Blog

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I am : From Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Presently biding my time : As a Product Manager in an exciting start-up

As I secretly follow my dreams of : Becoming a writer, a compelling storyteller

Part of the : Creative Writing Mentorship Program from 17th March – 30th April, 2016

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About being a part of Anita’s Attic Creative Writing program

Before joining the workshop, I neither had the discipline to write regularly, nor the skill and confidence needed to craft a full length novel. Most of my longer narratives had fizzled out and been abandoned after a few thousand words.

Enter Anita Nair.

I went to her with a bunch of story ideas, and she helped me identify which one held the most promise as a novel. Week after week she offered feedback on our writing and advice on structure, craft, scene construction and dialogue. The feedback was often individual, and tailored to the specific novel that I was writing. She was kind, but did not hesitate to point out parts of the narrative that don’t work. Over the ten weeks, with Anita’s help and mentoring, the story has grown from a simple premise to a book-in-progress.

We also had guest lectures from published authors who spoke about their journey and challenges as a writer, and agents and editors who gave us insight and advice on how to break into the industry, to get our work noticed.

I now hope to continue working on the novel, and complete it in the coming months.

Ramprakash’s Bio

Ramprakash is currently residing in Bangalore with his family. As a child, his parents forced him to read, until he discovered that he liked reading and no longer required forcing. He likes any fiction that is fast paced and entertaining, and loves those that also manage to be memorable. He is currently working on his first novel.
 

Ramprakash’s reading of his part as author of the collaborative fiction piece, “Blessings in disguise”

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I am : A journalist and a writer

Presently biding my time : Writing articles for newspapers and magazines, creating content for fashion websites, studying French and learning to play the piano

As I secretly follow my dreams of : Writing a book that will find a place in the heart of a global audience

Part of the : Creative Writing Mentorship Program from 17th March – 30th April, 2016

My Blogs : I write at AshaChowdary2013 & LookingGorgeous

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About being a part of Anita’s Attic Creative Writing program

I loved being part of a team of dedicated writers. Week after week, we shared our thoughts, our doubts, our aspirations and even our favourite books with each other and over time, we grew into a small family working towards a singular goal. With our brilliant mentor, Anita Nair at the helm, we embarked on an exciting voyage of pure creativity and intelligent innovation.

Asha’s Bio

Asha Chowdary is an independent journalist and blogger based in Bangalore. She has worked for several years as an editor and correspondent in national newspapers like The Times of India, The Asian Age and DNA. Her last job was with News 9 TV where she worked as a senior producer in the Features division. She is passionate about the study of life and spirituality. She has earned accolades for her articles on celebrities, trends and fashion and lifestyle stories.
 

Asha’s reading of her part as author of the collaborative fiction piece, “Trifle as a pudding”

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I am : A writer. A storyteller. A wordsmith !

Presently biding my time : Writing, rewriting and then writing again!

As I secretly follow my dreams of : I want my writing to travel far and wide.

Part of the : Creative Writing Mentorship Program from 17th March – 30th April, 2016

My website : I write at Book of Hoopoe

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About being a part of Anita’s Attic Creative Writing program

What goes behind a book making?
How do literary writers plan?
How do commercial writers think?
Is it just me or other writers also who go through similar phases of self-doubt?
This mentorship program was an answer to all those questions and many more.
The weekly guidance by Anita Ma’am : word by word, sentence by sentence assistance was an enriching experience.
And there was nothing like that only one style of writing was encouraged. The nine of us wrote different and all were welcomed, encouraged and celebrated.
At the end of the day, you get a clear picture of what you are doing and where your writing is heading.
The real catch is even after the course is completed, Anita Ma’am stays in touch with her mentees. So in a way it’s not just a twelve week training program but a lifelong commitment. Commendable!

