strangest moments into dramatic art. He teaches the rules of drama, the nuances of dialogue, and the skills to develop your own voice and create your masterpiece. https://www.masterclass.com/classes/david-mamet-teaches-dramatic-writing

6. Shonda Rhimes, producer of television hits Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, and How to Get Away With Murder, teaches how to create compelling characters, write a pilot, pitch your idea, and stand out in the writers’ room. You’ll also get original pilot scripts, pitch notes, and series bibles from her shows. Welcome to Shondaland.
https://www.masterclass.com/classes/shonda-rhimes-teaches-writing-for-television

7. Ken Follett, author of historical thrillers such as Fall of Giants, Winter of the World, and Edge of Eternity, states, "I want to entertain you. I want you to be thrilled or moved to tears or scared and I definitely want you to be on the edge of your seat all the time, wondering what is going to happen next." He shares tips on how to achieve that goal.
https://ken-follett.com/masterclass/

8. Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love, discusses overcoming barriers to writing and how to stay focused. https://www.plusacumen.org/courses/elizabeth-gilbert-creativity-workshop

9. Margaret Atwood, author of The Handmaid's Tale, offers a 20-lesson course on creating vivid prose and hooks.  https://www.masterclass.com/classes/margaret-atwood-teaches-creative-writing

10. Alan Sorkin, writer of the West Wing, discusses whether your idea has TV show or movie potential. https://www.masterclass.com/classes/aaron-sorkin-teaches-screenwriting

11. Dan Brown, author of The Davinci Code, unveils his step-by-step process for turning ideas into gripping narratives. Learn his methods for researching like a pro, crafting characters, and sustaining suspense all the way to a dramatic surprise ending. https://www.masterclass.com/classes/dan-brown-teaches-writing-thrillers

12. Neil Gaiman, the author of Stardust, Coraline, and The Sandman teaches his approach to imaginative storytelling. Learn how to find your unique voice, develop original ideas, and breathe life into your characters. https://www.masterclass.com/classes/neil-gaiman-teaches-the-art-of-storytelling

13. David Baldacci, the author of over 39 Mysteries and Thrillers teaches crafting authentic characters, developing research-based plots, and navigating the world of publishing. Learn how to write a novel with red herrings, clues, and plot twists that will keep your readers turning the pages. https://www.masterclass.com/classes/david-baldacci-teaches-mystery-and-thriller-writing

14. N. K. Jemisin, the winner of the Hugo Award for three consecutive years for her Broken Earth Trilogy, the acclaimed Science Fiction and Fantasy writer is teaching you how to create a world from scratch, develop compelling characters, and get published. Build your craft and share your voice with inclusive fiction that reflects your experience. 

https://www.masterclass.com/classes/n-k-jemisin-teaches-fantasy-and-science-fiction-writing

15. Shonda Rhimes has created and produced TV’s biggest hits. In her screenwriting class, Shonda teaches you how to create compelling characters, write a pilot, pitch your idea, and stand out in the writers’ room. You’ll also get original pilot scripts, pitch notes, and series bibles from her shows. https://www.masterclass.com/classes/shonda-rhimes-teaches-writing-for-television

16. Salman Rushdie, author of genre-defying novels has brought surreal and magical realms to life for decades. Now the Booker Prize–winning author teaches you the art and craft of storytelling. Learn how to draw from your own experiences to build vivid worlds, authentic characters, and complex plots. There are extraordinary stories that only you can write—start sharing them. https://www.masterclass.com/classes/salman-rushdie-teaches-storytelling-and-writing

17. Amy Tan's debut novel, The Joy Luck Club, spent 40 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list. Now she’s showing you her approach to the challenges and joy of self-discovery through writing. Learn how to craft compelling beginnings and endings, find your voice, and embrace your emotional memory to bring powerful narratives to life. https://www.masterclass.com/classes/amy-tan-teaches-fiction-memory-and-imagination

