Category: Honor Roll

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I am : a designer by profession, writer by vocation

Presently biding my time : exploring the world through lens, pen, spoon, travel and living while completing my first novel

As I secretly follow my dreams of : being every kind of writer I can be

Part of the : Creative Writing Mentorship Program from July 1 – Sep 21 2017

My Website : AV Mode

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

My journey began, like the best stories do, on a midsummer’s night, when I had a sudden and compelling premonition that if I didn’t apply for the programme immediately, I would regret it for the rest of my life. I had been staring at the Attic web page on and off for a good three months, without doing anything about it.

Laughing at myself, I sent off my stories at midnight, and then slept the sleep of those who can do no more. What I didn’t know was that I had just made the deadline by a few hours – or that it would allow me to walk with my heroes.

The Attic to me was the beginning of a Quest, and I thought of the seventeen of us as the Knights of…well, rectangular tables with grommets. My mission was to find my voice and hone my skills. The Twin Obstacles of Insecurity and Indiscipline were met and challenged; the Monster of Grammar was fought and even defeated; the Mentor, Anita, bestowed the gift of Crafting.

It is rare to meet the kind of givingness I have encountered in every member of the Attic. The company of good people is an inspiration on its own. In the wild spaces of my imagination, there is a place forever marked ‘Attic Dreams’.

Vatsala’s Bio

Vatsala is a Bachelor of Design (Lifestyle Accessories) from NIFT, New Delhi and has completed her B. A. English (Hons.) from Delhi University. As a design and advertising professional, she has worked with over 50+ global brands. A four-year stint as contributor and part-time correspondent for HT Next and HT School Times saw her interviewing public personalities like the then President of India Dr. A.P.J. Kalam, Sri Arun Jaitley, Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit, sarod player Ayaan Ali Bangash and Delhi Metro MD Dr. E. Sreedharan , while writing on issues like education, design and culture.

Vatsala Lakhotia Holani | “Not Just Jazz” | The Graduation Ceremony of Season 5, Anita’s Attic

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I am : a software geek, techpreneur, space junkie, science freak, history buff, book addict & just an incurable philomath … and now a wannabe writer *fingers crossed*

Presently biding my time : as a technology co-founder in startups

As I secretly follow my dreams of : being the first writer on Mars (the only thing that would marry all my passions into one, literally a long shot), else I’ll settle for being a good writer on Earth

Part of the : Creative Writing Mentorship Program from July 1 – Sep 21, 2017

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

This has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have had. Being a writer, has been a bucket list item for me since I wrote my first poem at the age of 15. Now, at the top end of my career, receiving an acceptance from Anita’s Attic program on my submission was immensely self-affirming. The program itself has helped me in validating where I’m good and where I need to improve. It provided the structure, lessons and insights into what it takes to be a good writer. Will I be a writer worthy of reading? I hope so. But am I a writer? Yes, I am. This I now know. And for that, I will always be thankful to Anita.

Unni’s Bio

Unni is a software technologist with 27 years of diverse industry work experience, currently working with startups in various domains. He is based out of Bangalore, India, where he lives with his wife and teenage daughter. Unni is passionate about future trends and building world class products and solutions that solve real world problems today.

Unni is currently the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at CASHe, a revolutionary startup in the alternative lending fin-tech space in India. He is also the CTO at Aeries Technology Group, a global business consulting company providing innovative offshoring solutions. Unni is also a mentor and advisor at OneDelta Synergies and RealDocs, both in the legal-tech space.

Unni is now an aspiring writer and hopes to be published in the not too distant future.

Unni Nambiar | “Not Just Jazz” | The Graduation Ceremony of Season 5, Anita’s Attic

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I am : An IT project manager, a father to a feisty two year old daughter and the proud of owner of a bright red Maruti 800

As I secretly follow my dreams of : writing a fantasy novel that weaves together Gods , Karma, middle class India and a water buffalo

As good as: My last project status update

Part of the : Creative Writing Mentorship Program from July 1 – Sep 21 2017

My Blog : Indian Born Confused Desi

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

Saturday mornings at Attic were the highlight of the week. For five hours I could park aside real world responsibilities and do something that truly mattered to me. I got to discuss my work with Anita, sit in contented happiness among my people and eat exquisitely flaky ,chewy Kerala Paratha.

