Are you writing rebellious historical fiction?
Join writer Elle Machray as they delve into writing alternative histories. Elle will share their own process for writing their novel Remember, Remember which reimagines the gunpowder plot by following an escaped enslaved woman as she takes on the British Empire to save her brother.
Elle will offer their advice on balancing historical fact and fiction, and finding the line between your research and your story. They'll also share top tips for discovering new ways into familiar settings, and writing characters who are underrepresented in the history children are taught at school and the historical fiction canon. Through key takeaways and short writing exercises, Elle will encourage you to push the boundaries of historical fiction and write rebelliously, within it and against it.
Finally, Elle will shed light on their journey to publication. The session will end with a brief Q&A, so come ready with your questions.
The masterclass will take place online via Teams. It will also be recorded so if you are unable to attend live, you'll be able to catch-up and access the recording for up to two weeks after the event has taken place.
Elle Machray (they/she) grew up in Birmingham to Caribbean and Scottish parents.
Elle is an Observer Top 10 Debut Novelist, winner of the Somewhere: For Us Culture Award and featured on The List's Top 100 influential people of 2024.
Elle's debut novel Remember, Remember is an alternative history which reimagines the gunpowder plot. The novel follows Delphine, a formerly enslaved woman as she takes on the British Empire to save her brother. Remember, Remember was longlisted for the Mslexia Novel Prize, judged by Dame Hilary Mantel and was shortlisted for Scotland's National Book Award.
In the fleeting moments between writing and working, you can find Elle on social media talking about books, history and a never ending quest to relax.
The workshop fee of £30 (incl. VAT) is payable in full online. Please note that payment instalment plans are available for all W&A events, writing courses and editing services. Contact W&A Admin on [email protected] so that we can find a payment schedule that works for you.
This is a live online event which will be presented using video conferencing software. Joining instructions and full guidance will be provided by the W&A Team a week before the event start-date. Please note, all event timings are in UK time.
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