Award-winning author Neil Gaiman has spent more than a quarter of a century crafting vivid, absorbing fiction. Now, the author of Stardust, Coraline, and The. In Neil Gaiman MasterClass, the author of Coraline, American Gods, Stardust, and The Sandman series teaches his approach to storytelling.

After quickly checking it out, I found that it wasn't just famous writers, but many famous people in their art, teaching on this online platform and all for what seemed like an affordable price.This drove me to ask what exactly is MasterClass and is MasterClass worth it?After trying it out, I created this MasterClass review. There are a lot of great things about MasterClass, but there are also a couple letdowns that I want you to know about before you decide about getting it. In this MasterClass review, you’ll learn:.Also, before we begin, I want to be upfront and let you know that the links below are affiliate links.

If you purchase MasterClass, it would help me keep my coffee funds going but will not affect your price. Nor did this affect my decisions in this MasterClass review. What Is MasterClass and Is it For Me?is an online learning platform, created by David Rogier and Aaron Rasmussen in 2015. It has quickly become the go-to online course system hosting the best in the industry as your teachers.Unlike with most, not just anyone can create a MasterClass.

To become an instructor, you must be a genuine A-List legend within your respective field making these some of the most epic online courses.The quality of the wisdom and experience shared is matched by beautiful video and well-presented workbooks. MasterClass also has a and, so you can keep up to date with all their latest class releases and any of the stars' Ask Me Anything sessions. More so, it looks like MasterClass will be to things like Entrepreneurism and Politics very soon.Now, I'll be upfront and say this If you prefer a more hands-on learning environment, this might not be for you. MasterClass is more of an online classroom type situation. But that's not to say you aren't allowed to give it go!You can access Masterclass online, or on your phone or Apple TV.

This last part, I didn't know about until later. My wife and I were hooking up my laptop in a wonky way in order to watch it on our TV – whoops.If you'd like to learn more abut Masterclass as a whole and their online courses, they have an incredibly easy to read –or you can just keep reading this MasterClass review. What MasterClass Classes Are Offered?Check out this list of some of the star-studded teachers and the full list of MasterClasses available:taught by Multiple NYT Bestselling author Malcolm Gladwelltaught by NBA Championship Winner and MVP Stephen Currytaught by multi-award-winning actor and comedian Judd Apatowtaught by Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsesetaught by Oscar-winning actress Helen Mirrentaught by 16 Michelin Star recipient chef Gordon Ramsaytaught by Oscar-winning director and screenwriter Aaron Sorkintaught by best-selling children’s author R. Stinetaught by the world’s All-Time Best-selling author James Pattersontaught by best-selling and award-winning author Judy Blumetaught by legendary award-winning DJ and producer deadmau5taught by Oscar-winning comedian Steve Martintaught by Grandmaster Garry Kasparovtaught by Internationally renowned screenwriter and director Werner Herzogtaught by BAFTA award-winning director and producer Samuel L. Jacksontaught by Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter Christina Aguilerataught by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Spike LeeAnd so many more online classes.

As a matter of fact, they are always coming out with more. Just recently they released and are now starting a new series of online classes focusing on Entrepreneurship and Leadership (such as the that one's actually pretty great)!

People who have access to MasterClass.com will always get the new courses when they come out. You can also using a special option on their website.MasterClass Discount CodeThere are many websites that talk about a MasterClass discount code or coupon, and the truth is MasterClass doesn’t offer any. When it first came out, they had discounts that were common, but no longer.Instead, MasterClass will sometimes offer specials or discounts, but it is open to everyone when you arrive at their site, and it isn’t something you find a code for. For example, in the past, they've done a sale where if you purchase it as a gift, you get $20 off. The Best MasterClass Courses For WritersThere are a lot of great courses on MasterClass that aren't specific to writing (like or ). However, writing has always been my favorite topic.

So, after grabbing a case of Red Bull and some snacks, I plopped down and decided to create a few individual MasterClass reviews I feel will be of interest to self-publishers. You can explore them in more detail below.For each course, I’ve given a bit of info about the course instructor, selected a few of the lessons from the course syllabus, and highlighted why I think they are valuable for you as a Kindlepreneur reader.