18. Billy Collins is one of America’s most beloved contemporary poets. In his MasterClass, Billy teaches you to appreciate the emotional pull of poetry. Learn his approach to exploring subjects, incorporating humor, and finding your voice. Discover the profound in the everyday, and let poetry lead you to the unexpected. https://www.masterclass.com/classes/billy-collins-teaches-reading-and-writing-poetry

19.  David Sedaris is one of the most recognizable essayists alive. Now he teaches you the art of personal storytelling. Learn how David crafts attention-grabbing openings, satisfying endings, and meaning from the mundane—and how he uses humor to connect with others and process the difficult and sometimes dark aspects of everyday life. https://www.masterclass.com/classes/david-sedaris-teaches-storytelling-and-humor

20. Joyce Carol Oates has published 58 novels and thousands of short stories, essays, and articles. Now the award-winning author and Princeton University creative writing professor teaches you how to tap into your storytelling instincts. Find ideas from your own experiences and perceptions, experiment with structure, and improve your craft, one sentence at a time.

https://www.masterclass.com/classes/joyce-carol-oates-teaches-the-art-of-the-short-story

They add to their offerings frequently. Next week, we look at Great Courses.

In addition, this blog offers weekly mini-lessons and my website offers free tools and forms.

Audio Books: DIY

Narrating your own tale would be a lovely gift for loved ones, for them to have your voice to hold onto when you aren't there. I highly recommend "reading" picture books to your grandkids then sending them the recording and the book. There are even books created for you to record your voice for each page.  Your family might appreciate your life stories related by you. Too often we wait too long to be interested in parents and grandparents as people apart from their role in life.

However, if you wish to have an audio version of your book, you have to decide if you really have what it takes to narrate it.

Have you ever done voice work? Do you have a pleasant voice? Do you know how to read in a way that adds interest rather than a flat monotone? Narrating a book is much like singing a song. Do you know when to riff and when to stick to the melody? Narration is a form of verbal poetry. It is a skill set.

I highly recommend downloading a few high quality audio books to know what you are aiming for.

If you are determined to proceed, here are tips on the nuts and bolts of creating an audio book.

PRODUCTION

You will need a high quality microphone and recording software installed on your laptop, PC, or tablet and a sound-proof room. No kids yelling in the background, telephone rings, dog barks, or interruptions.

If you feel you have the right voice and sufficient skill, your audio file must meet certain standards to be eligible for upload to services.

Author's Republic specifications. 

Audible/ACX specifications.  

You must choose mono or stereo, provide opening and closing tracks, have the right decibel ranges, length, and not exceed maximum of 120 minutes or file size of 170 mb. If this is all Greek to you, consider turning it over to the pros.

Still determined? There are people willing to help you go it alone. This is a thorough list of steps and materials from by Bo Bennett, PhD, Founder of eBookIt.

Here are more tricks and tips:

How to Convert Audiobooks for Use in Itunes

Creating Audiobooks: What Every Author Should Know

Yes, You Can Record Your Own Audio Book

Ultimate Guide to Recording Audio Books

Read Your Own Audio Book

DISTRIBUTION

With the DIY option, you are responsible for making distribution arrangements with the different platforms such as iTunes, Audible, BookBaby etc. The files must be in the correct digital format.  You will have to check each site's guidelines. They will ask for either MP3 or .mp3 or Windows Media Audio .wma. For iTunes, you need M4B or .m4b.

There are several smaller companies that help you with distribution.

Author's Republic  can help walk you through the process.

Big Happy Family will present your titles to major download sites, work with them to get approval, let you know exactly what materials and formats each site needs — and handle the paperwork, reporting, royalty collection, and payment.

Scribl is a crowd-sharing and crowd-pricing site. If you like to gamble, this is a good way to get discovered.

Scribd is another innovate way to share your work. You first upload your work through Smashwords, INscribe digital, BookBaby, draft2digital, or Publish Drive.

If you managed self-produced audio book success, please share it in the comments section. I would love to feature your story in a future blog post.

Next week, we take a look at writing Master Classes.