I enjoyed evaluating write a book for beginners courses, but I also vowed to share the secrets of bestselling authors. Here’s why…
By: Grant P. Ferguson
Last Updated: 05/01/2024
It’s simple, really. I made a vow a long time ago. Once I discovered the secret writing techniques used by bestselling authors, I would share those treasures with aspiring writers, encouraging their passions and dreams.
Many students applied that wealth of wisdom gleaned from top writers, and I’m continually blessed by their feedback.
Looking for Practical Writing Advice
My writing journey took a circuitous route, one that rambled about for several years.
The torture of hearing crickets instead of ringing cash registers put me on the path of discovery. I found write a book for beginners theory, but not much practical application to show aspiring writers how to produce that all important first draft. Worse, most theories seemed to leave out exactly how the top writers created bestsellers.
Along the way, I collected actionable tips and began sharing that practical writing advice to help others finish and publish their books.
Story Theory Alone Failed Me
While useful, story theory alone did not help me write a book.
Unfortunately, theory insights left me scrambling to find how-to guides with examples. Most overviews emphasized characters, plots, and themes, but my manuscripts felt unorganized. That’s when one of the top storytellers I studied showed me how timeless stories adhere to a structure familiar to readers.
Top writers give readers a familiar story structure, adding creative spice — writing techniques — to set their books apart.
Diluted Write a Book for Beginners Courses
To make writing courses manageable for students, all too often, the content gets watered down.
That approach may help beginners produce a first draft quickly. However, it restricts the process, leaving out how to add the creative spice deemed important by readers. Relatives and friends may give the beginner a pat on the back for completing a novel, but without the expected familiar structure and writing techniques, rarely will paying customers give a debut author 5-star reviews.
Readers willing to give favorable reviews want first-class entertainment, and bestselling books often excel at informing and inspiring audiences.
Evaluating Write a Book for Beginners Courses
The prices charged for book writing courses vary widely, and while important to consider, will not help you decide if it’s right for you.
Instead of cost, use this list to evaluate courses before buying.
- Lecture or Application? Survey online teaching websites and pay particular attention to the writing course reviews. You’ll often find praise for learning lectures, but you’ll also notice discussions about completing that all important first draft. Dig down into those reviews, especially the ones with lower ratings. Steer clear of courses where the students voiced disappointment because of too much talk and not enough practical application.
- Overview or Worksheets? Videos and workbooks supply overviews, but it’s the worksheets that guide writers to apply the lessons. As you evaluate courses, scan for the worksheets offered. For example, some teachers include worksheets as part of their courses, but others expect the student to convert the lesson into practical application. Unfortunately, some students do not have the time, inclination, or skills to turn what they read or hear into worksheets they can use for their current and future writing projects.
- Satisfaction Guarantee Period? Even after evaluating the various courses, check out the satisfaction guarantee period. Reputable courses offer refunds if you’re dissatisfied, but for a limited period. Most students find a 30-day period adequate to not only sample the teaching but also to evaluate whether the course helped them apply what they’re taught.
- Designed for Visual Learners? Not everyone can easily envision written words as visuals. Some courses provide infographics to help visual learners see how the many moving parts — the story’s essentials — come together and form a great story. If visual learning is important to you, check to see if infographics are part of the course. You can find mentions of visual learning in the reviews and sometimes in the course syllabus.
The Missing Write a Book for Beginners Advice
Years ago, I wish someone had given me this advice.
- Find a course that teaches the bestselling authors techniques while giving you the practical story structure and step-by-step approach to finishing that all-important first draft.
- Make sure the course emphasizes completing your first draft because you can’t edit and polish the story if it’s nothing more than an idea.
- Determine if the course and worksheets organize the details while constantly reminding you of the top writing techniques, the wisdom you need to set your book apart as your story unfolds step-by-step.
I found my little gray cells couldn’t remember everything, so I benefited most from a unique writing system that gave me just what I needed at just the right time, including prompt-driven worksheets designed to shift my writing into high gear.
