The second day started with master classes for adults and activity workshops for children happening simultaneously. After each session the authors took time to speak to Life Online about their stay here and what they enjoyed the most. 

The children were able to enjoy the screening of the film ‘Paddington’ and take part in the workshops done by Nicholas Allan. He thought them how to illustrate, narrated stories from his books and even kept them entertained with some magic tricks. The children also took part in a competition designing the ‘Queen’s Knickers.’ 

He then spoke to Life Online and said that he was impressed mostly by the people and the food. “It’s a different way of living. Everyone is much more relaxed here. I am also enjoying the warmth and the pool.” 

The first master class for adults was conducted by Louis de Bernieres and he spoke about how to write a successful novel. He encouraged the audience to read as much as they can. He also wanted every writer to have an agent to edit and give proper feedback. After the session all of his fans lined up to get their copy of one of his books signed. And finally we were able to talk to him about his experience in Sri Lanka. 

He said that he will be heading out to Kandy and Nuwara Eliya for research. “I have my guitar to accompany me, next time I will visit with my family for sure.” And he said that he loves the people most, “Oh and give me dhal curry anytime. I even had dhal for breakfast today.” 

The next master class was with Peter Grimsdale. He shared with the audience about his stay in Sri Lanka back in 1984 when he was here on assignment for BBC. He has maintained a notebook with all the details of his stay; it is those entries that inspired his first novel. He even said the tension he underwent during that period helped him to write thrillers. He encouraged the audience to read out loud what they have written preferably to someone who will give you honest feedback. “Writing is a lot about editing as well. You have to be willing to hear what you don’t want to hear as well.” 

He then shared details about his stay in Sri Lanka. “We took a train up to Kandy and I am most impressed about the people. They are appreciative, warm and funny.” He also said that it was his wife that told him to try out writing, “She encouraged me to give it a try.” 

After a short break Rohan Candappa spoke to the participants about how to write funny. He read excerpts of his books that had all of us laughing away! “Sometimes it is a battle between self belief and self doubt. Stick to what you think is right. I can only write about what I think is funny and what makes me laugh.” 

He told Life Online that he came back to Sri Lanka after 25 years! And that he will definitely come back sooner next time. When we asked him about his culinary adventures he said “I enjoy eating most! My parents were good cooks so I gave it a try as well.” 

The final master class was with Stephanie Calman. She kept all of us laughing throughout the session by narrating some of her work and other works that inspired her. She advised the audience not to take on a show off kind of writing style. “I hate it when I don’t understand what the writer is saying.” One excerpt she read was from Ondaatje’s ‘Running in the family’.

“I can only write the way I write. No one can write like Ondaatje, I have given up. Believe me I have tried.” She also gave a lot of advice to upcoming writers and encouraged everyone to just be honest. “Sometimes humour is a place where you go to deal with something that is unpleasant.” 

We then spoke to her about being a writer and being married to one at the same time. “I was a writer first! We read to each other and we criticize each other. He is funny too so I take advice from him as well. We are team. We are privileged to have our own writing rooms at home and sometimes we are just shouting at each other from where we are to get coffee or run errands.” When asked about what she likes most about Sri Lanka she also said “People! I am astonished by the people. They are charming, funny and even a little flirtatious. And the people are progressed, especially the women. I am happy to see that they are not treated as second class citizens here.” 

The final session was a discussion with Lal Medawattegedara, Shehan Karunatilaka and Ashok Ferry moderated by Rohan Candappa about writing Sri Lanka: Inside out – Outside in. They enlightened the audience about their thoughts on the Sri Lankan identity and the writer choosing the narrative. 

Life Online then spoke to each of them. Ashok Ferry beautifully explained why he thought Sri Lanka doesn’t have an identity. “I believe we have a complex identity. Each of us sees only a part of it. It is like a fish with a lot shiny scales but you can only see or choose to see some of it.” 

Shehan Karunatilaka said “the reader knows when it is inauthentic. And I find it that when I am based here in Sri Lanka the dialogues I write are much more real.” 

Lal Medawattegedara told Life Online that “the forum definitely gave all of something to reflect on. We need more programmes of this nature and I am thankful to Mount Lavinia Hotel for organizing one.” He also highlighted the need for English editors in Sri Lanka. 

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Comments from the participants 

“It was a rare opportunity to be able to talk to these writers and get advice from them on writing poetry and fiction. It was a rewarding and rich experience.”– Ohita Afeisume 

“I learnt a lot from Stephanie’s session. She gave a lot of useful tips on characterization. And Peter gave a lot of advice on writing a thriller. It was a very useful experience for upcoming writers.” – Rosita Fernando 

“My mother, sister and I are all big fans of Louis de Berniers and Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. So we were very excited to meet him! I also learnt a lot about writing. And the advice I appreciated most was to write what I want and think without thinking too much about who the audience is going to be.” – Timaandra Wijesuriya 

“It was a rare opportunity to meet these authors and as a new writer I was enlightened by this experience. We need more events of this nature to promote writing and creative thinking.” – Numica Perera 

“It was very interesting and there was a good mix of writer. Stephanie in particular was fantastic. I was disappointed by the turnout.” – Rehan Kuleratne 

“Rohan and Stephanie were very funny and interesting. I agree with Ashok's comment about how Sri Lankans don’t have one identity.” – Keith Wijesuriya 

Photographs by Nisal Baduge