“Exhilarating... a revelation”
— Financial TImes

Masterclasses in Marrakech

We welcome everyone from beginners to bestsellers. The Silk Road Slippers Masterclasses are designed to transform your writing practice, both by unlocking your creative potential and by developing the technical skills to develop your unique voice – wherever you are in your writing journey.

Set in Marrakech’s idyllic Jnane Tamsna, our Masterclasses in Marrakech offer a literary experience like no other.

“This is no ordinary writing masterclass... we’re receiving instruction over the four-day retreat from a quartet of terrifyingly well-qualified editors… For those hoping to forge a writing career, these women are the dream combination.”
— Mariella Frostrup, The Times
“Constructive criticism, as these editors know after years of hands-on-experience with writers, is the most valuable lesson of all... I found the energy and creativity unleashed by being part of the group – debating, working, playing and writing together – to be a revelation.”
— Catherine Fairweather, Financial Times

Days and nights in the Maghreb

Each day includes a scheduled morning and afternoon session with the Silk Road Slippers team, with a light lunch in between. Guest star authors lead exclusive sessions, sharing their expertise, technique and experiences.

At candlelit dinners on three evenings, you will have the opportunity to mingle and make creative connections with your fellow writers, and spend relaxed time with the Silk Road Slippers team. The Star Writer also attends our Celebratory Dinner. Two evenings are kept free for you to explore Marrakech at night, or relax at your accommodation, as your heart desires. 

Places are strictly limited. To enquire about joining a Masterclass, please email us.

What will you learn?

Silk Road Slippers Masterclasses unlock your storytelling potential through a combination of hands-on exercises, immersive workshops, participatory seminars and one-on-one feedback. From finding your story, through conquering the fear of the blank page, to drafting, editing and rewriting, and to choosing an agent and publisher for your work, we cover the whole of the literary process.

“The Silk Road Slippers masterclass was truly a masterclass of creative writing taught by legends in the literary world. Not only did I learn so much, but my joy in my creative work was rekindled.”
— Lori - journalist, author, educator
Alexandra Pringle and Alex von Tunzelmann

Classes are led by Alexandra Pringle, former editor-in-chief of Bloomsbury Publishing, award-winning author and journalist Nesrine Malik, bestselling historian Alex von Tunzelmann, and editor and storytelling consultant Faiza S Khan. But that’s not all. They are joined for every Writing Masterclass by a guest star author. Star authors have included Nobel Laureate Abdulrazak Gurnah and Booker Prize winner Shehan Karunatilaka. 

“Over an excellent local red, spicy shrimp, and organic okra from the garden bursting with flavor, they regaled us with tales of last-minute weddings and costume parties and plans for retreats with the likes of Tanzanian author and Nobel Prize Laureate Abdulrazak Gurnah.”
— Miami Herald

Upcoming Masterclasses

  • "Silk Road Slippers was a powerful, enlightening experience...the writing and creativity warmed my heart and filled me with inspiration. Equally important was the unparalleled access to some of the very best and most talented editors and writers in the world. What made everything magical, though, was the kindness and the support which every person in the workshop offered every single day, from the short exercises to the tour of the old town Medina in Marrakech to the incredible one-on-one hour of feedback. 10/10 I would do my Silk Road Slippers workshop 1,000 more times!"

    George – Film Director and Editor

  • "This is the best retreat or conference I have been to. The organisers are as kind as they are brilliant. I was able to meet a community of like-minded fellow writers and mentors. I am grateful. Anyone who can get a space is blessed. "

    Mahnaz - Barrister

  • "This masterclass was hands down the best investment I've made this year. A week in the beautiful surroundings of JnaneTamsna surrounded by like-minded writers and thinkers, led by the Silk Road Slippers team inspired a new joy and confidence in my writing. This is a trip that will make you happy."

    Isabelle – Writer, former city trader

  • "It was life-changing in a just discovered Nutella kind of way. But, of course, better. "

    Hadia – Lawyer

  • "The Silk Road Slippers masterclass was truly a masterclass of creative writing taught by legends in the literary world. Not only did I learn so much, but my joy in my creative work was rekindled."

    Lori – Author

  • “I feel like I’m settling into a wonderful new writing routine after our time together in Morocco... it’s all feeling so doable”

    Lisette - Travel writer