Use the Trellis Method to learn while you write.
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Which writing courses have you taken, and what did you like most and least about each one?
16 responses to “Evaluating The Many ‘Write a Book for Beginners’ Courses”
Excellent advice. I wish I’d started out with a structured course instead of just diving in and figuring it out along the way. I’m definitely a “learn by doing” person, so worksheets and application of the ideas is essential. 🙂
Me too, Diana. There’s just too much to keep in our heads. Making notes is one thing, and it helps, but it’s the prompt-based worksheets that applies the timeless wisdom to our writing.
Absolutely!
I just caught myself being surprised to read that writers learn writing techniques. Just then to be surprised about me being surprised – if that makes sense. Obviously there are writing techniques that can and should be learned if one wants to be a serious writer.
I suppose I just always presumed that especially top writers were top writers because they didn’t fit into a mold or they didn’t follow a strategy that’s used by everyone. That they have their own style that sets them apart.
But then again I’m thinking … Style does not equal a familiar writing techniques. they are two things.
People like familiarity, a kind of predictability but not too much either. If things are too much outside of the box many may actually get confused as opposed to appreciating the innovation. And no writer wants their readers to be confused ..
Some writers learn story structure early in life, perhaps through storytelling from parents. They seem to write without knowing exactly how they do it and often have trouble explaining their success to others. Then there are avid readers. They sense something special sets one story apart from another, yet when they write a book, their writing doesn’t seem to hold up when compared to masterworks. So they double down on learning those techniques. However, learned techniques alone won’t suffice. It’s the individual’s passions and dreams embedded into a story that helps the writer add that creative spice, a fresh and memorable taste that readers crave — Structure Unstructurables: The Secret to Harnessing Writers’ Passions and Dreams!
I’m a teacher trainer and the way I train is only through stories. I can’t do textbook knowledge. I don’t know why I do it. It’s just the way how I can relate to the best I think. My trainees love it and always ask me for my stories. But then when you talk to ‘professionals’ they ask me about facts and science…
I used to feel very low because of that in the past, like an imposter.
But with time I understood that my stories were a lot more powerful than any scientific article. Because they were real and relatable. Experience, identification, and what you said the passion above all I think… Makes you more open to listen and receive knowledge from others, I believe.
Absolutely. Thanks for adding to the discussion, highlighting the power of storytelling. I appreciate the emphasis. It’s the story that makes the difference. May you continue to help others through the superpower of stories, the writer’s opportunity to change for the better the lives of young and old.
I’ve taken topic-specific classes (like a class on description), but no classes on novels. I did get a lot out of Save the Cat, the Trellis Method, and How to Write a Dynamite Scene Using the Snowflake Method by Ingermanson.
Thanks for commenting, Priscilla. I love that there are so many ways to complete the writing puzzle, offering writers solutions that fit their preferred learning style. I’m all for giving them a practical, step-by-step way to finish that first draft.
I’ve taken a bunch of in-person courses, online ones, and read a passel of books. Good overview, Grant. Sharing.
Thanks, Jacqui. I won’t mention any names, but one stands out as charging a large sum, but many students felt the course was not actionable. Shame, because I liked what the teacher shared but people could not translate the talk to the walk.
🙂 Very practical advice, Grant.
Thanks, Renard. I’m amazed at what we can learn by reading reviews. For example, name-brand teachers spending more time talking rather than teaching left an unpleasant taste in the mouths of many paying students. Thus, beginning writers ended up with a bunch of notes but felt they got shortchanged on practical application.
Nice post 💰🌹
What I learned at university, as both student and teacher, has stood me in good stead with my writing. I can’t comment on the type of creative writing courses you mention, as I haven’t experienced them. For me though, a wealth of reading quality literature together with a full vocabulary and attention to detail should take writers a long way. 🙂
Thanks for your insights, Laura. Readers are leaders in both thoughts and writing. The ongoing studying of masterworks in writers’ chosen genres can produce significant change, boosting their writing!