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Masterclasses

Choose from two small-group masterclasses with a writing professional to really get ahead in your writing.

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Located at in the Russell-Cotes Museum's new conservatory, the seaview masterclasses include afternoon tea and are 90-minutes in duration, with time for Q&As after.​

2pm, Saturday 25th April 2026

How to write commercial fiction with three-million copy selling author Rachel McLean

Unlock the secrets of commercial fiction and turn your novel into a true page-turner with bestselling Dorset author, Rachel McLean.

What makes a book truly unputdownable?

 

In this interactive, practical masterclass, multi-million bestselling author Rachel McLean shows you that page-turning fiction isn’t magic - it’s a learnable skill. Discover why commercial fiction is far from “unintelligent,” how to identify your genre and use tropes effectively, and why storytelling outranks prose when it comes to reader engagement.

 

Rachel will break down the craft of writing compelling sentences, paragraphs and chapters, creating characters who leap off the page, and stirring deep emotional responses. You’ll also learn how to keep readers hooked long after they’ve finished your book.

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£150 per person includes Afternoon Tea and a copy of her book, 5 Steps to Author Success.

10 people maximum.

Rachel McLean.jpeg
Saskia Leach.HEIC

11am, Saturday 25th April 2026

Get Your Submission Pack Sorted with Saskia Leach

THIS SESSION IS NOW SOLD OUT. Saskia will be reprising this workshop on Saturday 3rd October at the Romance Writing Festival. Book tickets here.

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Master your synopsis, covering letter and elevator pitch in one essential session, with literary agent Saskia Leach from Kate Nash Literary Agency.

Ready to submit your novel to agents? This practical 90-minute masterclass guides you through everything you need to create your submission pack to stand out from the crowd.

 

Literary agent Saskia Leach from the Kate Nash Literary Agency will demystify what agents look for, help you avoid common pitfalls and show you how to present your work with confidence. She’ll also share her top tips for crafting a killer elevator pitch, an essential part of any strong covering letter.

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£150 per person includes Afternoon Tea.

10 people maximum.

Join waitlist by emailing info@bournemouthwritingfestival.co.uk

Russell Cotes conservatory.jpg

Located at the

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

The 90-minute masterclass takes place in the recently-rennovated conservatory, with stunning sea views.
Afternoon tea is included in the price.
Max 10 people per session.
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£150 per person.​
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All profits go towards free and low cost activities for disadvantaged areas of our community.
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Afternoon tea image courtesy of the Russel-Cotes Museum
Afternoon tea at the Russell-Cotes Museum.jpg

Masterclasses in October

We have three masterclasses taking place on Saturday 3rd October at the Romance Writing Festival at the Marsham Court Hotel. You do not need a ticket to the Romance Writing Festival to attend although you can buy a Festival ticket at a reduced price if buying together.

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