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LEE CHILD

Writing Popular Fiction


Lee Child, the bestselling author of the Jack Reacher novels, is one of the
world's most successful authors of all time. Since he began writing in his 40s,
he's sold an incredible 200 million books, topping the best seller charts
worldwide for three decades. For the very first time, and exclusively on BBC
Maestro, Lee breaks down his writing process. He'll show you how to turn your
blank page into a complete story, covering idea development, research, planning,
character development and, ultimately, how you can make a living as a writer –
whatever your age and experience. Lee's long and unparalleled career is proof
that it's never too late to get started.

35 video lessons,
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THE COURSE

Unlock the secrets to writing compelling fiction from the internationally
acclaimed, best-selling author Lee Child. Taking a practical, career-focussed
approach to writing, Lee Child is confident you will likely have already picked
up everything you need to know from your many years' experience as a reader, you
may just not know you know – yet! And that's where Lee comes in – to help you
tap into and apply that innate knowledge. On this course, you'll discover how to
switch from first-person to third-person prose without making your readers
'seasick', develop characters with depth and complexity, and learn how to find
your niche and making a living as an author.

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YOUR MAESTRO

With over 200 million copies sold worldwide and multiple awards under his belt,
Lee Child is the undeniably successful author of the popular Jack Reacher book
series, which have also been adapted for the screen with two blockbuster movies,
as well as a new TV series on Amazon Prime. And to add to his inspirational
success story, Lee Child is also living proof that it’s never too late to get
started, as he only started writing at the age of 40 after being made redundant
from his job.


LESSONS

1.

Lee's introduction


5 mins

Lee introduces himself and his Jack Reacher franchise, and lays out the plan for
his course on writing popular fiction.

2.

Where story comes from and what it's for


15 mins

Lee discusses the evolution of fiction from non-fiction, and what it is about a
good story that instinctively draws people in.

3.

If you want to be a writer, you have to be a reader first


15 mins

Lee explains how you can start writing at any age, and without any specific
experience. The only crucial qualification? Being a reader.

4.

Why I love series fiction


14 mins

The only bad thing about reading a good book is finishing it – so why stop at
writing just one?

5.

How I wrote my first book (part one)


17 mins

Writing novels is the perfect career for later in life, as Lee found to be the
case when he lost his job at the age of 40.

6.

How I wrote my first book (part two)


17 mins

Find out how to carve out a niche for yourself within any genre of fiction.

7.

Book 2 and beyond


25 mins

Overcoming the pressure of writing your next book is a hurdle all writers must
face, but there are a couple of techniques that can help you take the leap.

8.

How to not make your reader seasick


19 mins

Find the right balance between writing in first person, third person, and even
second person perspective.

9.

Voice is not a metaphor


16 mins

The key to holding your audience’s attention is finding your unique tone of
voice and keeping it sounding natural.

10.

Big words and big themes


15 mins

Discover how moments of calm can be just as integral to the momentum of your
story as fast-paced action scenes.

11.

Plot is a rental car


17 mins

How you tell your version of the story is more important than originality of
plot itself.

12.

Robin Hood and the writers' room


14 mins

Look to the most iconic heroes to create well-written characters with enduring
appeal.

13.

Character is king


14 mins

Without a strong lead, you’ve got no one to carry your story forward, no matter
how good your plot is.

14.

Ditch the bad advice


13 mins

Even the best advice can be bad advice without a healthy measure of common sense
on the side.

15.

Don't fall in love with your hero


10 mins

Learn how to write characters with timeless appeal, like Jack Reacher. Hint:
they’re just as multi-faceted and complex as you are.

16.

Why Hook Hobie is like my grandfather


12 mins

Don’t forget to add a little humanity when writing even the baddest of your bad
guys.

17.

Reacher, and why he isn't boring


10 mins

Create characters that your readers can’t get enough of – and remember,
sometimes less is more.

18.

To plot or not to plot (part one)


14 mins

Sometimes even the best laid plans require a little flexibility – or abandoning
altogether.

19.

To plot or not to plot (part two)


16 mins

Learn how to trust yourself as a reader in order to trust yourself as a writer.

20.

Research is a dish best served cold


14 mins

Find the balance of plausibility vs accuracy when incorporating research into
your story.

21.

Churning, smoothing and combing


15 mins

There’s more to editing than just cutting bits out, as Lee discusses in this
lesson on the path to publication.

22.

Don't forget you're still a reader


9 mins

From tidying up rogue commas to adding in extra context, Lee talks you through
his reader-centric editing process.

23.

The Killing Floor edit


24 mins

Lee shares a little insight into how he learnt to deal with third party input,
and the value of a good editor.

24.

The book is the thing


12 mins

Even if you’ve got big dreams for your books to eventually be made into movies,
it’s important to keep focused on one thing at a time.

25.

Why a Ford is better than a Rolls Royce


10 mins

Writing a novel with mass appeal is no mean feat.

26.

Ditch the airs and graces


5 mins

Lee talks about the importance of treating writing novels like any other job,
and how he doesn’t believe in ‘writer’s block’.

27.

How not to write dialogue


24 mins

Discover the secret to finding your rhythm and writing natural-sounding
dialogue.

28.

A prose that trips forward


21 mins

Learn how to write a narrative that will keep your readers turning the page –
right to the very end.

29.

Suspense is not like baking a cake


15 mins

Discover the real recipe for success when it comes to weaving suspense into your
stories.

30.

Write the slow stuff fast and the fast stuff slow


17 mins

Creating momentum is all about the balance of slow and fast paced scenes and
making sure to deliver big in those crucial moments.

31.

Hitching a ride on a strong first sentence


14 mins

Unlock the secret to capturing the imagination of your readers and holding their
attention from Page 1.

32.

The Sun Also Rises: writing time and place


20 mins

Description is vital to storytelling, but it’s also the thing readers of popular
fiction often complain there’s too much of – so how do you find the right
balance?

33.

The sense of an ending


17 mins

Just because your readers have reached the end of a chapter doesn’t necessarily
mean you want them to stop reading…

34.

The back end of a big machine


27 mins

Lee shares his experience of the publishing process, from eye-catching jacket
designs to handling press tours.

35.

Conclusion


1 min

A final word from Lee, and then it’s over to you to start writing your next
bestseller.

Show all 35 lessons


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READY TO START WRITING?

Learn the secrets to writing a successful popular fiction series from Lee Child,
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35 video lessons, 8 hrs
Course notes
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