All of the writing masterclasses start off with the same topic — how to find ideas. But really I stopped writing fiction for a long time when I focused on other things business-wise. So recently, before taking the David Baldacci MasterClass, when it came time for me to drum up ideas, I found it very difficult. This is a lesson aimed at giving you a mindset shift so you see the ordinary world in a completely different way.
I always think that when I take these MasterClasses. I also loved the discussion on how to make room for non-fiction in fiction, with reference to my favourite David Baldacci character, Amos Decker if you need a place to start with David Baldacci books, I recommend Memory Man.
And the discussion on passion, expertise, and how to weave multiple interests together was fascinating. Turning to the chapter on finding ideas, along with a bunch of writing exercises that will keep you busy for a long time, you get a fascinating deep-dive into the subject. Typically in MasterClass, your exercises and assignments come in the workbook. A lot of writing exercises can be kind of sucky. But this one will become a consistent exercise that I use to drum up new ideas. The topic of research methods and sources is such a key one to David Baldacci that he breaks it into two modules.
When it comes to research and interviewing people, you need to take off your novelist hat and put on your journalist hat. This is a module that really got my mind whirring. One example he gives is about guns. Everything from a six-shooter up to a fifty-calibre machine gun. The kind of description you are then capable of is so much better, rich, deeper, and more authentic than if you had just learned about the gun from Wikipedia. This is a combination of practical advice with a hefty dose of inspiration.
Seeing how Baldacci came up with a premise, which he later crossed through completely as it evolved into something else, and later after many rough scribblings and rewrites became one of those books that fly off bookshelves, was immensely valuable.
This has happened so many times in my stories where I have taken the easier path or taken a path that seems natural but has actually been done in the genre a million times. We learn how to take advantage of the psychology of the reader and preconceived notions in order to slant your writing and create something unexpected.
Another favourite module of mine was the one about constructing chapters. This is easily one of the most important modules in the entire MasterClass and a must-watch for writers of all levels — from those writing their first novel to those who are already published and write every day. When it comes to hard practical tips that you can apply immediately, the module on pacing, tension, and suspense is crammed with writing techniques.
You learn about misdirection, cliffhangers, clues, and so much more. What I really loved was how deep Baldacci went into how best to optimise clues, how to structure these threads that the reader can pull at and how to hide clues in plain sight. Another important module was the one on creating compelling characters. When we remember To Kill A Mockingbird we know it has something to do with racism in the South but above all else we remember Scout.
Here Baldacci uses Amos Decker as a springboard for talking about how to create characters that will resonate deeply with your readers. Exam training - regular tips and hints. Balance - equal prominence is given to Papers A new speaking section provides structured preparation for Paper 5.
Authentic - texts are based on authentic sources. Language development - detailed grammar and vocabulary input and practice appropriate to this level. It includes a speaking section that provides structured preparation for Paper 5. Detailed grammar and vocabulary input and practice appropriate to this level is provided. It also includes Overview sections, Vocabulary and Progress Tests.
The twenty-seven essays included here represent different research efforts by specialists in phraseology from around the world. The book reflects numerous different aspects of phraseological research, including those from semantic, pragmatic, and comparative fields of study.
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