In this review, we’ll see if the David Baldacci MasterClass lives up to its promises and delivers a course worthy of your investment.
David Baldacci MasterClass Summary
- What you’ll learn: In this MasterClass, worldwide bestselling author David Baldacci teaches you how to adopt a professional author’s mindset. He guides you through the process of building a writing career from your first page to your first book tour.
- Run time: 3 hours 46 minutes
- Recommendation: 9/10. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or a seasoned author, David Baldacci gives motivational and direct-action advice to carry with you into your career. This class is designed to inspire, though may not benefit those who have no interest in writing or publishing.
MasterClass offers a wide variety of lessons from bestselling authors, including Dan Brown, N.K. Jemisin, and James Patterson. I’ve enjoyed all of these MasterClasses and found the advice these authors provided to be invaluable tools for breaking in that very first novel.
I expected something similar out of David Baldacci’s class. I was pleasantly surprised by the material he provided.
This MasterClass is a little different. He won’t only teach how to be a writer – he’ll teach you how to be an author. David Baldacci’s MasterClass is designed to help authors who want to build careers, not just write one great book.
In this David Baldacci MasterClass review, I’ll answer a few key questions, summarize what I liked and disliked about the course, and give you my honest recommendation. I aim to give you as much information as you need to decide: Is the David Baldacci Mystery and Thriller Writing MasterClass worth it?
Let’s get started.
In this MasterClass review, you’ll learn:
- What does this MasterClass promise?
- How much does David Baldacci MasterClass cost?
- What’s included in the David Baldacci MasterClass?
- Structure of the class
- Key things I learned after taking the MasterClass
- Things I liked and didn’t like about the David Baldacci MasterClass
- Is David Baldacci’s MasterClass worth the money?
Quick Q and A
Yes, you need a MasterClass subscription to access David Baldacci’s MasterClass. The subscription unlocks hundreds of classes taught by experts in their respective fields. Jump to the pricing section to know more.
The David Baldacci MasterClass on Mystery and Thriller Writing is 3 hours and 46 minutes long and spans 18 video lessons.
Yes. MasterClass has a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If you’re unhappy with the subscription and cancel within the first 30 days, you can request a full refund.
Yes, absolutely. David Baldacci will give you the tools you need to finish your first draft, plus invaluable advice from his experience of decades in both the novel writing and publishing industry.
About David Baldacci
David Baldacci didn’t start his life as a writer.
In fact, he was a practicing lawyer for nine years. He worked in Washington D.C., which became the backdrop to many of his novels.
In 1996, he published his first thriller novel, “Absolute Power,” a book about a US president and secret service agents who cover up a murder. The book was sold internationally and became a movie starring Clint Eastwood and Gene Hackman.
David Baldacci has since published 46 adult novels and seven young adult novels. His primary genre is commercial fiction and he’s had great success with multiple mystery and thriller series.
His novels have been published in over 80 countries and translated into 45 different languages. As David Baldacci discusses in his MasterClass, much of his success has been due to the very deliberate decisions he’s made concerning his career path.
David Baldacci’s success comes not only from writing what he’s good at, but also from diversifying his portfolio of published works and experimenting with new and exciting marketing techniques.
It’s about building a world that didn’t exist before you thought of it”
What does this MasterClass promise?
Did he meet my expectations?
I’ll cover that at the end of the review (skip ahead if you want to find out). But first, let’s talk about what’s probably on your mind: what separates this MasterClass from other writing courses?
David Baldacci is a wealth of information. Due to his legal background, he tends to approach his material with a very matter-of-fact, rational manner.
Don’t get me wrong; David Baldacci has passion and he spends a lot of time talking about inspiration and the creative drive authors must have to keep writing. But the real value I uncovered from this class was the grounded advice he had to write not only your first great book, but all the books that come after.
He’s a seasoned, successful commercial writer. David Baldacci’s MasterClass teaches you how to build a professional career and how to conduct yourself and make connections that will benefit you in the long term.
His pragmatic, rational approach makes this MasterClass packed with invaluable action-steps.
How much does David Baldacci’s MasterClass cost?
MasterClass doesn’t offer single-course memberships. To access David Baldacci’s MasterClass (and 180+ others), you need to subscribe to an annual plan that costs between $120 to $240, depending on the chosen plan.
Here’s a breakdown of MasterClass’s prices, billed annually:
- Individual: $120 per year ($10 per month)
- Duo (two devices): $180 per year ($15 per month)
- Family (six devices): $240 per year ($20 per month)
You get access to all of MasterClass’s offerings regardless of the plan you choose.
This means that you’re not only paying $120 for a three-hour course; you’re paying $120 to access more than 180 top-tier lessons from well-known professionals across various fields.
Among these experts include Kris Jenner, Mellody Hobson, and Noam Chomsky. I’ve written reviews for each of their MasterClasses, so check them out if you’re interested!
The only difference between the Individual, Duo, and Family plans is the number of people who can use and access the account simultaneously.
The Individual Plan lets a single user watch, learn, and explore the entirety of MasterClass’s extensive library of courses.