Nurat’s reading of her part as author of the collaborative fiction piece, “Tempo Traveller”

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I am : learning and trying to be the best I can be

Presently biding my time : interning as a copywriter in an advertising agency

As I secretly follow my dreams of : making a good, happy life of my own

As good as : the best story tellers who found some magic in the most everyday stories evoking such beautiful feeling in their readers

Part of the : Creative Writing Mentorship Program from 17th March – 30th April, 2016

My website : I write at Number251

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About being a part of Anita’s Attic Creative Writing program

I never imagined I would be picked by Anita Nair to be mentored. She was one of my favourite writers and still remains so and to be recognised by her as a writer is a dream come true. I could never complete a story before this course and now I try to write one every day. This came at the most perfect time for me and I consider myself blessed for these three months. Thank You so much for this.

Nina’s reading of her part as author of the collaborative fiction piece, “Trifle as a pudding”

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I am : A dreamer. A writer. A mad hatter. Sometimes all at once

Presently biding my time : Training corporates, learning and teaching French, writing when the whim takes me, but mostly when a deadline strangles me

As I secretly follow my dreams of : Writing a book that will become a bestseller. Or at least a family heirloom

Part of the : Creative Writing Mentorship Program from 17th March – 30th April, 2016

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About being a part of Anita’s Attic Creative Writing program

Like many people, I have a bucket list. And “Become a published author” sits atop that list. But like most people, I had relegated that list to the back of my mind. Actually, to a forgotten folder on my laptoplabelled “Miscellaneous”.

At Anita’s Attic, I dusted off that list, and got down to working on it. The weekly writing task helped me internalise the process of writing regularly, and as a consequence more easily. Most importantly, I learned to take joy in writing, and revel in the ability to create worlds out of nothing but pen and paper. The Attic continues to help me hone that ability.

Meghna’s’s Bio

Meghana Rajeshwar is a corporate trainer and freelance writer based in Bangalore. She enjoys learning languages and is currently teaching herself to read and write Malayalam. She is addicted to travelling and is a nomad at heart.She has published travel pieces in the online edition of The Week and has also produced a coffee table book called Threads of Harmony for an establishment of the Indian Army.
 

Meghana’s reading of her part as author of the collaborative fiction piece, “Tempo Traveller”

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I am : A dreamer who wishes to travel the world

Presently biding my time : Reading, writing, dreaming and loving everything that’s beautiful; all the while trying to make peace with my day job

As I secretly follow my dreams of : Being a writer, remembered by the readers long after I am gone

As good as : My idol

Part of the : Creative Writing Mentorship Program from 17th March – 30th April, 2016

My Blog: My Days and Dreams

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About being a part of Anita’s Attic Creative Writing program

I read about Anita’s Attic just after the first season had started. Though I never imagined I would ever have the confidence to apply, I did send my entry, though it was a bit delayed. And lo and behold, in the third season, I was accepted which was totally unbelievable for me.

Being accepted into the programme came as a big surprise, as I never counted myself as a writer. Except for my occasional blog posts and the very few journals, I never wrote, though stories ran through my mind. This was a positive turning point in my life.

Anita gave me the confidence that I can write beyond the blogs, even if it may take several rewritings. I was surprised to see a story unfolding within me, as I started writing it, and Anita was right there, to give me that little push and guidance when I felt lost.

12 weeks, lot of discussions, speakers including editors, agents, and writers; we could not have asked for more. This was the place that showed me the nitty-gritties of the literary world, the end to end process of writing to publishing and beyond.

Life had been presenting me with a platter of experiences and little did I expect that I would ever have this opportunity.

Jeenu’s Bio

I long to be a writer, but I started as an addictive reader. Currently writing my first story of Ammu.
 

Jeenu’s reading of her part as author of the collaborative fiction piece, “Blessings in disguise”

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I am : a rarity, a true blue Bengaluru person

Presently biding my time : as a software consultant and running a children’s library

As I secretly follow my dreams of : becoming a worthy novelist

As good as : it gets, my life is; I am quite content

Part of the : Creative Writing Mentorship Program from 17th March – 30th April, 2016

My Website : www.thoughtraker.com

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About being a part of Anita’s Attic Creative Writing program

I was floundering as a writer when I joined Anita’s Attic. I had tasted some success with my short stories earlier, but was thirsting to write a full-length novel. I had so many ideas, but struggled to bring any of them to fruition. I needed a guru who could guide me along the write, oops, right direction.