This isn't a MasterClass review of all the writer courses out there, but does represent the best I've found.James Patterson MasterClass Review – Writingis one of the best-known names in American writing. He has written countless bestsellers, including the Alex Cross and Maximum Ride series, and publishes at a prolific rate.In his MasterClass, James Patterson shares his insight into the process of writing, accompanied by countless priceless anecdotes from his life and career. James Patterson MasterClass LessonsThis MasterClass consists of 22 lessons covering over 3 hours of video, as well as a workbook with extra material and assignments. You can submit drafts for critique by the class community.Some of the most relevant and interesting lessons from James Patterson’s MasterClass include:. Outlining.

James Patterson is known for being a master outliner, which is part of the secret behind his prolific rate of publication. Here, James breaks down his personal outlining process and illustrates it with an outline from a bestselling novel he has never before shown anyone. Writing Suspense. James Patterson novels are known for being page-turners that keep the readers hooked. Here, James reveals his secret recipe for suspenseful writing.

Book Titles and Covers. James reveals the top tips you need to keep in mind when choosing your and. Working with a Co-Author. Two of Patterson’s collaborators help teach this lesson, which explains the secrets for successful co-authoring. Marketing The Patterson Way.

Before James Patterson became a bestselling novelist, he was a top advertising executive. This perspective gives him unique book marketing insight you won’t find anywhere else.Overall, I feel the James Patterson MasterClass is one of the most enjoyable and useful learning experiences I’ve ever had. I feel like I have a good sense of Patterson’s personality, and I learned some writing tips I’ve never heard mentioned anywhere else. It’s an absolute gem of a course.Margaret Atwood – Creative Writingis truly a living legend in the world of fiction. She has never been more famous due to the runaway success of the TV adaptation of one of her best-known works, The Handmaid’s Tale.She is known for writing gripping dystopian fiction that packs a powerful message. Margaret Atwood MasterClass Selected LessonsHer MasterClass is taught in over 20 video lessons. Students also receive a workbook with extra material.

Students can upload videos to the class community to receive critiques. Margaret Atwood herself will also critique some lucky students!Some of the most enticing lessons from Margaret Atwood’s MasterClass syllabus include:. Structuring Your Novel. Layered Narratives and Other Variations. In this lesson, Atwood uses real stories, both her own and others, to explain the various ways a novel can be structured.

Choosing the right structure is a real struggle for many writers, so this lesson alone makes her course worth taking. Creating Compelling Characters.

A valuable lesson for every fiction writer out there. It explores how to make characters memorable and vivid, and explains how gender impacts character creation. Speculative Fiction Case Study. The Handmaid’s Tale. Margaret Atwood uses her most famous novel as an illustration for her own process of researching and getting inspiration for a speculative fiction project. Research and Historical Accuracy. Research can make or break any book project.

This is a unique chance to learn the exact research process used by one of the most successful writers out there. The Business of Being a Writer.

Sure to be of interest to you as a Kindlepreneur reader, Atwood explains the business aspects of writing, such as finding an agent, how she deals with criticism, and negative reviews.Margaret Atwood is truly one of the most respected names in literature. The fact that she is teaching a new MasterClass is a testament to the quality and power of the MasterClass brand. I’m confident in particular, as well as all writers in general, will find a lot to love in Margaret Atwood’s MasterClass.Malcolm Gladwell Review – Writingis one of the bestselling and most respected nonfiction writers of recent years.Gladwell is known for distilling very complex concepts down into a more understandable form. Many of the concepts he has popularized, such as “10,000 hours of practice to achieve mastery”, have sunk into the popular imagination.

Malcolm Gladwell MasterClass Review Selected LessonsMalcolm Gladwell teaches his MasterClass over 24 lessons, a workbook with recaps and assignments, and office hours where Malcolm will answer select questions that are posed by Master Class students.Some of the lessons which really stood out to me from Malcolm’s MasterClass syllabus, and I’m sure you’ll love too, include:. Developing the Story. This lesson teaches how Malcolm takes the initial seed of a story idea and develops it into something more, drawing upon the feedback of his family and friends in the process. Structuring Language. A technical look at punctuation and sentence length. Gladwell explains how these seemingly technical aspects of writing can be used to help readers understand difficult ideas. Tone and Voice.

Malcolm explains how he matches his tone and voice to audience expectations, drawing upon examples from his own career to illustrate the techniques he shares. Titles.

