Salman Rushdie Masterclass: Key Takeaways

3 min readDec 20, 2024

Salman Rushdie, celebrated for his rich narratives and bold themes, offers invaluable insights for aspiring writers. Here’s a comprehensive guide based on his approach to writing, editing, and reading:

1. Maximalist or Minimalist Approach

Writers often grapple with choosing between a maximalist and minimalist style. A maximalist approach captures expansive realities, weaving intricate plots and subplots, while minimalism distills narratives into precise, focused slivers.

Evaluate Strengths: Rebellious creatives may gravitate toward maximalism, as seen in Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children and The Satanic Verses. Conversely, methodical writers might find minimalism suits their temperament.
Key Takeaway: Experiment with both styles to find your narrative voice.

2. Pantser or Plotter

Writers can adopt one of two creative processes:

Pantsers: Dive into storytelling without an outline, letting the narrative unfold organically.
Plotters: Craft detailed outlines and character sketches before drafting. Rushdie aligns with plotting, ensuring structured storytelling and well-developed characters.

Completing the first draft is crucial — it serves as a foundation for subsequent revisions.

3. Write What’s Necessary

Daring to address personal, social, or philosophical taboos can elevate a writer’s work. Rushdie’s bold confrontation of sensitive themes garnered both criticism and acclaim, solidifying his legacy.

Example: Tackling controversial topics, as Rushdie does, ensures relevance and impact.
Key Takeaway: Don’t shy away from difficult themes; they can define your voice.

4. Work Close to the Bull

Creative risks are vital for staying on the cutting edge. Engaging with bold, timely issues adds depth and innovation to your work.

Inspiration: Kazuo Ishiguro’s Klara and the Sun explores AI and robotics with a fresh perspective.
Key Takeaway: Take risks that challenge conventional storytelling norms.

5. Commit to the Chair

The 10,000-hour principle applies to writing as much as any craft. Dedication and consistency are non-negotiable.

Focus: Show up every day, even if financial rewards aren’t immediate.
Key Takeaway: Perseverance transforms practice into mastery.

6. Discard What’s Not Working

Ego can hinder growth. Editing ruthlessly, even removing beloved passages, sharpens the narrative.

Tip: Extensive reading helps hone this skill, offering insights into what works and what doesn’t.
Key Takeaway: Writing improves when weak elements are pruned without hesitation.

7. Finish and Publish

To be recognized as a writer, completing and sharing your work is paramount.

Caution: Avoid rushing to publish; prioritize crafting impactful, polished content.
Key Takeaway: A well-crafted manuscript is worth the wait.

Editing Tips

Revise Thoroughly:
Multiple drafts refine coherence and quality. Rushdie revisits his manuscripts 5–6 times, focusing on structure, flow, and depth.

Be Open to Feedback:
Share work with trusted peers and editors. Embrace constructive criticism to elevate your craft.

Focus on Strengths:
Develop your unique style while addressing weaknesses.

Avoid Sentimentality:
Eliminate unnecessary elements, even if you’re personally attached to them.

Key Takeaways

Writing is a journey of discovery, while editing transforms the draft into art.
Bold storytelling thrives on exploring profound “what-ifs.”
Lifelong learning through reading and revision enriches creativity.

Balancing creative intuition with structured processes, as Salman Rushdie demonstrates, can lead to impactful and enduring narratives.