With the Duo Plan, two people can access the platform simultaneously, making it ideal for learning alongside a partner, friend, or family member.
The Family Plan extends this accessibility to up to six people, accommodating the needs of large groups or families.
When subscribing to MasterClass, keep an eye out for seasonal or holiday discounts. MasterClass often gives out two-for-the-price-of-one deals, so you can gift a friend or family member a complimentary subscription when you subscribe.
What is included in David Baldacci’s MasterClass?
Here’s a rundown of what you’re getting with David Baldacci’s MasterClass:
| Runtime: | 3 hours and 46 minutes |
| Reviews: | 4.7 out of 5 ⭐️ |
| Lessons: | 18 video lessons |
| Materials: | 1 workbook and 2 sample outlines |
Runtime
The runtime clocks in at nearly 4 hours, but at no point does the class ever feel like it’s dragging. I found myself (appropriately so) on the edge of my seat, eagerly clicking the “next” button each time I ended a course. You’ll find yourself finishing this MasterClass in a day because you simply can’t put it down.
Supplemental material
Dave Baldacci’s MasterClass comes with a few very valuable downloads.
His supplemental workbook is truly a free book on mystery and thriller writing. It comes out to nearly 100 pages and it’s a guide that you can use as you follow along with the class. Not only does it provide an in-depth breakdown of each class, but it gives you space for exercises so you can personalize the class in relation to your own novel.
Additionally, he provides two sample outlines of his books “The Innocent” and “The Fix.” These are handwritten outlines that give you an unique insight into his outlining and planning process.
Community Access
Like any MasterClass course, you can join a community of learners enrolled in Dave Baldacci’s classes. You can connect with fellow students, discuss session materials, and exchange ideas.
About the structure of the class
Dave Baldacci’s MasterClass is divided up into 18 lessons with an average run time of approximately 10-15 minutes per lesson. However, the video playback buttons offer you the ability to watch the course at 1.5x and 2x speed.
Lesson plan
Dave Baldacci’s MasterClass is divided up into 182 lessons with an average run time of approximately 10-15 minutes per lesson. However, the video playback buttons offer you the ability to watch the course at 1.5x and 2x speed.
- Introduction
- Finding the Idea
- Research Methods and Sources, Part 1
- Research Methods and Sources, Part 2
- Outlining
- Constructing Chapters
- Pacing, Tension, and Suspense
- Creating Compelling Characters
- Crafting Dialogue
- Writing Action
- Writing Process
- Editing and Revising
- Working With an Editor
- Navigating the Publishing Business, Part 1
- Navigating the Publishing Business, Part 2
- Writing a Series
- Life as a Writer
- Follow the Words
Lesson summary
David Baldacci’s MasterClass is an essential guide for anyone who wants to turn their writing passion into a writing career.
I’ve taken multiple classes on the craft of writing and the nuts and bolts of publishing, both from inside MasterClass and through various professional classes.
David Baldacci’s MasterClass is, in my opinion, a fantastic resource because he speaks to you in a straightforward, candid way and gives you concrete examples and action steps.
While he does spend some time going over writing craft itself (such as methods to craft dialogue and how to weave suspense through each chapter), for the most part, his class is a mindset shift.
It will take your desire to become a writer and mold it into the drive to become a career-driven, published author.
He has been in this business for a long time, and he has a backlist of wildly successful commercial fiction to prove it. As you work through the class, you feel as though David Baldacci wants you to be successful. He wants you to write the book of your dreams, certainly, but he also wants to give you the tools to make sure that your book will be a hit with agents, publishers, and readers alike.
In each lesson, he ties it back to his own work. For example, in his section about writing action scenes, he reads out loud a portion of his novel, and then breaks down the process of building suspense. This is a tool he frequently utilizes and it’s incredibly helpful for those who need examples to understand the advice given.
His class isn’t all about monetizing your brand as an author, however. There is also a lot of heart. Multiple times, he admits that he would have never become a writer if he didn’t have the passion for the craft. At one point, he explains that he’s a writer because he couldn’t be anything else.
Yes, he was a successful lawyer. If he wanted, he could have built a very nice life out of that. But writing is what gives him joy. If he goes a day without writing, he’s morose and cranky.
That’s the type of writer he wants to help you become. Someone with writing in their blood who can then take their passion to the next level and turn a simple story idea into something that flies off the shelves.
My fast-track lesson plan
To be honest, this is one class where it’s worthwhile to watch every episode. His insights and mindset approach to writing commercial fiction builds throughout each class. However, for those who have taken a lot of MasterClass writing courses, there are some sections that are unique to this class because they go over his very unique way to write unputdownable fiction.
Course Reviewers 60-Minute Lesson Plan
3. – Research Methods and Sources, Part 1 | 14m20s
4. Research Methods and Sources, Part 2 | 8m52s
7. Pacing, Tension, and Suspense | 18m51s
12. Editing and Revising | 11m13s
16. Writing a Series | 11m49s
Total runtime = 1 hour
Key Things I Learned
As someone who has written multiple novels, I have a pretty firm grasp on the craft of writing and even some insight into the publishing and marketing sphere.
