I Took Dan Brown's Thriller Masterclass | Is It Worth It? Pro Writer Review
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- Опубликовано: 30 сен 2024
- I'm reviewing the Dan Brown Masterclass on Writing Thrillers. My YA thriller The Ivies is being published by Crown in 2021--so what did I get out of Dan Brown's class, and do I recommend it?
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I would love to see what you think of the Neil Gaiman class. Thanks you’re awesome!
It’s my favorite one!
I've done Neil Gaiman's and Margaret Atwood's. Both were wonderful and contained a lot of insightful material.
The only writer on Master Class I couldn't finish was Balducci. I couldn't handle his voice and he seemed kind of full of himself.
... Love, Neil Gaiman
just want to say I really appreciate all your work on this channel, I started watching at the start of this year and got motivated to take writing seriously for the first time. 8 months later and I'm editing my first completed novel! I know I did the work but it's in no small part down to your videos encouraging me, so thank you for that and thank you for continuing to be the best creator on authortube!! 💖
That's amazing!!! I am so happy that you finished your first book! It's the most amazing feeling, right?
Omg congrats!!!
@@AlexaDonne I truly never thought I'd do it!!
@@hibak8196 thank you so much! 💖
Congrats! I am so happy for you :)
So far I've enjoyed Neil Gaiman and Joyce Carol Oates's classes.
I have been considering both of these, glad to hear some positive feedback!
Neil Gaimon's Master Class was fantastic. It's one of the two most influential study pieces (along with Stephen King's book 'On Writing') that have had the greatest effect on my own writing.
I'm doing that one and I've never read any of his books
I'm doing that one and I've never read any of his books
for me it was Dan Brown's Masterclass along with the King book
I wrote my first novella after reading “On Writing”, so I really want to take these masterclasses.
I wish some of his classes were described by RUclipsrs. Not in a very descriptive way cuz ya I can't have access of it without paying but some key points... I can never afford masterclasses. Too expensive.
Dan Brown may not be a prose stylist but he's an excellent instructor. He knows his craft and is very engaging. I have watched some interviews and have learned so much, just from the free videos out there. I'm sure his Masterclass is great. It's the only class I'm genuinely interested in taking on Masterclass.
I've taken his course and it's exactly as you say.
Hey Alexa! I'm starting to write my first book and your tips have helped me a lot, not only saying things I never thought of, but also the things I knew but needed someone to put in better words for me. I hope someday you'll read my work and at least like it a little bit. I'm still just beginning and I'm not yet very sure of my work, but you're inspiring me a lot to keep trying. You're amazing! 💜
This video is making me want my subscription back!! I bought one a couple years ago and Dan Brown was one of my fav's on writing. Also highly recommend Shonda Rhimes, Margaret Atwood was great but more in that I could just listen to her forever and I also really liked Judy Blume. I started out getting James Patterson for my birthday a few years ago and also enjoyed his but over all I wonder if I would get more out of them if I actually DID the exercises lol I really just binge watched the videos lol
This is good to know! I just finished Joyce Carol Oates' class and I'm in the middle of Margaret Atwood's. I don't honestly think I would have considered Dan Brown's at all, but I think this will motivate me to add it to the list. JCO's was brilliant -- she's been a writing professor for a long time so she's naturally quite good at the lectures.
Hey Alexa! I've been thinking about joining masterclass, just the money thing that's... you know. So thank you for the insight. I was wondering if you have a video on making friends in the writing community? I'm not very present on social media, but I've just got a twitter and am already, like, whoa. Any advice would be useful! Xo
I'd be very interested in what you think of James Patterson's course. Stephen King calls him a 'terrible writer', and having seen the Alex Cross movies with Morgan Freeman I read a couple of his books and was disappointed. But, as King also admits, Patterson is very sucessful.
He doesn't write his own books anymore, but he does write thorough synopsis, so the story itself is all Patterson.
I loved Neil Geiman's course and Margaret Atwood's great too
This is a great review by Alexa. I bought this Masterclass several months ago. I got it as a single, not the subscription, because it was all I could afford. I've read his books and enjoyed listening to his class. It really was informative and I learned a great deal. Highly recommend it.