Here Malcolm explains how the primary purpose of a title is to grab a reader’s attention, and the best way to do this is by playing on their emotions. How to Read.

Seeing as one of the major keys to being a great writer is to be a great reader, Malcolm Gladwell makes a point of sharing his personal strategies for reading intelligently in this MasterClass lesson.Malcolm Gladwell’s status as a bestselling writer of nonfiction and respected journalist means this MasterClass will hold a special appeal for nonfiction writers, but I think any writer could learn a lot from his lessons.Neil Gaiman MasterClass – Teaching the Art of StorytellingNeil Gaiman's MasterClass is a definite must-watch! He has won multiple awards for Horror and Science Fiction including the Hugo, Nebula, Bram Stroker.

Not to mention his Newbury and Carnegie medals. His most popular work by far is American Gods–a tale that throws caution and religion to the wind in a modern/ancient entanglement of rule.And Neil's writing is not only great for print but for our viewing pleasure–check out American Gods and his upcoming The Sandman series. Because he's perfected the art of storytelling, and that's just what his MasterClass is all about. Neil Gaiman MasterClass Selected LessonsGaiman's MasterClass is conducted over a series of 19 individual lessons and comes with its own classwork full of great supplemental information.Here are some of the lessons that I think are extremely valuable from his MasterClass.

Short Fiction. When it comes to short fiction, you need to learn how to properly focus your scenes to achieve their maximum impact. Neil walks you through some techniques to help you do just that.

Dialogue and Character. Ever had to slog through unrealistic dialogue in a story? Did the lines just seem unnatural and forced? Gaiman addresses these points to help get you on track to writing fluid dialogue to help move your story along. World Building. If you've ever read any of his stuff, then you know Neil Gaiman is one of the kings of world building. In this lesson, he shares with us his philosophy on settings, common pitfalls when creating them, and how to avoid those issues.

Humor. How do you feel about “Sherbert Lemons” and “figgins”? These are two of Neil's personal humor introduction techniques.

These techniques, among others, will be introduced in this lesson. Dealing with Writer's Block. While most of his lessons are involved with full story creation, he does tackle one of the biggest issues facing fiction authors today: Writer's block. Learn some of the ways that he himself gets through these difficult times.Now while any writer can get awesome value out of Neil Gaiman's MasterClass, I would definitely recommend this to all the fiction writers out there. Neil has become a pillar of the modern fiction community, and it would behoove any aspiring legends to have a watch.The above aren't all the MasterClasses out there on writing, but these were my favorite so far. There are also courses by, Judy Blume, R.L. Stine, and David Baldacci!

MasterClass Review: Best MasterClasses for those Learning a New SkillNow, I've covered a bunch of great courses for us writers. And there's plenty more where those came from. But what if you'd want to learn something other than writing? Shocker, I know. (I hope you can catch that dripping sarcasm.)Writers by nature are inquisitive, curious little beasts. We just love getting our hands on some good old fashioned knowledge.

Don't believe me? Think back about the last time you needed to do research for your novel. And don't get me started on nonfiction or historical fiction writers.So, let me share with you my two favorite non-writing related courses available through MasterClass. Gordon Ramsay Teaches Cooking- MasterClass ReviewYou knew this one had to be one of my favorites. And not just because Chef Ramsay is the most electrifying superstar in cookery entertainment.

But the man can cook. He's held a total of 16 Michelin Stars with only a very short list above him holding more (one being his late mentor, Joel Robuchon). And he's taking his time to educate us with not one, but TWO different MasterClasses!ButIf I had to choose between the two, it'd be his first. He starts the class off by introducing himself, his journey through cooking, and how it felt for him to become the world-renown chef he is today. Very humbling and wonderful insights for sure. But thenstraight to business.Before showing you a single dish, he stresses the importance of your kitchen layout and how to maximize everything you can with scant few supplies.After that, it's a whirlwind of simple, yet gourmet dishes that'll make your mouth water. Do not watch this class on an empty stomach.

Gordon Ramsay MasterClass Selected LessonsHere's a rundown of my favorite lessons from Chef Ramsay:. Mastering Ingredients: Vegetables and Herbs. I remember hearing everybody tell me to eat my vegetables growing up. But sometimes I just didn't want to. Maybe it's because I (or those preparing the veg) didn't quite understand their ingredients.

