Free Writing Classes With Marian Keyes

“Wonderful, heartfelt advice” and “So calming and soothing” are just some of the comments from the students who tuned into Marian Keyes’ free writing classes on YouTube.

If you missed this the first time, it’s not too late to catch up and find inspiration. You can also follow Marian on her popular Twitter account.

Finally, Marian’s interview on The Women’s Podcast @ITWomensPodcast gives you another chance to hear how inspiring she is. Ahead of her own sequel to Rachel’s Holiday (Rachel’s Back) due on 17th February 2022, Marian’s new course is a generous introduction to what it takes to write a bestseller.

So You Want to Write a Novel

The four sessions of questions from Marian’s readers, hopeful bestselling authors and fans (titled So You Want To Write A Novel) covers everything from writers’ block to ‘The Fear’ as Marian calls it – to avoiding ‘too many coincidences’ in a novel, to stop it becoming contrived.

Keyes also suggests writing for yourself, in this YouTube series of four episodes.

“Forget about your mother. Forget about the bitches you were at school with…forget about newspaper critics…write for yourself,” Marian advises. “I love this down-to-earth, warts-and-all course,” commented reader Shona Gibson.

Your Questions for Marian

Using questions like this “What is your best-ever tip for novelists?” Marian works her way through what readers (and hopeful writers) really want to know.

“I was so pleased to hear that you don’t have to abide by a strict set of rules to write good fiction” commented another YouTube student.

Marian’s Way

“Give up half an hour, early in the morning, or give up 45 minutes of Netflix in the evening; spend less time on Twitter.” Marian believes writing a book has to be something you do, to give to yourself. “Do it if you can, at the same time every day.”

Creativity and Writing

“If you’re trying to write at the same time every day, your subconscious can be trained to go “Okay, I’m here.” Try and write every day, if you can and don’t judge what you do, especially in the beginning…You want to have fun…You want your confidence to build.” Marian suggests setting aside 3o to 45 minutes every day.