Talking of the blockbuster novel, written to a formula, provides entertainment fiction David says they can enjoyed by a large number of people. Such books can be read in an effortless way and it does not matter that they are written for a market and are primarily commercial. They have a place in literature. Winning a major prize, such as the Whitbread or Booker, can bring good writing to the attention of the world. He suggested that A S Byatt does not write for the market but as a prize winner she is now read by more people.
Publishing has changed, it is now a buyers market.
The creative writing courses now offered by many universities can improve but can never make a writer. He believes that courses, such as that at the University of East Anglia masterminded by the late Malcolm Bradbury have been a stunning success, particularly as they now attract high-quality students and can be more selective. His 1975 novel, Changing Places, was the turning point in his writing career. It was well received and has now sold over 400,000 copies. He started in a different world, but even so had three novels turned down before eventually finding a publisher.