Learning through BBC Maestro with Agatha Christie-And Then There Were None

More First Thoughts

Today my first thoughts were uninspiring. That’s not to say I wasn’t having any first thoughts, but none of them would help me craft a good story. Maybe it’s because I’m trying to commit to writing my first thoughts so they are becoming scrambled. Perhaps I’m avoiding writing altogether; it happens. Maybe I have nothing important to say. Some days are just like that. I suppose you could call it writer's block.

Instead of writing as soon as I woke up, I decided to watch the news and then start chores. While doing chores I’m listening to an Agatha Christie book And Then There Were None. Why did I choose this book, you ask?

Last week, I saw an advertisement for BBC Maestro classes. It looked interesting since I’ve been wanting to take writing workshops. I haven’t enrolled in classes before because they’re usually held at some remote locations that I don’t care to travel to, and I learn best at home. After previewing the site and content, I decided it was too interesting to pass up.

The site features 46 complete courses taught by masters. The author lineup includes Agatha Christie (whose course is fascinatingly taught by AI as they explain in the first video), Isabel Allende, Harlan Coben, Bill Lawrence, Ken Follett, Jojo Moyes, Julia Donaldson, Malorie Blackman, and David Walliams. There are other courses too, from painting to business. It’s a great platform to focus on your skills or learn something entirely new.

I started with Agatha Christie because I wanted to learn more about the ins and outs of mystery writing. So far it’s very engaging. I decided to listen to her books while I clean, though I must admit the books are probably better read than heard. Listening is difficult because I lose focus and then need to back track frequently. The book I’m reading is available on Kindle for 99 cents, so I will switch to reading it there to see if I can follow better. Reading her books isn’t required by the course.

Another course I’m taking is the one by Julia Donaldson who writes wonderful children’s stories. This is something I’ve dabbled in. I have self published three children’s books, so I will probably finish her course first. I’m only a couple of lessons in and have already learned so much. The courses are all self-paced, and some include handouts that help enhance the learning process.

While I can’t think of anything earth-shattering to write today. I will say that spending time focusing on the craft of writing is a positive step forward in my day and a good first thought

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