How to Write Best-Selling Fiction

By: James Scott Bell, The Great Courses

Narrated by: James Scott Bell

Length: 12 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's 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

Holy "How to Write Fiction" Batman!

I cannot give this work enough stars! I highly recommend this audiobook to anyone who desires to improve their writing.

From my first listen, I knew I had found a crucial tool for my "I want to write a novel" toolkit. I've read several books on writing craft, all of which are valuable. James Scott Bell's work, "How to Write Best-Selling Fiction" is actually a phenomenal writing course. His instruction is clear and concise. The audiobook is structured in chapters as lectures which cover the art of the story and how to develop ideas, structure, plot & scene development, character development, and dialog. He also discussed the vast and complex world of publishing. Quite the eye-opener for me. This audiobook also comes with an extensive PDF file that is extremely valuable!

I've listened to the book all the way through the first time, which was like trying to drink from a fire hose! So much information. The second time through, I used it as an actual writing class and listened while in front of my computer, or with a notebook, taking detailed notes. Now, I am combing through certain sections with my WIP opened on my computer, and doing a lot of tweaking.

Excellent work Mr. Bell. Thank you.

Excellent

Although I admit there are a few points I disagree on, overall this is a fantastic introduction to the fundamentals of writing highly commercial fiction.

A fantastic guide and extremely entertaining

James Scott Bell is enthusiastic about writing and it shows in his voice and his lessons on how to write best-selling fiction. Even if you don't want to write a best-seller, it is still a great course on storytelling that will have you reanalyze some of your favorite books and movies and their beats. Will be re-reading/listening again and again as I write my book.

An excellent course

This book is invaluable for all writers. It guides you every step of the way.
Many thanks; James Scott Bell.

Excellent guide

Well organized and well delivered. A good review for the practicing writer and a fantastic review for the newcomer to the business and craft of fiction. Highly recommended. Thank you.

Perfect

loved it! Thanks for this! Educational and easy to listen to. A must for anyone considering writing!

Inspiration Overload

This is NO ORDINARY AUDIOBOOK! You will find soon enough that this book is like being in an amphitheater with your favorite professor. He will inspire you, make you laugh, and open your eyes to things you've never even thought of when it comes to writing. I've always had the will to write, but something was always missing. This journey through the lectures within this book has made me compelled to finally get moving on the projects that I've been struggling with for quite some time. I recommend this not only to writers but to anyone looking to understand books a bit better. Finding appreciation in the craft of showing and not telling was magical. James Scott Bell has made me into a believer. You can tell he is passionate about what he is teaching you and he isn't afraid to be a little cunning to slide some laughs out of you while he's doing it. I felt like I was in college again. Brilliant man, and a brilliant audiobook. Do yourself a favor and give it a listen. You won't regret it.

Loved it

This and Stephen Kings book on writing. I have listened to both repeatedly and taken notes and I feel so well informed as well as ready to push myself further in my journey to be a writer

Highly Recommend

Just a ton of great information, very digestible and relatable with lots of examples. This is one I will definitely read / listen to more than once!

Great, but would it kill them to name the chapters?

If you had to buy one Audiobook to become a writer, this would be my pick. It’s engaging, informative and full of useful information.
My one gripe, is that they don’t name the chapters/lectures. This “should” be a great reference for writers, but it’s held back by such a simple thing, adding informative chapter names would vastly increase the utility of this series of lectures.