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How to Write Best-Selling Fiction cover art

How to Write Best-Selling Fiction

By: James Scott Bell, The Great Courses
Narrated by: James Scott Bell
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Summary

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

What listeners say about How to Write Best-Selling Fiction

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Excellent

I thoroughly enjoyed this and it actually helped me put together a framework. It gives me the confidence to go after my dream!

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Great lecture series

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

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1 person found this helpful

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Great for aspiring novelists!

If like me you really want to create a quality manuscript and are in need of some guidance, this is for you. I have read and sat through lots of workshops. This is practical, actionable advices. Step by step instructions to help you to start your process, overcome fear and writer's block, finish and polish your manuscript. All at your own pace. includes a useful PDF. Enjoy!!

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listen to this little and often

really enjoyed this and I'd listen to a lecture every now and again. his passion for getting others writing is evident throughout and he links it to great stories as examples. highly recommend this book, it'll make you think about your writing.

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Essential listening

A treasure trove of tips and know how for any writer. Possibly the best practical advice I’ve ever heard.
James Scott Bell talks the talk because he’s walked the walk. Priceless.

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Great

Detailed and well structured. Recommended for writers. Contains a lot of useful advice. Up to date regarding self pub.

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Excellent 👌

Absolutely amazing .. covered everything I wanted and needed to know - useful, practical and thorough advice

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Brilliant. Well worth the money

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.

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Outstanding...

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.

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So helpful!

I don’t think I’ve ever left a review on Audible before but I just wanted to say thank you to the author for this comprehensive and engaging book. It gives clear and detailed information about the process for writing fiction and I’m very pleased I downloaded it.

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