I was fortunate to be taken under the wing of someone as acclaimed as Anita Nair. She made me introspect; I am still dwelling on the questions she asked in the very first session. Her no-nonsense, practical approach, the hitting-the-nail-on-the-head reviews, and her subtle guidance helped me make steady progress. The exposure to all facets of the writing world, with renowned authors and editors sharing their own personal journeys was indeed enriching.

I do hope that I can internalize the invaluable lessons and move forward along the path that I have glimpsed.

Anitha’s Bio

Anitha Murthy, a software consultant by profession, writes whenever inspiration strikes. She writes primarily short stories, and several of her stories have won awards in contests like the Deccan Herald Short Story contest, the Unisun Reliance Timeout Short Story Contest, and the BBC World Service Short Story Contest. Her stories have been published both in print, in magazines like Reading Hour, and anthologies like City of Gods and Urban Shots, as well as in online publications. Occasionally dabbling in non-fiction, she has written travel and humour articles. She has also authored a children’s book series – The Junkyard Buddies. She is currently working on a light-hearted novel that she hopes will make people laugh.
 

Anitha’s reading of her part as author of the collaborative fiction piece, “Blessings in disguise”

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I am : from Los Angeles, California

Presently biding my time : as a multimedia journalist and storyteller

As I secretly follow my dreams of : Where hard work, imagination and a little luck will take me

Part of the : Creative Writing Mentorship Program from 17th March – 30th April, 2016

My Website : Mary-RoseAbraham.com

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About being a part of Anita’s Attic Creative Writing program

Stepping into the Attic began my journey as a literary fiction writer. Anita’s mentorship and guidance, and the camaraderie of my fellow writers, invested that beginning with a great feeling of possibility. As a new fiction writer, it was invaluable for me not only to receive Anita’s incisive critiques with each chapter of my book, but to write propelled by her enthusiasm for our projects and her belief in our talents. More than anything, what I take away from the Attic is the sheer joy of creative writing.

Mary-Rose’s Bio

With more than ten years’ experience as a reporter, producer and videographer, Mary-Rose is currently based in Bangalore as an independent multimedia journalist. Most recently, she was a staff producer at ABC News in New York, with previous reporting and producing experience at National Public Radio and NBC News in Los Angeles.

Mary-Rose has a bachelor’s degree in biology from UCLA and a master’s degree from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, from which she graduated with honors and was awarded the Pulitzer Traveling Fellowship as one of the top five students in her class.
 

Mary-Rose’s reading of her part as author of the collaborative fiction piece, “Tempo Traveller”

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I am : Originally from Tumkur. Working in Madras for past two years. I’ll probably not stay in a single place for more than five years

Presently biding my time : Designing and managing fuel systems of BharatBenz Trucks, reading books and fighting existential crisis with bare hands

As I secretly follow my dreams of : Being a polyglot

Part of the : Creative Writing Mentorship Program from 17th March – 30th April, 2016

My Blogs : The Idiosyncratic Idiot, Waltzing With Verses

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About being a part of Anita’s Attic Creative Writing program

I have made several attempts to write a book in the past . But I never survived the exercise beyond three pages.

At Anita’s Attic , I struggled to get my story off the ground. But after a couple of weeks I did, thanks to Anita Nair’s advice and inputs. She was frank yet kind with her feedback. She helped me channel my momentary bursts of creativity into a disciplined writing schedule . This, I believe is the greatest take- away from Anita’s attic.

Talks given by writers and publishers during the course were eye openers for someone who had no idea about publishing. I enjoyed every session thoroughly.

I recommend this program for anyone who had a childhood dream of writing a book. Whether it gets published or not is irrelevant. The joy of writing it is what matters

Nithesh’s reading of his part as author of the collaborative fiction piece, “Trifle as a pudding”