The Writing Programme - tellmeyourstory

It was an overwhelming experience. I learned the intricacies of plot construction, through the creative use of drama and dialogues. I learned how to show and not just narrate. The workshop, helped me to find different layers of the characters and I could explore the story in a multifaceted way. I enjoyed every time I had to rework my story and the final results were so satisfying. It was an exciting transformation, both for me and for the characters.

Haimanti Bagchi

I have observed several changes including: thoughtfulness around storytelling through inclusion of small sensorial details, compelling character creation and knowing how to be authentic to your stories.The author interactions were a great insight into the minds of storytellers. Being able to ask them questions based on their writing revealed a lot of information about the process of story writing. The mentors genuinely care about the growth and development of their students.

Paridhi Singh

Testimonial by Chandna Singh Nirwan

The Writing Programme enhances the participant's writing ability in a subtle manner through classes, guest lectures, assignments and feedback. Quite a hands-on approach by the mentors. The participants are given time and space to work at their own sweet pace. The interactions and assignments open multiple ideas/views/opinions on a single topic which makes it even more interesting as we start to read our own stories from different dimensions. After attending four classes, I was able to see the gaps that could have been expressed in a better way. I learnt how to make even a basic topic appeal to an audience. Story-writing is all about the art of expression and clearly, I have learnt a few tricks on that.

Chandna Singh Nirwan

Testimonial by Akhila Mohan CJ

After attending the program I could understand how to strike a balance in between scenes, descriptions, dialogues and characterizations. After attending the program I visualize the story and the sequences in it before writing down on paper. I feel more confident. The reading materials provided were excellent and meticulous reading especially in a group helped me in improving dialogue writing, striking the settings and characterization. Above all, I felt very nurtured and respected in the entire circle. The way mentors guided us and did constructive criticism of our works, the guest faculties who boosted our confidence and shared their writing processes, the session in which the literary agent Suhail Mathur shared insights about the publishing process, everything added so much value and learning to our writing and learning journey. I loved both the mentors, Koral and Somrita, for their insights and for their kind, down to earth and easy to approach attitude.

Akhila Mohan CJ

Testimonial by Ranjit Panicker

My story is drastically better after inputs from the mentors and incorporating the changes suggested. I learnt the importance of editing, introduction of conflict in a story, how to write dialogue, involving all senses in descriptions and scenery, developing characters and how the publishing industry works.

Ranjit Panicker

Testimonial by Subha Manoj

I learnt how to make my stories speak for themselves, how to show more and tell less, how to build meaningful content and layers in my stories. I also know better techniques of characterization, understood more about different themes in storytelling, especially non-fiction storytelling. The workshop has also added more elements of women narratives in my kitty.

Subha Manoj

Testimonial by Khoobi Shah

The biggest takeaway for me was that the writer's inner voice is important and that should be reflected in one's story. Also that a writer should not shy away from adding local dialect, local references into their story. I now pay more attention to how a story progresses compared to what I did before. I also read books more critically to understand the craft of writing. I am also more confident about the kind of stories I want to write.

Khoobi Shah

Testimonial by Sunil Kumar

Being a man, it was really tough for me to write about women. I wasn't able to express with confidence, how women feel. Weekly readings and guest lectures were perfectly arranged and they contributed greatly to my storytelling. The tasks of the workshop helped in pushing my range of imagination and expression. From fictional representations to real-life examples shared by authors and mentors have molded my story in a way that now I think people would love to read it.

Sunil Kumar

Testimonial by Sanchita Moi

The workshop brought regularity to my writing. It helped in improving my observation which goes into shaping a character. I have started noticing others minutely and indulge in some self-reflection also. The Writing Programme has improved my technique of plot construction & characterization. I feel the confidence to broaden my storytelling beyond my comfort zone.

Sanchita Moi

Testimonial by Parvadavardhini Sethuraman

I learnt the technique of infusing dama at the right place in the narrative, techniques of developing a character by concentrating on different facets of the character's personality and also about the importance of a location and how to effectively use it as a part of the story. I would be worried that my language is too simple, but now I concentrate on making the narrative interesting, as I know the simplicity of the language helps communicate the viewpoint better.

Parvadavardhini Sethuraman

Testimonial by Aswini Prabhakaran

I really enjoyed the reading materials of Season 2. The workshop helped me a lot in understanding how to use the background settings including the location where the story takes place and its importance in writing, sometimes even to the extent of acting as a secondary character in the plot.

Aswini Prabhakaran

Testimonial by Kanika Khatter

It’s a complete transformation in the way I now start to write, the way I structure my thoughts with purpose, using powerful sentences. I think now I have the confidence and approach/methodology to apply it. I am glad I joined this workshop. I was never aware about so many small intricacies of writing.

Kanika Khatter

Testimonial by Neil Nagwekar - Copy - Copy

I was honestly really, really impressed by the program! I felt very privileged to listen to the advice from published authors. I was shown how to be more direct, more hard-hitting without losing the writing craft.

