Have you ever dreamed of writing a novel? Don’t miss out on this fabulous masterclass with some of the UK and Ireland’s most-loved authors. Our expert speakers include Marian Keyes, one of the most successful Irish novelists of all time, Emma Healey, award-winning author of Elizabeth is Missing, Jenny Colgan, bestselling author of Little Beach Street Bakery, and Clare Mackintosh, author of bestselling debut I Let You Go. The day is hosted by Guardian books editor Claire Armitstead, and includes plenty of time for Q&A with the audience.
During this fun and informative masterclass, you’ll receive advice on everything from how to kickstart the writing process to how to find a market for your book. You’ll get involved in practical exercises that will help you to build your confidence and start fulfilling your true potential as a writer. Plus, you’ll receive copies of each author’s latest novels.
Content
- Bestselling author Marian Keyes leads an interactive session on how to write a novel – and shares some of the tricks she’s learned from her experience writing novels such as Watermelon and Sushi for Beginners
- Emma Healey, winner of the Costa First Novel Award, offers tips on everything from how to establish a writing routine to how to enjoy the editing process
- Jenny Colgan, bestselling author of Little Beach Street Bakery, gives advice on how to think about the marketplace for your novel, plan your time and start pitching your work to agents and publishers
- Clare Mackintosh, author of the bestseller I Let You Go, shares her advice on building an online author platform – from how to write your author biography to how to successfully use social media to promote your novel
- Guardian books editor Claire Armitstead discusses style, voice and tone in fiction - and quizzes Marian Keyes about her career in writing
Sign up to our newsletter and you’ll be among the first to find out about our latest courses and special offers. You can also follow us on Twitter here.
Speaker profiles
Marian Keyes is a publishing phenomenon, storming into print in 1995 with Watermelon, creating a genre that she has dominated and redefined ever since. She’s a global number one bestseller, who has published 15 books (12 novels and 3 collections of her journalism) and sold over 40 million books worldwide. Her books include Sushi for Beginners, Anybody Out There and This Charming Man. Find her on Twitter here.
Emma Healey is a bestselling novelist whose debut, Elizabeth is Missing, won the Costa First Novel Award in 2014. Find her on Twitter here.
Jenny Colgan is the author of 25 bestselling novels in the romantic comedy and sci-fi genres. She also writes various spin-offs for Doctor Who. Her books include Amanda’s Wedding and Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery. Find her on Twitter here.
Clare Mackintosh’s debut novel, I Let You Go, is the fastest-selling title by a new crime writer this year. It was also a Richard and Judy book club pick. Find her on Twitter here.
Claire Armitstead is is books editor for the Guardian and Observer. She presents the weekly Guardian books podcast and is a regular commentator on radio, and at live events across the UK and internationally.
Details
This course has now passed – but we update our programme all the time. For information on our full range of masterclasses, sign up to our newsletter, follow us on Twitter, or keep an eye on our calendar.
To contact us, click here. Terms and conditions can be found here.
Returns policy
Tickets may be refunded if you contact us at least 14 days before the course start date. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.
.jpg?w=600)