In this lesson, Chef Ramsay teaches you how to select the best produce and what to do with it. Method: Knife Skills. This should be a prerequisite for everybody who ever steps into a kitchen.

Coming out of this lesson, I had a new appreciation for holding and using knifes in the kitchen. I still apply these skills in my life every time I'm cooking up something.

Make: Elevated Scrambled Eggs. When are scrambled eggs more than just scrambled eggs? After watching this lesson.

These are some of the most decadent scrambled eggs you'll ever eat. Method: Breaking Down a Whole Chicken. I don't know about youbut I love chicken. Fried, baked, grilled. You name itI'll probably eat it. However, I've never really taken the time to learn how to break one down fully until taking this lesson. And while pre-packaged cuts are still a handy convenience, I'm more than happy with my newfound talent. Advice for Life. In this lesson, Gordon doesn't come at you as Chef Ramsay.

He's just Gordon. His meteoric rise to the top hasn't always been easy.

But he kept at it, and really made something for himself. In this lesson, he gives some universal advice on how to succeed and manage that success.Daniel Negreanu Teaches Poker- MasterClass ReviewWhether you're betting big money in a casino or playing for pennies with Grandma, you've just gotta learn how to play poker. Daniel is a six-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner and someone you don't want sitting across the gaming table from you.

Thankfully though, he's not here to rob you blind but help improve your game.His MasterClass is a whopping 38 lessons long each exploring different aspects of the game. I thought I knew a little bit about poker in general, but whoo This guy really knows his stuff. Daniel covers everything you can think of from spotting tells, table talk, positioning, betting, and even tournament play.Even if you aren't a poker player, this could be an excellent gift for the cardsharp in your life. Daniel Negreanu MasterClass Selected LessonsUnderstanding Position. When you're playing poker, so many of your actions are dictated just in what position you're in. But do you know when to hold em, fold em, or walk away in what position? Learn how in this lesson.Game Theory and Math. So for those of you unaware, I'm a pretty huge math geek.

And this lesson really got me thinking. He goes through pot odds, calculating fold probabilities, and even game theory! So much win in just one lesson.Detecting and Executing the Bluff. Seriously, pulling off a bluff in poker has got to be the second most rewarding thing when playing poker. It's right up there with winning the pot. But to be honestmost people are terrible bluffers.

In this lesson, you'll learn not only how to cover your bluff but expose those of others as well.Universal Tournament Strategy. Did you know that there's more to tournament style poker than just playing cards? There's actual strategy even between tables. Daniel breaks down some of his tactics so you can learn how to succeed at any level of play.How to Think at the Poker Table. Every time I've sat down at a poker table, there comes a point in time where I can feel my emotions and inhibitions start to slip. My logic begins to fail and I start laying with gusto and heart.

And that's because to me it's game to have fun. But if you're looking to win some real money doing this, you need to learn how to keep those emotions in check.MasterClass vs The Great Courses ReviewI've often seen MasterClass compared to The Great Courses. And I can see why.is another online course platform that provides high-level information–often college level–on particular subjects of interest.Each platform has its own strengths. For example, one advantage The Great Courses has is that you actually. Another is that The Great Courses tends to provide more theory when taking the course.But MasterClass still comes out on top for me.MasterClass tends to be more engaging and brisk. Individual lessons can be as short as 5-25 minutes long.

Now, you might think this is way too short. But it really isn't. It's condensed into what you actually need to know.

MasterClass is able to grab hold of my interest and maintain it throughout the entire lesson.Another edge Masterclass has is the instructors are actual individuals who have reached the pinnacles of success in their respective fields. While The Great Courses has amazing instructors–normally professors and other academics–MasterClass provides a unique opportunity to sit down with the legends those academics will study in the future.So while a comparison can be made between MasterClass vs The Great Courses, MasterClass still reigns supreme in my eyes. MasterClass vs UdemyBut what about Udemy?Udemy has a wonderful course platform. They have over 100,000 online courses available on just about any subject. And while some might look pricey, there are plenty of other courses right around the $10 mark. Plus, Udemy has discounts all the time! Sometimes, their courses are literally 90% off.