Anita gave my writing roots and wings. She was insightful, warm and encouraging but had no hesitation slipping her fingers around the throat of a badly written paragraph to give it a good firm squeeze. I was told what I needed to hear and not what I wanted to hear. She easily combined the wispy, dreamy elements of writing with a no-nonsense ,down to earth commitment to plot, structure ,character development and word count.

I will be forever grateful for the company I got to keep. My batch mates were intelligent, witty and compassionate people from all walks of life. Easy conversation, an undercurrent of good humor and a general sense of well-being pervaded within the four walls of Anita’s Attic. Signing up for the course is a decision I will be always be pleased with.

Dinesh Devarajan | “Not Just Jazz” | The Graduation Ceremony of Season 5, Anita’s Attic

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I am : an MBA who transitioned from the Corporate Sector into the Social Sector – trying to stem the bleeding of my bleeding heart
Presently biding my time : Not biding my time at all. I just want to do more of what I’m already doing

As I secretly follow my dreams of : Changing the world

As good as: new – after sleep / solitude

Part of the : Creative Writing Mentorship Program from July 1 – Sep 21 2017

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

Anita’s Attic was a great and gruelling experience and it was a big surprise and privilege to be selected. I have never written this much consistently for such a long period – the discipline was awesome and very much needed. All her teaching points were very useful especially because they come from long experience of writing and publishing books. Guidelines, little tips, habits, things to be careful about – all of this tried and tested by an accomplished author.
The meetings with the publishers and agents were also very enlightening and I am very grateful for Anita’s generosity in sharing her wisdom, experience and her contacts!
Now it’s time to put all of this into action and come out with the manuscript. I feel more confident to take this forward since the guideposts have been placed at Anita’s Attic.
An added bonus was the bonding with the other writers. I feel like I found my people.

“Not Just Jazz” | The Graduation Ceremony of Season 5, Anita’s Attic

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I am : a storyteller in a world that is full of stories and characters

Presently biding my time : as a Management Consultant

As I secretly follow my dreams of : writing my first novel about stories and how they make us who we are

Part of the : Creative Writing Mentorship Program from July 1 – Sep 21 2017

My Blog : The Home of a Nomad

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

Writing has been an immense source of joy since I was a child. When I came to the program, I had written a few blogs for a few years and multiple unfinished stories.

On Day 1, I was completely zoned out being in the same room with Anita Nair. I didn’t know what I would accomplish and how. However, all my doubts were laid to rest with Anita’s generous, patient, and nurturing demeanour. If it wasn’t for the Attic, I wouldn’t be writing my book.

Over the course of past many weeks, this program has become as much a self-exploration to find and nurture my unique voice as a writer as it is an attempt to learn the art. Additionally, getting to know the industry has added tremendous value to how I view books and the writing and publishing process. I feel I am walking out with a new life that identifies writing as a purpose, as an art, and as a profession as well. I have also found some great friends, kindred spirits, a talented bunch of people that uplifts and supports.

My only, constant grouse these days is that the program is coming to an end. That said, I am also excited about finishing my first book, and getting it published. Attic has made that writing future possible for me.

Shweta’s Bio

Shweta is an MBA by education. She works as a Management Consultant and specializes in Organizational Change Management and Learning and Development. Her work has given her opportunities to travel and work with people across cultures and geographies. She loves to read, watch movies and TV, and cannot live without tea, quiet time in a balcony, biscuits, and laughing out loud at least once a day.

Shweta Rawal | “Not Just Jazz” | The Graduation Ceremony of Season 5, Anita’s Attic

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I am : the happy voice

Presently biding my time : to start spreading positivity through my writings

As I secretly follow my dreams of : giving Peace a LOUD voice on our planet

Part of the : Creative Writing Mentorship Program from 6th August – 28th October, 2016

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

Anita – instills disciple and clear sightedness. She teaches to write with a light pen the most complex. She genrously shares her experience and expertise to give your inner voice its uniquely true expression. Through interaction with writers, publishers, agents she ensures we get a good idea of the spread and depth of the Indian Publishing Industry.

Anjali’s Bio

Anjali is a Banker with over 20 years experience, a Practioner of Yoga the last 8 years. She manages her Financial Advisory Business along with sharing the life changing qualities of Yoga.

Anjali Soni’s story on Bibliophobia

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I am : a student from Chennai

Presently biding my time : studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Technologies at the Media Design School in Auckland, New Zealand. I play video games, draw and read fantasy novels for fun.

