Top Tips
The RSL/Booker Masterclasses are limited to 14 participants so that each writer has a unique opportunity to have individual feedback on their work. We wanted to ensure that the series has a broader reach than the lucky few who secure a place on one of the classes, and to this end we have published here the “top tips” and recommended reading lists of past tutors. We hope these will serve as both a guide and inspiration for readers and writers alike.
David Almond: cross-over fiction
Bestselling children's writer David Almond gives tips and the essential reading list for writing cross-over fiction, from his 26 May 2012 Masterclass
William Boyd: adapting words for the screen
Novelist and screen-writer William Boyd offers advice for writers, from his 5 November 2011 Masterclass
Adam Foulds: bio-fiction
Novelist and poet Adam Foulds gives his tips on writing biographical fiction, from his Masterclass in September 2012
Tessa Hadley: the short story
Short story writer Tessa Hadley provides top tips for writing stories and lists some of her favourites, after her November 2012 Masterclass
Peter Kemp: reviewing literary fiction
Peter Kemp gave a class on reviewing literary fiction at Somerset House on 13 April 2013. Top Tips Bear in mind that a review is a balancing act...
Mimi Khalvati: poetry
Mimi Khalvati, founder of The Poetry School, gives her poetry tips and reading list from her 14 November 2009 Masterclass
Hilary Mantel: historical fiction
Booker Prize-winninig Hilary Mantel gave her insights into writing historical fiction; tips and reading list from her 9 January 2010 Masterclass
Candia McWilliam: memoir and imagination
Prize-winning novelist and short story writer Candia McWilliam discussed memory and imagination in her 24 September 2011 Masterclass
Caroline Moorehead: wordplay - biography
Biographer, journalist and RSL Council member Caroline Moorhead with her essential reading list and tips for biographical writing from the 13 March...
Colin Thubron: the evocation of place
Acclaimed travel-writer and novelist, RSL President Colin Thubron gave a Masterclass on the evocation of place on 21 May 2011





