Heck, you can even create your very own course on Udemy!MasterClass has less selection, little-to-no discount, and–while you can join community discussion–you can't build your own course.And this is exactly why MasterClass is still better in my book.It's like buying a car from Big Bob's Discount Used Auto Barn (Udemy) or that sleek Maserati dealership (MasterClass). With Udemy, you never know just exactly who's built your course, what actual knowledge they have, or how good the info really is.

And sure, you can find some really great classes on Udemy. But those tend to be just as expensive as a MasterClass.On the other hand, you know exactly what you're getting with MasterClass. If you're looking to be a professional EDM DJ, where better to learn than a Deadmau5 MasterClass? Or for guitarists having Carlos Santana teaching you the art and soul of guitar? Every single MasterClass is taught by an absolute giant of their industry. And while it may cost a bit more than a potentially sub-par Udemy course, I'm willing to spend the extra bucks for insights I won't find anywhere else. MasterClass vs CreativeLiveAnother online course platform that commonly gets brought up into the MasterClass comparison conversation is CreativeLive.And here's my opinion.

Comparing these two is kind of like comparing red apples and green apples. Sure, they're both apples. And yes, they grow on trees.

They produced their first Australian LP The Bee Gees Sing and Play 14 Barry Gibb Songs in 1965. Bee Gees were considered one of the leading artists in Australia, yet almost absolutely unknown abroad. In 1967, the brothers came back to England and added instrumentalists Vince Melouney and Colin Petersen to the lineup. Free Mp3 Bee Gees Download, Lyric Bee Gees Chord Guitar, Free Ringtone Bee Gees Download, and Get Bee Gees Hiqh Qualtiy audio from Amazon, Spotify, Deezer, Itunes, Google Play, Youtube, Soundcloud and More. Bee gees music videos.

But they have so different uses! Red apples tend to be sweeter and more mild to eat raw and as a snack. Green apples, on the other hand, tend to get pretty tart. But they tend to hold up so much better when cooking and baking. That's why most apple pie recipes call for green apples.Now, what am I getting at here with all this apple talk?Well, both MasterClass and CreativeLive are online courses that sell professional knowledge to its users.

But whereas MasterClass is great fro just about everybody to enjoy–aka red apples–CreativeLive courses would be best suited for bloggers, photographers, and other forms of digital media. If you're not into thoseyou might want to stick to MasterClasses.However, I'm not discrediting CreativeLive.

They're a great platform for anyone looking to up their professional game. What I Disliked about MasterClassIt wouldn't be a proper MasterClass review without bringing up some of the things that it lacked.

Here are the things I didn't particularly like:. While the people selected to lead the classes were all some of the best in the trade, many of them weren't exactly great teachers. Hats off to the video editors in trying to make some of these as stellar as possible, but the level of actual teaching in certain classes was sometimes scarce. Don't expect these to be very technical, but more strategic in nature. Think of them more like intensive Ted X talks with very famous people leading it.

There is no free trial. I get that – considering that someone could sign up for the free trial and binge watch. However, I still like to see companies believe you'll love their courses or service so much, that you wouldn't even dare ask for your money back.

You can't download the classes. I was hoping to watch one on a plane recently, but because of this, I couldn't. UPDATE: You can now download classes for offline viewing using the MasterClass iOS app. I'm not currently aware of a similar opportunity for Android users.Would this be enough to deter me? No, because the price is so cheap that I think all these negatives don't outweigh the gains my wife and I got out of it.

See my Full Video Masterclass Review hereHere is my video MasterClass review showing you my thoughts and even taking you behind the scenes to see it in action.Want more videos like this? Then click to my YouTube channel MasterClass Review: Frequently Asked QuestionsAfter reading this MasterClass review, you may still have a few questions. That's why I've put together a list of some of the most commonly asked questions about MasterClass. How long is a MasterClass?This actually varies from class to class. But based on the MasterClasses that I've taken, the running time tends to be between 2-5 hours.

SO If you're thinking you don't have time to learn a new skill, you do! Just cut your Orange is the New Black binge-watching in half and boom. Enter the knowledge. How long are MasterClass lessons?The individual lessons themselves are relatively short with the longest being around 25 minutes. This makes MasterClass easy to digest and convenient.

The length of the classes even allows you to catch one or two on a lunch break. And I've personally found that the lesson length is super easy to schedule in.

