What exactly is a Master Class? It is a class, in any subject, that is taught by an expert in that subject. As writers, why do we want to take a master class? For that matter, why do we want to take classes at all? Let's discuss the last question first. As writers, we take classes to learn new skills, to bring structure into our writing (hey - I am a "pantser", so a little structure doesn't hurt!), to help to motivate us and keep us focused, and perhaps to learn from a master craftsman - a writer that we admire, and that we want to learn from/be like.
There it is - the master craftsman teaching the master class! In my wanderings I found a class offered by Margaret Atwood on creative writing, being offered through the Master Class site. This is a site where over 45 instructors offer classes on subjects ranging from writing, to cooking, game design and theory, playing the guitar, photography, wine appreciation, and more. Other writing classes include those given by Malcolm Gladwell, Dan Brown, James Patterson, Shonda Rhimes, Aaron Sorkin, R.L. Stine, Judy Blume, and David Mamet.
Looking at Margaret Atwood's class, this is the structure: there are 23 video lesson's (the content of each lesson is listed on the site), a downloadable class workbook, and a critique on student work. Also included are some of Atwood's original research and notes.
Classes on this site can be taken singly, or there is an option for an all access pass for a yearly fee. Looking at what is being offered, I am inclined to purchase the all access pass.
I can't think of a better place to grow some feet for a beginning writer, or to fine tune one's work for a more accomplished writer.
(c) January 2019 Bonnie Cehovet
Reproduction prohibited without written permission from the author.
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