What was your primary motivation for purchasing this course?
Achieve career goals
“I’m inspired, appreciate the sharing of strategies and enjoy hearing about Harlan’s observations that lead to creating characters and plot twists.
In three days, I’ve furiously written in two note books, and tinkered away in google docs. I’ve managed to produce pages of ideas, especially for characters and what their motivations are. Now I’m focussing on unexpected plot twists which I enjoy immensely.
I’m just sad that I only have a few lessons left…
Thank you Harlan for helping me WRITE again. It’s been far too long! And yes, I promise to acknowledge you in my published book in say… 3 years?”
What was your primary motivation for purchasing this course?
Achieve career goals
“Extremely useful - I have watched so many YouTube tutorials on how to writes a thriller and while they certainly had some good tips to help you write, they lacked the depth and insight not only improve your writing but to also excite you to go back over your work, look at it differently and enjoy advancing and maturing all aspects of it.”
What was your primary motivation for purchasing this course?
Learn a new skill, Achieve career goals, Received as a gift
“Harlan Coben’s BBC Maestro course, "Writing Thrillers," is not just a tutorial; it's the master key to unlocking the secrets of relentless pacing and irresistible plot twists. If you've ever finished one of his novels at 3 AM and wondered, "How did he do that?"—this course answers the question with clarity and wit.
Pace, Tension, and the "Secret" of Character
Coben is a supremely engaging instructor, cutting through the common writing platitudes with his signature directness. The course excels by merging genre-specific craft with the mental toughness needed to be a full-time author.
The Crucial Question: Coben teaches you to structure every scene, every line of dialogue, to constantly raise a question in the reader's mind, making it impossible for them to stop reading. This focus on Suspense and Secrets is the core engine of the entire course.
Characters Over Plot: Despite being known for complex plotting, he correctly emphasizes that readers fall in love with the characters, never just the plot. His advice on giving every character a secret is a brilliant, actionable tool for instantly adding depth and intrigue.
The Power of "Desperation": The most unique and valuable takeaway is his advice on the different stages of writing (Inspiration, Perspiration, Desperation). He reframes "writer's block" not as a mental failing, but as a sign that your subconscious knows there is a flaw in your plot you need to fix. This reframing is genuinely life-changing for any writer struggling with the blank page.
Beyond the First Draft
The inclusion of lessons featuring his editor, Ben Sevier, and his long-time agent, Lisa Erbach Vance, elevates this from a writing class to a full-spectrum career masterclass. Getting honest, direct advice on querying an agent and surviving the editing process is an unprecedented level of access.
For anyone who wants to write a book that gets read—and keeps getting read—this course is an essential investment. It's concise, compelling, and delivers practical techniques that you can apply immediately. Five stars, no question.”