I stay pretty busy, but I can usually find time for 25 minutes each day to spend on MasterClass. How fast do I have to complete the courses?MasterClass is completely work at your own pace.

This means you have unlimited time to complete a course that you've purchased. There's no rush at all.

That being said, there's also no limit to re-watching or reviewing your course. And that's awesome. I know I can get a little lost sometimes. So, I'm happy this isn't one of those watch one time and hope for the best deals. Can I watch MasterClass on my TV?Absolutely. It just depends on your TV as to how you can make it work. For Apple TV users, all you need to do is download the app.

MasterClass has an app for 4th gen Apple TVs. If you don't have an Apple TV, you can still watch it on your TV although it's a bit trickier. You'll have to use a Google Chromecast device with a compatible TV.But even if you don't have an Apple TV or a Google Chromecast, there's still hope. Most modern TVs and laptops come equipped with HDMI cable ports. Simply connect the two with an HDMI cable, and your television set becomes an extension monitor (complete with sound) for your laptop.

P.S.–This is a great tip to remember especially when travelling between hotels. How can I download MasterClass videos?You can't download MasterClass videos straight from the internet. This helps to prevent pirated courses.

Just put yourself in their shoes. MasterClass is trying to run a business. Imagine if someone started illegally downloading your hard-written books. Not cool, right? You can, however, download them for offline viewing using their iOS app. Sorry, Team Android.

How can I get MasterClass for free?You ever hear that saying, “There's no such thing as a free lunch”? Well, it's true. You gotta pay for MasterClass.

Unless you have it gifted to you. But seriously, you'd be paying for some of the best insights you can get anywhere!

I myself bought the All-Access pass. But if you're looking for a specific course, that's ok too. How can I send MasterClass as a gift?Every single class sign up page as the option to “Gift”.

You'll see them on page as red push button. Simply click, and you're on your way. And they really do make great gifts!

For instance, sending Anna Wintour's MasterClass on Creativity and Leadership would be a great gift for any graduate, budding entrepreneur, or special writer in your life. Heck, if I didn't have the All-Access Pass, I'd love a gifted MasterClass as well. What if MasterClass isn't for me? How can I get a refund?Nothing's perfect. And I'm sure there's going to be some of you who just don't like it for whatever reason.

There's no problem with that. But you may think it'd be tricky to get back your money. However, it couldn't be any more simpler. MasterClass actually offers a full money back refund for 30 days after purchase.

No questions asked. And here's how to do it.Submit a Request to the MasterClass ZenDesk. Be sure to include the following:. Your registered email address. Transaction ID number (that will be found on your receipt of purchase). The title of the MasterClass you want refunded. PayPal Email Address if purchased via PayPalCall MasterClass DirectlyYou can actually call them on the phone and speak with one of their customer service representatives to get this done.1-(855)-981-8208You're still going to need all the above information.

But if you'd rather talk to a live agent, this is the best option for you.In-App Purchase RefundsIf you've purchased MasterClass through an app such as the Apple Store or Google Play, you can still request your refund. But you're going to have to go through them. Here's how. Apple: Reach out to the Apple Care Team by calling toll-free: 1-(800)-275-2273 or 1-(800)-APL-CARE.

Google Play: Google makes it simple. Just request for a refund via your Google Store Account.Are Masterclasses Worth it?In preparing for this MasterClass review, I took different courses in writing and other subjects. I found that each course was different in its organization and feel. Some were very tactical in their approach, giving step-by-step actions ( comes to mind), while others were more theoretical and strategic in nature.At times, this varying style and level of detail was enjoyable. It was as if you entered into each class, not knowing exactly what to expect – but expecting that it would be mind-blowing to some degree. I also respect that through their different styles, it was reflective of the artist and how they wanted to approach their art and deliver their message. Didn't give you steps to creating music but more of the processes, thoughts, and struggle that he faces in delivering his music.

Although I found some amazing information in the comments on required software and technical aspects, deadMau5 wasn't there to talk technical. He was there to teach about his style of art.But, there were times when I wished some creators would go deeper to show some “how-to” aspects to their art. At one point, talked about how he researches and plans for a new book. I would have LOVED to see him actually put one of my old faves together. Instead, we breezed over his process.So, in the end of this MasterClass review, I can say that each class was absolutely worth watching and this makes the all-access pass worth it. It was incredible to have such a candid approach from true masters of their art.

