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MasterClass: James Patterson Teaches Writing
MasterClass contacted me about their James Patterson writing course in June 2015.
James Patterson is a best-selling author in the crime, children’s, and other genres, and many critics have said that his books are more plot than characterization in recent years, while others have decried his use of co-authors. This is a review of the course, not Mr. Patterson’s writing (just so we’re clear).
The course has 22 videos ranging in topics from passion and habit, outlining, first lines, suspense, and his personal story, as well as collaborating with co-authors. Along with the videos, there are accompanying lesson plan PDFs and a discussion section for the students taking the course. This allows you to get feedback from other students on the lesson and to share ideas.
There are two versions of the class workbook — one has the full outline for his book Honeymoon, so you can see how he outlines. This was a very helpful document for me because I haven’t written an outline of anything since high school. This is not your high school outline with Roman numerals, etc. It is much more detailed, and when he discusses why he outlines, you’ll understand the level of detail and why it is needed.
Patterson also holds office hours in which questions are submitted by students on video, and they answered by the author in the same manner. He also offers critiques on raw ideas, research assignments, character development, and other topics from students. The videos and the coursebooks were helpful, and I think his advice about agents, editors, selling books to Hollywood, and other points about writing are well expressed and should provide enough direction for writing students. He stresses the need for an economy of words, no wasted moments, and clipping out the excess. He’s amusing and self-deprecating.
MasterClass courses are an affordable $90, but their true worth will be in how dedicated you are to the lessons and the actual work. One thing to keep in mind as a writer, is that if you are writing about something in science fiction, for instance, Patterson might not be the best mentor/teacher for you. So, as you look for affordable writing classes to take, think about what kind of feedback and how much help you’ll need.
MasterClass also has offerings in photography, the art of performance, acting, and singing, and these courses are taught by big names like Dustin Hoffman, Usher, Serena Williams, Kevin Spacey, and more.
Hitrecord on TV! Season One by Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Source: Dey Street Books
Video, 8 episodes
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HitRecord on TV Season One by Joseph Gordon-Levitt is a collaborative effort like the books, The Tiny Book of Tiny Stories Volume 1, 2, and 3, but these collaborations come to life on stage and in video. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is the host of the show, but really he’s his own variety show in that he can act, dance, do tricks, play several instruments, sing, and coordinate all of these projects with hundreds of collaborators. While this box set includes full-color, stylized booklets for each episode, its the downloaded episodes that will have people riveted. This show is addictive. It is not American Idol or The Voice, or any other competitive show about who is the best. This is a creative engine that is generating a life of its own beyond the screen and the books to create its own artistic community of collaborators and re-mixers. It is addictive to watch, and I’ve had the song, Freakin’ On My Front Lawn stuck in my head for days!
Each episode is chock full of facts, stories, and fun, JGL takes his role as collaborator and host seriously and he’s all about honest production and fun. There is audience interaction at the live reveals and each piece begins with the germ of an idea. Rather than focus on our actual trash production, the episode on trash spoke with John Waters to talk about what it means to make or be trash. These interviews with the famous and famous in their own industry add even more flavor to the show. Joseph Gordon-Levitt clearly loves these projects from beginning to end, and audiences will be infected with this sense of joy and inspiration from the moment they begin watching.
With only eight downloadable episodes, the season seems too short, but there are additional downloads from 17 songs/soundtracks to bonus content. Do not forget about the books! These slim volumes include so much in such a small space that they are little powerhouses unto themselves. HitRecord on TV Season One by Joseph Gordon-Levitt would make the perfect gift for the artists in the family, but also for those looking for a fresh show the likes of Ed Sullivan. The only drawback is these are downloads and not DVDs, and for some of us not quite versed in streaming from computers to televisions, etc., it makes it a little harder. But it is well worth the effort.
About the Artist:
HitRECord founder and director Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s acting career has managed to garner a massive popular appeal while maintaining a widely respected artistic integrity. He recently starred in Christopher Nolan’s Academy Award-nominated Inception and received Golden Globe, Independent Spirit and People’s Choice award nominations for his performance in (500) Days of Summer. Currently earning rave reviews for his performance in 50/50, also starring Seth Rogen, his upcoming films include David Koepp actioner Premium Rush and Rian Johnson’s sci-fi thriller Looper, with Bruce Willis. He is currently in production on The Dark Knight Rises, the third installment in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, and will next begin work opposite Daniel Day Lewis in Steven Spielberg’s Abraham Lincoln biopic, Lincoln.