MasterClass

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  • MasterClass
  • Documentary

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36
36x1
Introduction
Episode overview
Meet your new instructor, R.L. Stine (you can call him Bob). The legendary kids’ horror author outlines his intentions for the class and encourages you to forget the idea that writing is difficult.
36x2
The Idea Store
Episode overview
Bob reveals how to stay alert for ideas and shares three great places to find them: experience, memory, and imagination. These are departments in what he calls "the idea store."
36x3
Other Rich Sources of Ideas
Episode overview
There are so many ways to find inspiration for your story. Here, Bob points to some that might surprise you—television and movies, titles, and topics.
36x4
Getting From Idea to Plot Outline
Episode overview
Once you have an idea you love, Bob believes you should map out your plot using his preferred method: the outline.
36x5
Outlining: Surprise Endings and Cliffhangers
Episode overview
Surprise endings and cliffhangers are tried and true methods to get kids to read—and keep them reading. Learn the value of figuring out your ending first and how to write a compelling cliffhanger.
36x6
Outlining: Plot Twists and Tricks
Episode overview
As you continue to write your outline, Bob reveals what you should include in the middle of your book to keep readers engaged, from twists and surprises to false leads.
36x7
Outline Case Study
Episode overview
Bob shares two versions of his outline for I Am Slappy’s Evil Twin—the one that was rejected by his editor and the one that was accepted—and breaks down how he strengthened the plot in the outlining phase.
36x8
Kids Are the Best Audience
Episode overview
Making your books fun and easy to read is the key to hooking young readers. Learn Bob’s strategies for understanding young audiences.
36x9
Writing for Different Age Levels
Episode overview
Learn how to build the appropriate amount of “scary” into books for different age levels.
36x10
Case Study: Comparing Young Adult and Middle Grade Fiction
Episode overview
Bob breaks down the differences between YA and middle grade books using two examples from his own work.
36x11
The Key to Scary Writing: POV
Episode overview
When writing horror, Bob believes writing from the point of view of your main character will maximize fear. He explains the importance of focusing on what your characters are experiencing, rather than what they are feeling.
36x12
Hook Readers Right Away
Episode overview
Bob teaches you how to write an effective hook that swiftly captivates young readers.
36x13
How to Scare Your Readers
Episode overview
Learn to maximize "the scares" when writing for young audiences. Bob shares his method of tapping into your childhood fears, making ordinary locations scary, and using sensory details to set the scene.
36x14
Making Monsters
Episode overview
Bob teaches you how to transform inanimate objects into terrifying monsters with examples from It Came from Beneath the Sink! and Say Cheese and Die!
36x15
Dialogue and Prose Style
Episode overview
Dialogue is the primary tool Bob uses to reveal character and story. Learn how he writes timeless, realistic dialogue and how to discover your own writing style.
36x16
Mixing Horror and Humor
Episode overview
Horror and humor go hand in hand. Bob explains why humor is harder to write than horror and how to use humor to create breaks between scary scenes.
36x17
Creating Middle Grade Characters
Episode overview
Learn how Bob develops relatable middle-grade characters that help middle-grade readers enter the world of the story and make his books even scarier.
36x18
Creating YA Characters
Episode overview
To demonstrate how to avoid clichés and construct realistic characters, Bob walks you through his character cheat sheet using examples from Give Me a K-I-L-L.
36x19
Have Fun With Your First Draft
Episode overview
Bob takes you through his steps for writing a first draft and reminds you to enjoy the process.
36x20
Revising and Getting Feedback
Episode overview
Learn how to first revise on your own and then seek honest feedback. Bob teaches you what questions to ask of your draft-readers and editors—and how to take criticism in stride.
36x21
Developing a Book Series
Episode overview
To develop a series, focus on selling the first book. Learn how to construct rich settings and characters that leave your readers eager to read book two.
36x22
Borrow From Your Influences
Episode overview
From Shakespeare and Dickens to Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury, and Stephen King, Bob breaks down what he's learned about storytelling from some of his favorite writers.
36x23
Writing as a Career
Episode overview
Bob shares advice for aspiring writers and teaches why it's important to choose your genre and understand the market.
36x24
Promoting Yourself
Episode overview
Bob gives recommendations on how to promote yourself as a writer through school visits, book fairs, and social media.
36x25
Combating Writer’s Block and Developing Routines
Episode overview
The best way to combat writer’s block is to be well-prepared. Learn the self-discipline, tools, and routines that helped Bob write the Goosebumps series.
36x26
Twenty Story Ideas for You
Episode overview
Bob shares 20 story ideas to take away and make your own.
36x27
Exercises to Get You Going
Episode overview
Experiment with writing exercises you can utilize to jump-start your process.
36x28
Conclusion
Episode overview
Now that Bob has covered his tips and tricks, he challenges you to start writing and have fun!

Characters