Masterclasses
To my enormous delight, Fiona McIntosh will continue to run a Masterclass Writing Course. I can think of no writer in Australia, or for that matter elsewhere, who will do so with a more professional aptitude and sheer pizzazz! Go for it writers, it will change your life!
– Bryce Courtenay, September 2012.
The McIntosh Masterclass series has a dedicated site which includes the signature 5-day masterclass and her 3-day weekend mini masterclass.
The new UK masterclass launched in the UK in 2024 and was fully booked. It has already garnered its first book contract for one of its writers with a major publisher in the UK.
Visit Masterclass website
About Masterclasses
The signature event is five intensive days with fiction writer, Fiona McIntosh. It is designed for aspiring and emerging writers of commercial fiction who have done the writing classes, read the writing books and are still looking for inspiration and that elusive catalyst that propels them toward publication. It is suitable for a beginner as Fiona will build from the fundamentals all the way through to the more subtle areas of storytelling. However, nervous beginners may like to look at the less intensive 3-day mini masterclass.
Fiona will challenge you through the week so bring your arsenal of creativity, imagination, passion and above all energy. This is about preparing for success with your writing and she will show you how to overcome the traditional insecurities and inhibitions that plague new writers and hamper their power to move forward.
Masterclass news
- The 2025 Signature Masterclass is full.
- The Mini Masterclass for 2025 has two places remaining.
- Bookings are open for 2026, which is already one third full.
Published Alumni
Successful novelists emerging from Masterclass, published by majors include:
- Tricia Stringer
- Adam Cece
- Tania Blanchard
- Lauren Chater
- Denise Picton
- Meredith Appleyard
Soon to be published
Masterclassers launching novels with major publishers in 2023 include:
- Mercedes Mercier, Black Lies
- Tania Farrelly, War of Hearts
- Jo Dixon, The House of Now and Then
- Julie Bennett, The Understudy
- Katie McMahon, The Accident
- Rajasree Variya, The Daughters of Madurai
Up and Coming
Masterclassers launching novels in 2024 include:
- Susannah Glenn
- Nadia Majhouri
- Mary-Lou Stephens
Enquire soonest for your course via the Masterclass website.
‘I don’t claim that my masterclass is the best and the only one to consider. I’m biased, of course, and I know how much I give to the writers who come to my masterclass. I also have a track record of success, not only with my own books but with my writers enjoying success with the major publishers both in Australia/NZ and increasingly overseas into foreign translation, who have been through the McIntosh Masterclass. I do recommend that if you are considering taking a writing workshop of any kind that you do your research beforehand. There are plenty of people out there offering to help you with your novel writing but they may have little or no track record in the publishing industry. If they claim to be published, check that person out fully. Who publishes him or her? You really do want one of the major publishers to be behind anyone who is claiming they can guide you about writing novels and the publishing industry. If they are self-published or published through a firm that they have paid to publish them, that should clue you. If their name is not up there amongst the regular and popular sellers in this country, this may not be the most experienced, most accomplished, or even the most knowledgeable writer to be your guide. Choose with care.
‘Let me add that I understand my masterclass is not an insignificant outlay, but it is a genuine investment in yourself and your storytelling. It will prepare you fully for the journey of the novel. Cheaper ones may promise you plenty but be wary and do your homework.’ – Fiona 2019.