With that in mind, I thought some of the material might be “old hat.”
However, David Baldacci gives fantastic tips for writing books readers can’t put down that are helpful for both new writers and seasoned pros alike.
When it comes to the craft of writing, I found his sections on research particularly fascinating. Since he has a background in law, it was very important to him that he got all the details for his stories correct.
At one point, he talks about the experience of researching different firearms in order to write a character with a military background. David Baldacci went to a firing range and physically held these different weapons in his hand to get the feel for them. What he didn’t expect was the emotional toll that holding these powerful tools had on him.
Since he had that first hand experience, he was able to weave his new knowledge (including his emotional reaction) into the story to provide not only a more accurate story, but also a richer insight into the mind of his character.
Further into the class, he goes into what it’s like to write a series as a commercial fiction writer. He’s very honest about the demands of the publishing industry and explains that, in his case, he has to write at least 2-3 books a year to stay relevant. He gives tips on how to increase productivity and how to leave open plot threads in a story to potentially continue it later in a series.
Below are a few key learnings that stood out during the MasterClass:
- The first chapter is your touchstone. Try to include all important elements in your first chapter that will grab your reader so they have to read the rest of the book.
- Leave your stories open for the potential of a series, but also know when a character has dried up and it’s time to move on.
- When you’re editing your manuscript, write out one-sentence descriptions of each chapter. Then use your new outline to see if you’re missing anything or if you need to rearrange chapters.
Things I liked about David Baldacci’s MasterClass
David Baldacci is pragmatic and concise, but he doesn’t lack heart. He talks in a way that encourages and inspires, and he clearly wants you to succeed.
Taking this class feels like you have a renowned author on your shoulder, cheering you on. Not only does he want you to publish your first book – he also wants you to build a sustainable career, free of burn out, using the tools and knowledge from his extensive career as a commercial fiction author.
I liked that he started each session with words of advice, and then gave very direct examples of how to apply that advice. Multiple times, he picked up copies of his own books and read out passages that applied to the lesson.
Other times, he told insightful stories about his own personal experiences as a writer and how he built meaningful, lasting connections with his publishers and readers.
One thing I found fascinating is that he isn’t only a career-man. He is very clearly a devoted family man and also spoke about the work/life balance and the impact his writing career had on his marriage. He discusses the support of his wife and how they’ve taken a lot of the important steps together.
His honesty and his willingness to bring us into his own process was refreshing and inspiring.
My favorite quotes from David Baldacci’s MasterClass
- “It’s about building a world that didn’t exist before you thought of it.”
- “The decision you have to make is: what kind of story do you want to tell?”
- “It comes down to one question: Do you want to spend more time with these characters?”
- “Rejection is a part of life, don’t ever let it stop you from following your dream.”
- “I think if you’re a writer, you have to be receptive to what the world gives you, and then you have to run it through your filter of creativity. Out the other end comes an original idea.”
- “You have to sit back and say, ‘What is the emotional sequence of this scene?’”
- “If I can say much more powerfully in 5 words what I wrote in 10 words or 20 words in the novel, I’m going to do that.”
- “You have to let it go, because the world is waiting for the next book you have to write.”
- “No one in the world will care more about your career—not your agent, not your publisher, not your best friend—than you.”
- “A lot of first-time novelists…get swept up in all the cool, exotic stuff of being published for the first time, and they forget what got them there: thinking about what you’re going to write.”
Things I didn’t like about the David Baldacci MasterClass
The only thing I didn’t like about this class was that it ended!
Even with 18 lessons and nearly four hours of information, it feels like we don’t get enough time to David Baldacci.
Specifically, I would’ve liked even more stories about his life as a published author. He goes into incredible detail in the second half of the course about the different ways he structured his career.
For example, there is a really interesting moment in his section about navigating the publishing business when he talks about how he retained his foreign language rights to his novels so that he could personally build connections to publishing companies in other countries. This is an incredibly unique story that not a lot of published authors share, and I would’ve enjoyed a whole section on it.
Does the class keep its promises?
Absolutely!
Not only does he teach out how to write fiction readers won’t be able to put down, but he packs so much writing and publishing advice into his MasterClass that you’ll want to rewatch sections again and again.
Is David Baldacci’s MasterClass worth the money?
Yes if you…
- Want to write your first novel
- Are a seasoned author looking to get traditionally published
- Want to learn the ins and outs of publishing
- Want to write commercial fiction
- Want a career in writing/publishing
No if you…
- Are not interested in writing
- Are not interested in publishing
- Get bored with a pragmatic professor
- Want to get rich quick off of one novel and never write again
Conclusion
Taking everything into consideration, I really enjoyed David Baldacci’s writing class. Even if mystery and thriller aren’t your genres, you can find nuggets of wisdom that apply to all genres of writing (even non-fiction!).
David Baldacci’s class was not only informative, but it was also inspirational, and it’s guaranteed to light a fire under your first draft. After taking this class, you’ll want to start shopping around with agents and publishers, which I think is a great way to end a class.
If you’re interested in learning more, here is a trailer for the class:
