How to Write Best-Selling Fiction

By: James Scott Bell, The Great Courses

Narrated by: James Scott Bell

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

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.

A Lecture Series & Lecturer that will Inspire you!

I found this lecture series and it’s teacher to be of immense help. It’s hard to get yourself up in the morning to do anything half the time, but this audio book made a huge difference for me. It has encouraged me, not only to be a writer, but a creative in other areas of my life as well. Thank you James Scott Bell. I deeply appreciate you! (Be blessed sir)

The A-Z of Fiction Writing

Excellent for established writers looking to level up. He sets structure and direction for any writer though more experienced writers will have a better grasp.

The Best!

If you learn from only one source about writing novels this should be it. Believe me because I've gone through over 50 books on writing and you'll never find anything as complete and enjoyable as James Scott Bell's take on it.

So practical

Between the lectures and the PDF workbook, this is a detailed, practical, and motivating tool for writing my next book!

Great explanation of what it takes to be a successful writer.

This lecture series includes techniques, tactics and procedures both creatively and within the profession. While I’ve heard the same elements in other training and how-to books, these lectures here are a complete presentation of them for the noob and amateur to learn and review all in one place. Of course, I’d say that more succinctly by next week by applying tips from this series. Recommended to new, struggling, or hopeful writers.

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.

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.

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.

An excellent course

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