Hi Alexa, I was wondering if you can do a video covering working under contract. How do you manage to have time to draft and have Critique Partners and/or beta readers and/or your agent still look at the manuscript before you send it to your editor? Or do some of those people get dropped now that you have an editor?
I've taken both Neil Gaiman's class and Margret Atwood's class. Gaiman's is inspiring if you ever need a rehash of your basics. He delivers everything in a very eloquent way and made me was to grab my pen and get writing. I actually wrote my first few short stories because of his class, I normally hate short stories but he really inspires you to zone in on your storytelling.
Margret Atwood's classic absolutely darling. She's going to hit more on research topics, but she's a joy to see on the screen. At the end of both classes, I ended up tearing up. I'm currently on R.L Stines class so we'll see go it goes.
Update on stines class?
Hi Alexa! First, thanks for your channel - I've learned so much from you! I signed up for the all-access Masterclass pass and was most eager to check out Margaret Atwood, but started speeding up the replay because she spoke so slowly. (It's still worthwhile watching.) Having just begun Dan Brown's class, I'm finding him a better teacher -- he's very specific in his suggestions. I look forward to your further reviews to help me decide who to watch next!
Thank you so much for sharing such useful informations. The class seems really good.
I wanted to subscribe to Masterclass to watch Margaret Atwood and David Baldacci, and probably also Joyce Carol Oates' class.
I hadn't considered the other authors you mentioned but I'm sure their classes are probably good if they caught your attention.
Thanks again. Have a nice day!
The money may be worth it for Judy Blume. She has always been a hero of mine since I was a kid.
yesss!!!! i loved her class
Judy's class was so good. All of the writing class are great. I learned a lot from Werner Herzog and Billy Collins as well.
The David Baldacci class was really good too. I got a lot out of it.
Hi! You're videos are helping me tremendously. I actually began plotting and outlining what was only a concept, as before, I was too afraid to start lest I don't do it justice.
Video Idea - how to tackle *anti climax* so it doesn't end up disappointing the reader.
Thanks
Thanks for the overview, Alexa! I took the James Patterson and Shonda Rhimes one when they were $90 each, and I've watched the Shonda Rhimes one probably 4 times already. The James Patterson one was interesting and I really enjoyed when he talked about his co-writing process. I'm so back and forth about getting the year pass and I think eventually I'll do it when I'm looking for more inspiration.
I'm about 2/3 of the way through the course. I am taking notes because much of the material is very conversational in nature. It's not a step by step guide necessarily, more narrative. That being said the useful nuggets are very useful indeed.
I’ve taken all of them Alexa. They are all good but since you like thriller and suspense I think you will like the David Balducci class. It’s really good. I loved the Dan Brown class too. You are right he comes off really down to earth and sincere.
I received a pass for Christmas as a gift and haven't yet watched any of the writing ones. I'm going to start the Dan Brown class for sure... I'm most curious about the Margaret Atwood class.
You always come up with video that I need. Just in time. I was just thinking about take it. Don't stop filming because your video are helpful and appreciated
Neil Gaiman was the best of the ones I've seen so far. SO GOOD! I'm looking forward to watching Margaret Atwood and, now that you've reviewed it, Dan Brown. I haven't finished James Patterson's yet. Judy Blume and RL Stein were not as good as I was hoping.
I love your videos and content so much! Thank you for doing this and soon to be other review videos. Ive been debating so much whether or not to get the masterclass. Personally, I would love to see a review on the R.L. stine if you have time :)
I would also be interested in the thoughts on the ones that interested you. I’m not a “LITERARY” writer so Oates & Atwood don’t appeal to me, but Patterson, Stein, and Rhimes definitely do
Thank you for the upload! I love neil Gaimans Master Class ♥
The best ones so far have been Aaron Sorkin (obviously), Shonda Rhimes and Bob Woodward.
I've done the Joyce Carol Oates course, as well as those by David Baldaaci and Margaret Atwood. Of these, Baldaaci's was the most practical. Oates has good advice but it's very general. Atwood was a lot like Oates. I'm looking forward to the Dan Brown class. David Mamet's style and views on character didn't really mesh with me that well.
Neil Gaiman's class is absolutely amazing. I honestly never felt more understood as a writer. He's so kind and warm and the advice he gives is so relate able. His class is about opening yourself to failure and giving tips on how to get your creative process moving in a way that works for you. I loved it. So inspiring!
Thank you for this!!! Can't wait to see the rest of your vids about Masterclass!!
If you could review the other Masterclass courses I'd LOVE to watch them!
I have a Dan Brown ads before this video
Good review. I'm still not sold on using my money on Masterclass but this was good to hear that it's not a complete waste of time.
James Patterson course worth doing.
I started with that one and am finding it very helpful. Love it. :)
I thought James Patterson doesn’t even write his own books.
R.L. Stine I'm super interested in as his genre is very niche! Also, I've heard he has a very precise process, but it might not bibe for you as he is a huge plotter.
I frequently use a ticking clock in my romances. I love the added pressure of forcing my character to make a decision. It's probably because I take forever to deliberate on an idea so I don't give my characters time to mull things over lol.
Thank you for sharing your point of views. I absolutely love Dan Brown. But from all the classes I´ve been picking here and there, and books I´ve been buying about writing a novel... Now, I wonder. Why authors and teachers haven´t been able to talk full and deeply about "Risk novels." I find myself in this situation right now trying to get my contemporary romance novel published. The feedback is the same from agents and independent publishers I´ve been sending my manuscript... "It´s risky. But it´s a good idea, though." These people play safe, to my humble opinion. Where are the risk takers? I haven´t been able to find them yet. Thank you again, love your channel.
Could you do Neil Gaiman and R. L. Stine? I would love to hear what you think of them.
Also, the 3 Cs are really easy to spot and iconic parts of the Dan Brown books which I have read.
stephen king neeeeeeds to do a masterclass
I agree!
I'd love to hear what you think of the Joyce Carol Oates course. I've debated getting master class for her class and Neil Gaiman's.
I really liked his class, which was the second one I watched. The first one was Shonda Rhimes' and the stuff she said about writing pitches helped me a lot, in particular. The third one I tried was James Patterson's. It was very surface level stuff I would have liked to hear when I started writing, but doesn't do much for me now.
I'm interested in Neil Gaiman's and Aaron Sorkin's classes. I might try them out soon and I'd love to hear your thoughts on them.
I liked the Neil Gaiman and R.L. Stine classes. R.L. Stine is pretty funny, too!
Out of all the Master Class ads I’ve seen, Dan Brown piqued my interest the most. Thanks for sharing hothead nuggets of wisdom! I’ll definitely have to consider a Master Pass as I am working on my first murder mystery and want to bring in thriller elements.
Really helpful! I'm always a little suspicious of things like master class, but I think I'll start saving up!
I love Masterclass and learning from the great authors of the world! To me, it's a bargain compared to taking a class at like a community college or something
The Neil Gaiman course is also fantastic. I loved Dan Brown's course too
I took all the classes that talked about thriller and mystery writing, and I found the content on youtube much better.
Getting coffee with Dan Brown? That line's pretty long.
Great video. Super informative. the confusion and suspense point is a good point.
Neil Gaiman's masterclass is incredible. He is so honest in his approach and there is gold in what he says. I would recommend it to friends.
Thank you. Thank you. I do write thrillers. Love Dan Brown books. This video really helps to clarify lots of things. 😘
I would love to see your opinion of the Judy Blume class! Or Mamet's.
(If I had the subscription myself I would totally watch the David Sedaris, but mainly because I'm such a big fan, as I'm guessing it would be a bit more niche and mainly address memoir/satire writing?)
I took the Shonda Rhimes screenwriting class. It was really good and I think worth the investment for anyone who is interested in screenwriting
I was just searching Masterclass reviews, how fortunate that you - someone I trust - uploaded this video today!
I'm taking the Dan Brown MC and I most of the times return to your videos. Thanks a lot for your support, Alexa
Thanks for this, I hope after you've done them all do a video discussing them all to compare.
This was very useful. I've been curious about Master Class. I'm interested in Neil Gaiman's and Joyce Carol Oats' classes, but I was like -- what do I really get for the price? Thank you, stay well.
Thank you for making this! I'm curious about David Baldacci's masterclass. I'm a huge fan of David Baldacci. Have you read any of his books?
I haven't read his books but I know they're massively popular! Maybe I'll check it out...