Neil Nagwekar

I have become a better observer and listener. From someone who likes to be alone and talk less, suddenly I have this urge to listen to what everybody has to say. I want to know all their stories to be able to tell mine. Now I try to delve deep in the psyche of my characters and feel what they are feeling and see what they are seeing.

Manisha Prakash

I understand better how to engage my readers more through elements of suspense and touch the raw nerves of emotions. I became better acquainted with the rule of 'Show, Don't Tell'. The discussions were thought-provoking. I really enjoyed the workshop and the space it provided to connect with the upcoming literary circle in India.

Aswini Prabhakaran

It is important that you understand your craft's nuances from a professional point of view and adjust to enable better storytelling. I am writing better, creating more drama, crafting interesting characters. I appreciate the different povs of the co-attendees.

Neeraj Chawla

A 4 week Certified Short Story Writing Workshop

Regular Classroom Mentorship Hours

Introduction to Creative Writing

Ideas Generation & Character Sketching

Customised Exercises for Critical Thinking

Learning Outcome

1. Publishing opportunities in our anthologies (ebook & paperback)

2. Conceptualizing a memorable manuscript

3. Identifing your unique voice.

4. Building commitment and discipline towards storytelling

5. Developing a greater understanding of the writing craft

6. Learning to inculcate creative thinking

7. Attaining creative fluency

Writing Prompt: Police Officer

Programme Duration: 4 Weeks

SEATS ARE LIMITED. WE ARE UNABLE TO EXTEND DEADLINES

Last date of registration: 10 March 2024

Programme starts on: 16 March 2024

* Registration is subject to payment of the programme fee and required documents.

* Scroll down for Registration rules

This is an intense guided-writing programme.

The mentors will help new storytellers start from scratch.

The 4 week workshop will include thinking, researching, writing & improvising.

THE CURRICULUM

The Writing Programme will work with the applicants on:

•Understanding the Theme.

The police officer could be a man or a woman. They have no holidays for occasions, people want to keep the seniors away, junior constables are treated often horribly, have a corrupt image as much as Bollywood makes them heroes and more. But crisis periods like the pandemic or the Taj attack in Mumbai, they came across as primary saviors. What would be your story? Would it be an IPS or a Havildar? Man or woman? Corrupt or honest? Angry or friendly? Explore the adventure.

•Plot Construction and the Story.

Identify your personal strengths as a storyteller and enhance the story using those attributes.

•Research & Writing.

The same story can be told in many ways. Information processing becomes critical. How a story is told defines its readership and relatability.

•Character Development.

Learn to effectively use imagination, observation and memory to create realistic characters that stay long after the story is over.

•Drama and Dialogue.

Elements of drama and intelligent use of dialogues can make or mar a story. Learn about the stereotypes. Discover your own voice.

•Reading and Discussions.

Joint reading and discussion of each other's writing and referring to the works of renowned authors - learning the writing techniques and sensitivity.

•Observation.

A lot is seen but not necessarily observed. Minute observations and responses to people or situations add many dimensions to a story if they blend well with the plot.

•Finishing and Finalization.

Any form of art, be it painting, cooking, or writing, requires certain finishing touches. These include, and aren’t limited to, sharpening, polishing, and editing your work. All that glitters is NOT gold!

Programme Mandates

1. The programme will require participants to attend online meetings/workshops, to be scheduled on Saturdays for 1.5 hrs. 5pm IST (adjustible in case of inconvenience of any participant). The dates will be informed in advance.

2. Timely completion of tasks is mandatory.

3. All other details, along with the course schedule, will be emailed to the applicants post registration.

4. The manuscripts will be considered for paperback and ebook publication ONLY on successful completion of the workshop. If mentorship sessions are missed, the manuscript is not developed appropriately, the participants are unavailable to work on the manuscript, etc. – we will not be able to proceed towards publication.

For Registration:

Registration fee is INR6,500/- (all inclusive) for participants from India and USD 125/- (all inclusive) for participants outside India.

Last date of registration: 16 March 2024

Mode of Payment

• For participants residing in India: Payable in advance by NEFT.

Bank details:

Tell Me Your Story OPC Pvt. Ltd.
A/c no : 059685800000177, Yes Bank. Branch - Shankardhan Plaza Junction, MM Road, Mulund West, Mumbai 400080, IFS Code : YESB0000596.

pay via Paypal - interest charges extra. (You don't need a Paypal account, this allows you to swipe a card.)

• For participants residing outside India and foreign nationals:

USD125/- all inclusive, payable in advance by Paypal.

Email us at tmysacademy@gmail.com for the Paypal link.

The Registration Fee is non-refundable.

Applicants must register along with

1. payment receipt against the registration fees.

2. an updated bionote of not more than 100 words.

3. a photograph.

4. social media handles of the participant as applicable - Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram.

The above must be emailed to tmysacademy@gmail.com

MENTORS