As I secretly follow my dreams of : trying and failing to balance my time between writing, art and game development. I someday hope to create a lasting world that people can lose themselves in.

Part of the : Creative Writing Mentorship Program from 6th August – 28th October, 2016

My Blog : Crossflip

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

The attic was an opportunity to meet a variety of experienced writers entirely unlike myself. There’s no hope of finding your voice as a writer with no one to hear it and no one else to hear. In this regard, my time at the attic was a refreshing experience that brought my writing many steps forward.

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I am : A drifter at heart. I think the song “El Condor pasa / Yes I would” by Simon and Garfunkel describes me best.

Presently biding my time : training to be a counsellor, pursuing a degree in astrology, running my company, alongside loving my family

As I secretly follow my dreams of : writing bits of this and that

As good as : I can sift through the layers of emotions that run deep inside of us

Part of the : Creative Writing Mentorship Program from 6th August – 28th October, 2016

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

It was a great experience. I got to meet a group of like-minded and yet diverse friends with a common passion for writing. The information and insights shared by the Attic guests from various areas of literature gave us the complete picture.

I was amazed, week upon week, by the diligent guidance Anita brought into the life of “Pooja” and “Leena” – the protagonists of my stories. Anita’s drive for excellence and passion is something I will always remember and look back to. I can still visualize the temple in Kerala that Anita described as part of her research! I will always cherish these dozen saturdays spent at the Attic. I think this song best symbolises Anita and my journey through the Attic – The Kerala boat Song by Vidya Iyer

Jinashree’s Bio

I have an MBA from San Jose State University, M.S from IIITB and B.E in computer Science from Bangalore University. After 15 years in the IT industry, I have decided to take a break and pursue myself.

Recent published work : A dabbler intending to make a debut.

Jinashree ‘s story on Scriptophobia

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I am : A traveller negotiating life’s forks on the road

Presently biding my time : Moonlighting as a creative writer during the night, masquerading as a marketer during the day, coming to terms with relocating from Chennai to Bangalore, enjoying the city’s wonderful weather and life’s small pleasures.

As I secretly follow my dreams of : Making it big in the creative space, seeing my name on bookshelves, winning the Booker Prize, conducting a “Vedas Attic” class someday and breaking free of the corporate race.

As good as : My last written word

Part of the : Creative Writing Mentorship Program from 6th August – 28th October, 2016

My Blog : LinkedIn Pulse

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

It was a wonderful experience. I am someone who looks for structure and avenues to channelize my creative energies. The program provided me all of this and more. I have managed to cross a few mental hurdles over the course of the 3 months and would like to believe have come out of it a better writer. Anita’s pointed, constructive criticisms and suggestions were a huge help, not to mention her connections in the Indian literary space. Thank you Anita, finally found the mentor I had been looking for!

Veda’s Bio

Vedanarayanan, aka Veda is a marketing leadership professional who has helped grow and scale multiple consumer internet companies across fashion, travel and education. A Karate brown belt, he has a passion for martial arts and physical fitness. He also happens to be a more than average singer and a less than average player of the flute.

Vedanarayanan ‘s story on Symbolophobia

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I am : a writer and a naturalist

Presently biding my time : writing stories about science, environment and people

As I secretly follow my dreams of : becoming a published fiction writer

Part of the : Creative Writing Mentorship Program from 6th August – 28th October, 2016

My Website : Shreya Dasgupta

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

As a non-fiction writer, crafting imaginary stories has been a challenge. But Anita’s Attic helped me re-enter the world of fiction. Anita has been extremely generous with her advice, and her guidance has been invaluable in helping me craft the first few chapters of my book. Her sessions on writing dialogues and descriptions, and building the perfect characters, have been very illuminating. Anita has helped me find my voice as a writer.

Shreya’s Bio

Shreya is a science and environment writer based in Bangalore, India. She writes about biology, environment, animals, conservation, people, and places. Her work has appeared in BBC Earth, The Guardian, New Scientist, Ensia, Smithsonian.com, The Scientist, Nature India, and others. Currently, she’s a staff writer at Mongabay, an environment and conservation news website.

Before becoming a full time writer, Shreya spent four years working as a wildlife researcher in India, walking through forests and grasslands, collecting tiger, leopard and elephant poo, and occasional bruises.

Shreya Dasgupta’s story on Verbophobia