How to write a novel, by four bestselling authors

Marie Claire and Bookends invited four top authors to share their tips on how to write a novel

How to write a novel is the question that authors get asked the most, which is why Marie Claire teamed up with Bookends to host a Rooftop Bookclub at London's Carmelite House. The home of big-name publishers Headline Publishing, Hodder & Stoughton and Quercus saw four bestselling authors - Tasmina Perry, Mike Gayle, Kathryn Hughes and Tracy Rees - tell us how they made their dreams a reality and they shared their tips on how to write a novel.

As the winter sun set over the river, guests enjoyed an inspirational panel discussion with the four authors, hosted by Marie Claire's features editor Tracy Ramsden, followed by a series of bespoke workshops on how to write a novel and get it published. We also spoke to former literary agent-turned-editor, Emma Herdman, on how to get noticed by publishing agents.

If you missed the event, watch the highlights (below) as the authors share their secrets on how to write a novel. From crafting clever plot lines to creating multi-layered characters, each writer took a different route to getting published and their tips could help you to find your own inner novel.

Marie Claire and Bookends presents How To Write a Novel