Summary of James Patterson’s Masterclass on Writing

15 key takeaways from one of the world’s highest paid authors

masterclass.com

1. Always write an outline first. Make each chapter a scene. Give each scene a purpose. End each scene with something that propels the reader into the next. Write in short rapid fire sentences. Just get the story down first, worry about the rest later. You know your outline is ready when you can’t wait to write out every chapter in full.
2. Write like freight-train pass throughs. Power through each draft quickly. If you’re stuck on something, simply move on and come back to it on the next pass through. With each draft, layer in more drama, more twists and turns on top of the previous ones.
3. Write in the greatest common denominator. What sells best are the things that resonate with the most people. Before becoming a writer, Patterson was a high level business executive, so he knows how to not just create, but create things that sell. He has 100+ New York Times bestsellers, more than any writer in history.
4. Read tons. When Patterson first started writing, he was reading about a dozen novels a week. If you’re blocked, it’s because you don’t have enough information. Research and read everything.
5. Write simply and write quickly. Patterson has written over 200 novels. He writes in simple language, with short…