Learn from Literary Masters: Writing Masterclasses
Get direct access to award-winning authors, publishing editors, and literary agents every Sunday. Stop guessing how the industry works and start learning from the people who make it happen.
In this session highlight, bestselling author and historian Shrabani Basu discusses the complex legacy of the British Rule in India, offering a glimpse into the deep historical insights shared in our expert talks.
Watch me, Chetan Mahajan, break down two fundamental approaches to writing: exposition versus storytelling. I use examples from non-fiction books to explain how to choose the right method for your content.
Freelance journalism has its challenges. In this panel discussion, journalist Urvashi Sarkar shares practical advice on funding ground reporting by tying up with grant-making organizations like the Pulitzer Center.
Will AI replace writers? It's a question we tackle head-on. This clip captures a lively debate from our panel on 'The Art of the Article', where journalists and editors share their diverse perspectives on using AI in writing.
Author Janice Pariat explains her 'stone dropping into a pond' theory for storytelling. She illustrates how every craft decision, from point of view to dialogue, should ripple out from the central core of your story.
Wondering which genre sells best? Publishing expert Shreya Punj explains that market trends are cyclical. She advises writers to be patient and prepared, as every genre, including fantasy, will have its moment in the Indian market.
Ever wondered what makes a book proposal stand out to a literary agent? Hemali Sodhi of A Suitable Agency shares a key tip: even if a proposal isn't perfect, incredible writing will always get their attention.
Meet Dr. Shalini Mullick, a pathologist, award-winning author, and a testament to our program's success. She wrote the first draft of her first book in the very first edition of our First Draft Club.
Dr. Shalini Mullick is proof that you don't have to quit your day job to pursue your passion. A pathologist by day and a storyteller by heart, she masterfully balances science with the sensitivity of creative writing.
We are thrilled to introduce Dr. Shalini Mullick, who recently won the prestigious IGF Archer Amish Award for Storytellers 2025, as an expert for our upcoming First Draft Club.
About Learn from Literary Masters
These sessions are not lectures where you just listen to someone talk at a screen. We bring in authors like Amitabha Bagchi and agents like Hemali Sodhi to have raw, honest conversations about what it actually takes to get a book published in India today. You get to ask your burning questions about craft, publishing, and the reality of being a writer.
Writing is often a lonely act, but improving your craft shouldn't be. Our Sunday masterclasses are designed to pull the curtain back on the writing industry and give you the clarity you need to finish your draft. We move past general advice to tackle the specifics of the trade.
Whether you are struggling to position your manuscript for a publisher, wondering how to balance exposition versus storytelling, or debating the impact of AI on your creative process, you get answers from experts who have been in the trenches. We host sessions on everything from how to write a book proposal that stands out to navigating the cyclical nature of publishing trends.
We keep it practical because we know you have a life outside of writing. You will learn about:
- Craft decisions that serve the core of your story
- How to pitch to literary agents and get noticed
- Navigating genre trends in the Indian market
- Techniques for managing your narrative and characters
These sessions are for anyone, whether you are a beginner looking to understand the basics or an experienced writer seeking to refine your voice. It is about building your presence, finding your community, and ensuring that when you finally send your work out, it is ready.
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