Is there a secret formula? A particular voice or theme that grabs the attention of readers the world over? Is craft more essential, or is it perseverance? Should you pay attention to current trends?
The ingredients and methods that result in a bestselling novel are often up for debate, and as an aspiring writer you have likely attempted to follow and apply what you’ve read online or in interviews to your own process. The truth is that your novel can only ever be your own; the process and creative components come from your heart, and you simply have to write them. Without doing that, there will be no novel at all – bestselling or not.
In this evening masterclass with the Costa Award-winning author Emma Healey, you will learn the essentials steps you need to take in order to write your book, from the early decision-making and planning stages, through motivational tips and tricks for getting unstuck, and to the thrilling onward journey to publication.
A must for any writers who are working towards that killer debut, this workshop with one of the industry’s most talked-about first-time novelists will leave you feeling empowered to reset the rules of your own writing journey and really dig deep into what your motivations and creative outlets are.
Course Content
- First steps: making decisions at the beginning of a project
- Developing: different ways to create voice, characters, plot, themes
- Keeping going: writing routines, tips and tricks to get unstuck
- Editing: practical ways to rewrite and keep track of a novel
- Next step: sending to agents, what happens when you’re published
This course is for ...
- First-time writers and writers who are looking for a refresh in their skillset.
- Anyone who wants to learn more about the considerations writers can make to create readable, popular – and above all, unique and authentic – fiction.
Tutor Profile
Emma Healey grew up in London and is a graduate of the MA in Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia. Her first novel, Elizabeth is Missing, was published to critical acclaim in 2014, sold over a million copies worldwide, and won the Costa First Novel Award. It was recently made into a BBC drama starring Glenda Jackson. Her second novel, Whistle in the Dark, was published in 2018. She lives in Norwich with her husband, daughter and cat.
You will be sent a link to the webinar 2hrs before the start time of 6.30pm (GMT).
Course Details
- Date: Monday 8 November 2021
- Time: 6.30pm-9pm (GMT)
6.30pm GMT | 7.30pm CET | 10.30am PT | 1.30pm ET
This masterclass is available globally. If you are joining us from outside the United Kingdom, please use this time zone converter to check your local live streaming time.
You will be sent a link to the webinar two hrs before the start time. Please email masterclasses@theguardian.com if you have not received the access link within one hour of the scheduled start time.
All Guardian Masterclasses are fully accessible but please contact us at masterclasses@theguardian.com if you have any queries or concerns.
Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website
