I was gifted a giftcard for a course for the purpose of this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I have done a variety of courses in my life. Some I have completed, others I have given up halfway through. When I was contacted by the team at BBC Maestro, I just knew I had to give it a go.
They have a variety of courses including some amazing cooking courses such as this Marco Pierre White course, some to find your inner strength and even ones for writing and poetry from reputable writers and poets such as Malorie Blackman, Carol Ann Duffy and Lee Child.
I considered doing a cookery course but I couldn’t help but be drawn to a writing course – this one, in particular. I am a writer by trade and Lee Child has been a big part of my life – he is Steve’s favourite author, an author I enjoy and our son Jack is actually named that because of Jack Reacher. The idea of being taught how to write popular fiction by Lee Child was just too exciting to pass up.
The Course
The course has 35 lessons – all in handy and easy to digest video format. Lee Child introduces himself, his experiences and the course at the beginning before starting with where story comes from. I’m still working my way through the videos slowly but surely and he talks about how he writes series fiction, how he wrote his first book, how to start your book and how to end your book, among other things.
Although I am yet to finish the course, it is clear to see he takes you from beginning to end and I am hoping to have a clearer understand of writing fiction when I complete the course.
What Did I Think?
I love the easy to digest videos as they are short enough to keep your interest but long enough to actually teach you something. You can also download the course notes to look at anytime and the videos are easy to go back to if you feel like you have missed anything or want clarification on something.
I can’t wait to finish the course and see what I can achieve from what I have learnt. I love that it is self paced which is great for a busy and expectant mum like me and that it can be watched on any device.
How Much Does It Cost?
Courses tend to be around the £80 mark although you can pay a fee of £110 for a one year subscription to BBC Maestro to access every course.
The team have kindly allowed me to run a giveaway for my readers to win a giftcard to put towards a course of their choosing from the website. With so many different topics available, you really are spoilt for choice!
For your chance to win, just fill in the Rafflecopter widget below. This giveaway is UK only and ends at 11.59pm on the 2nd of February 2023! Good luck!
Julia Donaldson for me!
Marco Pierre White delicious food cooked simply
I am looking forward to hearing more about what you learnt from the course and what one piece of advice you have taken away that has made a difference x
The writing popular fiction course sounds very interesting
Indian cooking, would love to know how to make nicer curries at home
I think I would choose the great Billy Connolly’s course. Thanks for the chance.
I heard adverts for these before Christmas and definitely fancy the writing popular fiction book. On of my pipedreams is to write a book. Maybe it could be more than a pipedream
Lee Child or Richard Bertinet
Delicious Vegetarian Cooking
Marco Pierre White. I really really want to do a cookery course.
This is the first time I’m hearing about these courses. It’s great that you can pay a yearly fee and have access to all of them. I’d actually love to take a cookery class and improve my skills.
This sounds great, I have never really been a great writer, my Dad on the other hand is fabulous. Thank you for the giveaway x
Doreen Lawrence
FINDING THE INNER STRENGTH
Billy Connelly course sounds fantastic – fingers crossed.
The first time ever I heard about BBC MAESTRO COURSES was on YouTube from one of their ads.
As always I wanted to click skip, but it was Lee Child talking, and I love his Jack Reacher books and enjoyed the TV adaptation that is now available on Amazon Prime (the second season is coming soon too). I could not believe that I could learn from this amazing author and so many more incredibly talented people. Thank you for this competition, it is everything I need right now.
This is a great idea ! Spoilt for choice ! Thankyou so much x
Breadmaking with Richard Bertinet for me!
I would absolutely love to do the Writing Poetry course by Carol Ann Duffy. When I was at university she came to give us a seminar during our module on contemporary women poets, and she was absolutely fascinating to listen to, and afterwards, she was a really lovely lady, sitting with us and answering questions we had.
As a fellow Jack Reacher fan I think that I would choose the Lee Child Writing Popular Fiction course. I’m also tempted by Storytelling with Alan Moore
Delicious Food Cooked Simply – years of watching masterchef mean I really should try harder!
I would choose vegetarian cooking with Marco Pierre White
Acting by Helena Bonham Carter would be great! Thanks for the Giveaway!
This would be great as my husband has just stared writing a book so I’d go for ‘writing popular fiction’
Marco Pierre White
I would choose the bread making course
Marco Pierre White
Marco Pierre White delicious food cooked simply looks good
writing children’s picture books, Julia Donaldson
I didn’t realise BBC did courses like this. I would love to try the Billy Connelly one – I know it’s on comedy but I also think he’s a magnificent storyteller so I would be interested in anything that he has to offer.
I would definitely love to do the Lee Child Popular Fiction writing course. I didn’t know these courses existed. They sound great.
Richard Bertinet Bread Making!
I’d choose Vineet Bhatia – Modern Indian Cooking, the chapter titles sold it to me!
Delicious Vegetarian Cooking
Richard Bertinet’s bread making course as I have never quite mastered making a great loaf.
writing Children’s picture books!
The course I would choose is “ Breadmaking with Richard Bertinet“.
I would choose course, Breadmaking with Richard Bertinet.
I’ve never heard of BBC Maestro, but I love the courses! I would absolutely love to win the Billy Connolly comedy course. Comedy is such an amazing skill. Stand-up comedy is an art. I’m not sure I’d ever be able to do it, but learning comedy skills would help in every day life.
Writing Poetry course by Carol Ann Duffy.
I totally recommend Jonathan Yeo portrait painting class. I’ve just had a great portrait reveal after studying Jonathan’s course. The client found the portrait “breathtaking” I am thrilled to bits!
Thank you Jonathan!
Great value for money and easy to access.