But MOST of these courses will not give you the tools to jump right up and implement the lessons if you're a true beginner. Instead, most are more of a high-level discussion on the art.So, is MasterClass worth it or better put, is Masterclass worth the money?I've still got my annual subscription to the all-access pass of MasterClass, and my wife and I are planning to watch a couple more instead of a Netflix film. Next up, and by Chris Hadfield and because apparently, that's how my wife and I do dates these days. That and a bottle of wine.Cheers.

I had the subscription for a year, but I ended up dropping it when the year ended. While I’m glad I signed up, most of the classes were merely entry-level. While it was great watching my favorite authors, after a while, the classes all sounded the same lots of rudimentary stuff that I learned years ago, not a lot of skills for more advanced writers. When you cancel your subscription, your access to all the classes you took disappears, so you cannot go back and rewatch something if you are having an issue and would like to rewatch the issue.Also, ALL of the classes ONLY talk about taking the “traditional” route to publishing. Write a book. Hire an editor.

Find an agent. Do what the publishing house tells you to write. There is almost ZERO talk about indie publishing.These days, I take one class for $90 if I feel a burning need. I’m taking Joyce Carol Oates short fiction writing class at the moment since I love her disturbing fiction.

I also “own” the James Patterson masterclass, which I refer back to occasionally.If you -do- sign up for a subscription service, be sure to budget time to actually WATCH them, and be sure to watch classes in topics other than writing.If you do the subscription, DO take the following two classes:- Chris Hadfield – space exploration – OMG!!! Even if you do not write space opera, this guy has to be THE single most inspiring person I’ve ever listened to since Carl Sagan left the planet. Not only will you learn the physics of how to put a rocket on the moon in a way you can understand, but you’ll leave this class feeling hope for humanity as a species,- Werner Herzog – filmmaking – this class is a bit slower paced, but out of all the screenwriting coaches on Masterclass, he is the ONLY filmmaker who talks about making films outside the box of the regular Hollywood distribution network.

And he refers you to tactics used by other ultra low-budget indie filmmakers such as Robert Rodrigio (El Mariachi). This is the only class which teaches you what it takes for a filmmaker to turn your novel into a movie, especially things such as budget, that can make the difference as to whether or not your novel ever gets optioned. Also, if you write conservative, Christian, or any other genre (such as romantic comedy, westerns, or horror) which doesn’t fit the current Hollywood style, but has fledgling indie movie houses that make these kinds of movies, it will help you learn what might make your novel FEASIBLE to be filmed. I agree with much of your assessment. Many of the “teachers” really aren’t teaching at all they’re pontificating. While some of the classes could be considered somewhat helpful to a writer looking for inspiration and perhaps some tips they had not yet thought of, There is very little here that breaks down the creative process into a set of usable strategies.

This made the course useless for me as I teach writing to a select group of kids: high intelligence, very creative, but in desperate need of ways to harness their raw talent. In all, I found some of what was offered interesting, but almost none of it practical within the framework of teaching as a structured process. Like I said, most of them do not go into the basics, but more of a higher level discussion and an inside of what It is like to be at the top of the game for that mastery.

Sometimes It is like a well-done more detailed TedX from your favorite. Sometimes, It is more. The DeadMau5 one did not teach me how to start making EDM, but it did give me a preview into what that is like, the struggles and things to be aware of in the industry.

One thing that helped me in that though where the comments – there were a LOT of people sharing information and listing places and things to check out. If It is screenwriting you want, try the interface is old-fashioned and clunky, and It is not cheap, but Hal breaks it down into actionable steps for actual screenwriters. Oh, and he`s kind of a “salesman type” just ignore it.

If you’ve already taken an introductory screenwriting class at a university or someplace else and written at least one screenplay, go right into the Bingeworthy Television class. If you’re still learning, take the ProSeries class first. But before you cough up anything, sign up for whatever free hour-long mini-class (and sales pitch) he`s offering to see if you like it, and then take one of the less expensive classes, before you go ahead and bite the bullet for a more expensive class. I find it worth it because It is got advanced stuff you won’t find anyplace else except a screenwriting MFA class. But everybody is different. Just do not get sucked into the “cult of Hal.” I love the way he teaches, but man, the guy could sell ice to eskimos!