Esther Freud : photo credit Jillian Edelstein

Esther Freud

Dates: 23 - 28 February 2025

Writing Masterclass

Esther Freud trained as an actress before writing her first novel, Hideous Kinky, which was made into a film starring Kate Winslet. After publishing her second book, she was chosen as one of Granta’s Best of Young British Novelists, and her books have been shortlisted for numerous awards. Other titles include The Sea House, Lucky Break and Mr Mac and Me, and most recently, I Couldn’t Love You More.

Her first full-length play, Stitchers, was produced in London in 2018, and in 2019 she became a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. In 2025 Esther’s first children’s book – Enchanted Beach – will be published, as well as her tenth novel: My Sister and Other Lovers.

Schedule

  • Panoramic view of Marrakech and old medina, Morocco

    Sunday

    Welcome!

    Participants arrive in Marrakech

    After settling in, meet the Silk Road Slippers Team and fellow participants for the first of many conversations about the art of writing. Embark on lifelong creative connections with fellow writers at a friendly and relaxed dinner amid the honeyed Moorish arches of our magical venue.

    Famed for its paradisiacal gardens tended to by a passionate ethnobotanist, the name JnaneTamsna means Big Garden and dinner is prepared using the freshest ingredients largely sourced on their 22 hectares of landscaped grounds.

  • Library

    Monday

    STORY & STRUCTURE
    Building a strong foundation for your narrative. How to structure your work and create a compelling plot.

    CHARACTER & VOICE
    Explore how memorable characters are created. The soul of your story is the voice: how to find and develop that.

    CREATIVE PRACTICE - Use this time for writing practice, nurture your imagination on the grounds of Jnane Tamsna, or take a short trip to the city.

  • Dining by candlelight in Jnane Tamsna gardens

    Tuesday

    A CRUCIAL ELEMENT with Esther Freud Esther describes her creative process and discusses her 35-year editorial relationship with Alexandra. Then, Esther leads a workshop on an aspect of writing which she will determine.

    FIRST DRAFT with Silk Road Slippers. Whether it's your first book or tenth, conquer your fear of the blank page and build your editorial toolkit.

    CREATIVE PRACTICE - Use this time for writing practice or relaxation.

    Celebratory Dinner with Esther Freud. A reading by Esther will be followed by a candlelit dinner at Jnane Tamsna with the whole team.

  • View of grounds at Jnane Tamsna

    Wednesday

    SECOND DRAFT with Silk Road Slippers. Using their work from the previous afternoon’s session, participants are led through a redrafting process to sharpen and polish their work.

    EXPLORE THE MEDINA with the Silk Road Slippers Team. We take you to lunch in an enchanting rooftop venue, to stimulate all your senses.

    This is a wonderful opportunity to explore Marrakech’s medina, founded 1070-72, one of the most wondrous places on earth. It is filled with stunning monuments including the sublime Madrassa Ben Youssef, mosaics, ornate courtyards, and secret gardens. Covered spice, textile and leather souks line the maze of cobbled lanes leading to the fabled Jemaa el-Fnaa square, which teems with snake charmers, dancers and street food vendors.

  • The Jnane Tamsna library by Jean Cazals

    Thursday

    Guided walk at Jnane Tamsna - a tour through the beautiful organic gardens with ethnobotanist Gary Martin.

    PERSONAL FEEDBACK SESSIONS - Each participant will have a one-on-one session with a member of the Silk Road Slippers team. This is a unique opportunity to discuss your personal progress and future aspirations, to get tailored advice on how to achieve them, and to get advice on how to find an agent and publisher.

    FINAL SESSION - with the Silk Road Slippers team. A summary of what we’ve learned and how to go forward.

    Farewell Dinner at Jnane Tamsna with the Silk Road Slippers team

  • Jamaael-Fna market, Marrakech at sunset

    Friday

    Participants depart for the next step on their writing journey!

Enquiries are now open for our Masterclasses in Marrakech

For more details of our Masterclasses in Marrakech, please email us.

Kitten sitting on rugs outside a shop in an alleyway in the medina of MarrakechKitten sitting on rugs outside a shop in an alleyway in the medina of Marrakech (Shutterstock.com)

Included in the Price

  • All tuition and class materials

  • Light lunches at Jnane Tamsna from Monday to Thursday

  • Welcome Dinner, Celebratory Dinner and Farewell Dinner at Jnane Tamsna

  • Optional Medina excursion and transport

  • Soft drinks

Price

  • £3200 per person.

  • £1000 deposit, payable on acceptance.

  • Please note that this deposit is non-refundable (except under circumstances where Silk Road Slippers cannot run the course, as detailed in the FAQs below). We advise all participants to take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy to cover any eventuality that might prevent them from travelling.

  • £2200 balancing payment, due by 1 January 2025.

  • If you pay in full on booking before 1 December 2024: £3000 total, including deposit and balancing payment.

Participants book their own accommodation and transport. We encourage participants to stay at Jnane Tamsna, where Meryanne Loum-Martin is graciously offering special deals for Silk Road Slippers: this allows groups to develop a closer relationship. Limited spaces are available, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

However, if you prefer to arrange your own accommodation in Marrakech, that is no problem. Please note that you will also need to arrange daily transport to and from Jnane Tamsna to attend classes and meals.

To enquire further or book a place, please email us, we’d be really happy to help you!