Salman Rushdie Teaches the Art of Storytelling and Writing

Salman Rushdie’s “Masterclass” is more than just a writing course; it is an exploratory journey into the depths of creativity. It is an invitation to students and writers to look at the world through a different lens and invent their own unique universes.

In the literary world, few names provoke both controversy and admiration like that of Salman Rushdie. The author, who has transformed fantasy into reality and reality into intricate narratives, appears on the “Masterclass” platform to share the secrets of his craft, which he has perfected over decades. Titled “Salman Rushdie Teaches Storytelling and Writing,” this course opens the doors to his creative world for anyone aspiring to write a novel or a story, whether professional or novice. It is a unique opportunity to delve into the mind of one of the greatest contemporary novelists and understand how ideas can be transformed into living, vibrant texts.

Beyond the Plot: The Art of Intertwining and Structure

Salman Rushdie is known for a style that blends reality with fantasy, and history with myth, into a complex yet delightful narrative tapestry. In the Masterclass, Rushdie bypasses the traditional basics of writing and takes us directly to the core of his work: constructing fictional worlds. He emphasizes that a story is not merely a sequence of events but a complete “world” created by the writer. This world requires its own rules, intricate details, and characters that live, breathe, and make their own independent decisions. Rushdie discusses the importance of intertwining, a technique he masterfully employed in novels like Midnight’s Children. He believes that narratives should not be linear and straightforward but should branch out, interweave, and intersect, much like real life. This approach grants the reader a rich and complex experience, making them feel as if they are wandering through a labyrinth of tales that unfold before them gradually. Rushdie explains how a writer can weave these multiple threads without losing control and how to create harmony between subplots and the main narrative.

Characters: The Pulse and Vitality of the Story

For Rushdie, characters are not mere tools to drive the plot; they are the “nucleus” of the story. The course heavily focuses on character development, with Rushdie offering practical and innovative advice for creating unforgettable figures. He advises seeking out small, unexpected details that make a character real, moving beyond clichés. For instance, instead of describing a character as merely “sad,” a writer could describe how that person avoids looking at their own eyes in the mirror or how they clutch their pillow while sleeping. These details lend depth to the character and foster empathy from the reader. Rushdie also encourages characters to be contradictory and complex. No one in real life is entirely good or entirely evil. Characters that harbor internal conflicts and contradictions are closer to reality and, therefore, more interesting. He draws examples from his own work, such as the character Saleem Sinai in Midnight’s Children, who embodies both heroism and weakness simultaneously.

Language: The Magic That Creates a World

One cannot discuss Salman Rushdie without touching upon his rich language, which combines poetic eloquence with acerbic humor. In the Masterclass, Rushdie dedicates a significant section to the aesthetics of language and how to use it effectively. He sees language not just as a means of communication but as a magical tool capable of creating worlds and provoking emotion. Rushdie encourages playing with language, experimenting with different styles, and not being afraid to break the rules. For example, he mixes Indian English in his writing, uses unfamiliar terms, and rephrases sentences in innovative ways. This boldness in linguistic use distinguishes his style and gives it a unique character. He advises writers to find their own “voice” and to avoid imitating the styles of others. “Your voice is your identity,” says Rushdie, and it is what makes your writing distinctive and inimitable.

From Idea to Novel: Patience and Perseverance

The course is not just theoretical lessons; it is a practical guide that accompanies the writer from a vague initial idea to a completed novel. Rushdie discusses the writing process in its grueling and inspiring form. He shares tips on how to organize ideas, how to deal with “writer’s block,” and the crucial importance of rewriting and revision. Rushdie reveals a secret that many do not grasp: “Writing is not continuous inspiration; it is hard work that demands discipline.” He encourages writers to set a writing schedule and stick to it, even on days when they don’t feel like writing. He describes the writing process as akin to a treasure hunt: “You have to dig and keep digging until you find what you are looking for.” Towards the end of the course, Salman Rushdie extends a call for courage. He believes courage is the most important trait for a writer, as writing is a brave act that requires the author to be honest with themselves and write about what they believe in, even if it contradicts the opinions of others. It is a call for free self-expression and sharing the stories that deserve to be told.

Conclusion: A Journey into the Depths of Creativity

In conclusion, Salman Rushdie’s Masterclass is not just a writing course; it is an exploratory journey into the depths of creativity. It is an invitation to students and writers to look at the world through a different lens, invent their own worlds, and use words to cast a magic that transcends the boundaries of reality. It is an opportunity to learn from a mentor who does not just hand down rules but shares his passion and encourages you to find your own path in the vast world of storytelling.