Video: Interviewing Novelist Dan Brown on The Lost Symbol, Life as an Author, Masons

From Denny: Dan Brown was interviewed by The Today Show host Matt Lauer. These clips were not on the show or the news as they are web exclusives.

Secrets of the Masons as a society:

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Pressure to succeed as an author:

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Dealing with criticism as a famous author:

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Brown discusses main character Robert Langdon in latest book:

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*** Note: Post 5 of the day. Check the other posts for more about The Lost Symbol book, secrets of the Masons and President Obama speaking about women's issues.

Plotting and scheming that novel?

Plotting and scheming that novel?: "Most novels are larger than life. More things happen, deeper problems are solved. Novels fulfill a reader's flight of fancy because it is how they THINK they would like their lives to be.

This is where a Newbie author can slip-up. They sometimes try to make their novel too ‘true to life'. Readers don't want stories that are life as THEY live it. When readers pick up a book, they're seeking diversion from routine. Successful novels reflect their fantasies."

By ajbarnett from Spain

Eager to write that first novel that is about to burst out of you? Here's some simple easy to follow advice from a veteran writer to help you along with that first book.