Baldacci was the only one I couldn't finish because his voice disturbed my brain. I should finish it, though.
I took ALL of the writing Master Classes. Several more have been added this fall (2020). I loved when Gaiman said "keep sending your writing out. Someday someone will be drunk enough to accept it." 😂 Don't overlook the screenwriters and film makers. I loved Werner Herzog and learned a lot from him.
I'm super curious about Neil Gaiman!
Neil Gaiman's supposed to be really good
I would love you to make a video about research - how to do it and then use it when writing
Mmmm. I like what you said at the end. He had other books? I only know of "The Description Point" I think, I would love to take Neil Gaieman and R.L Stein though.
Atwood. Please do a review on Atwood's masterclass.
Oooo R. L. Stine sounds like it’d be interesting 👀
Yes! Thank you Alexa, this couldn't have come at a better time :-)
First person, also, I watched it too and it was just simply outstanding!
Absolutely love the Dan Brown master class. Thanks for your thoughts, loving your channel
I'd like to see you review Neil Gaiman's Masterclass.
Would love to see you review the Margaret Atwood course!
Thanks for this video! Great info!
Judy Blume was a great one to take. What I like about Masterclass is you can take the class over and over after buying it.
I love Masterclass! I've enjoyed Neil Gaiman and James Patterson's as well.
I wonder if there will be a James Patterson with Maxime Paetro Masterclass, or a James Patterson with Chris Tebbetts one.
I’m planning to take Neil Gaiman’s MasterClass when I have the time to focus on it. I might’ve taken Dan Brown’s once upon a time, but since I read Origin... nooooooooope.
I am soooo bad. I keep signing up for pricy classes--writing and marketing--and then never finish them because my work gets in the way.
I think we all tend to do this, it's easy but, you need to schedule and make time. It's difficult sometimes but it works. Good luck.
I'd be interested in hearing about Judy Blume, Neil Gaiman, and RL Stine
Damn. I pretty much ONLY write multiPOV third person characters
Take the Neil Gailman, one!
Can you review the Neil Gaiman one?
I would love the Margaret Atwood!
So glad you reviewed this Masterclass - I've been thinking about taking it. Thank you for recommending it!
I would love to see your thoughts on Margaret Atwood's and Shonda Rhimes' masterclasses.
Thanks for the review, Alexa! I was thinking of taking this class and the Neil Gaiman one so I might sign up! 💜
I really enjoyed James Patterson's class. A lot. I also liked Dan Brown's, too.
I loved all of the writing Masterclasses!
I'm a MasterClass Honor Student, I've had MasterClass for four years and have done more than half of the classes they offer (and all the writer ones!) I LOVE it. I'm eager to hear your thoughts on the other author classes there.
How many novels have you written?
@@rickspalding3047 0
Review the Shonda Rhimes one!
Getting Masterclass next month so this video was great timing!
neil gaimen and david balducci
The fact that I got an advertisement to Dan Brown's masterclass before this video is perfect timing.
Honestly, the R L Stine one sounds so weird to me I’m incredibly interested 🤷🏻♂️
I love this type of review!
David Sedaris and Shonda Rhimes would be my pick. I have heard that James Patterson’s is just very general from another RUclipsr who took it. I haven’t taken it myself though. Also, Aaron Sorkin is king of dialogue! I still watch The West Wing when I want to have hope in our country again, and it is such a good binge! He left after the third season, but the remaining 4 are still worth watching.
Ooh, fascinating, when I first started seeing commercials for these masterclass I was curious about them. (The advice that the process should be its own reward--love that one, it's great advice for really any creative pursuit, whether it be writing or art, and doing it out of a desire for external validation is dangerous territory.). I'd definitely be interested to hear about the James Patterson one, though I'd personally particularly love to hear Malcom Gladwell's too, it would be interesting to hear the contrasts between fiction and nonfiction approaches to writing.
I was lucky and grabbed one of the early all access Masterclass passes for £75, Dan Brown, Margaret Atwood and Judy Bloom we’re fantastic! I agree that the current price is too high, a monthly £10 subscription would be easier to swallow.
David baldacci
Wow I was just about to subscribe to see Neil Gaiman, and Chris Hadfield on Space Exploration, now I have just added Dan Brown on my list!