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”
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”
[symple_column size=”two-third” position=”last” fade_in=”false”] 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”
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”
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”
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”
[symple_column size=”two-third” position=”last” fade_in=”false”] 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
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”
[symple_column size=”two-third” position=”last” fade_in=”false”] I am : Chirooo
Presently biding my time : of writing a book, and one more.
Part of the : Creative Writing Mentorship Program from 5 September – 14 November, 2015
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About being a part of Anita’s Attic Creative Writing program
My earliest memories of my childhood involve stories being narrated by my grandmother. Since then I have always been interested in reading realistic fiction. Maybe being brought up in a strict household that did not provide easy access to electronic media through the day and the ease in pretending to study while reading fiction, had a role to play in the same.
The dream of becoming a writer never really took off, though. Being a part of Anita’s Attic over the past three months has instilled a self-belief in my abilities and of the possibilities that exist if I back my abilities, which till now was missing. This has been a brilliant experience – what with being part of inspiring discussions with authors from difference countries, editors, publishers and online marketers.
I hope the momentum and the self-confidence that I have picked up in my writing over the past three months sustains and sees me through my first novel.
Chirantan’s Bio
Chirantan Shah has been working with ITC for the past 4.5 years in various sales and marketing roles. Prior to this he has worked with Deccan Chronicle as a business correspondent and with TCS as a software engineer. He has a diploma in management from IIM Kozhikode and a B.Tech in Civil Engineering from NIT Nagpur. Chirantan aspires to write a Dickens-esque coming-of-age story based out of India, some day.
Chirantan reading of his part as author of the collaborative fiction piece, “A Pound of Flesh”
[symple_column size=”two-third” position=”last” fade_in=”false”] I am : destined for great things. I’m also tired of waiting for them to happen
Presently biding my time : If that’s a question, yes – presently biding my time
As I secretly follow my dream of : leading a life filled with euphoria. (Kidding. I’ll settle for plain happiness too)
As good as : they come. And then some more
Part of the : Creative Writing Mentorship Program from 5 September – 14 November, 2015
My Website : I write at Out of Breath
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About being a part of Anita’s Attic Creative Writing program
Why did I join? When I applied, it wasn’t because I thought I’d be accepted. It was more out of a desire to get myself to do something about this need to write, that I’d harbored within myself.
Being accepted into the programme was super surprising, to say the least – and opened up the possibility of writing as a more serious pursuit, beyond a few occasional blog posts. 12 weeks of writing and re-writing at The Attic made me realize that it wasn’t going to be easy!
Writing used to be a one-off activity, resulting in something that I’d probably never go back to. I’ve now learnt that that is but the first step in a long drawn process, and that re-writing is as important as writing – if not more. There is a process to writing that goes beyond what one perceives to be just an intellectual exercise as an amateur. Write, re-write, repeat.
Reflection and improvement are skills that are as essential to life, as they are to writing.
Rahul’s Bio
Rahul longs to become a storyteller. A longing that he hopes will not be short lived. In this arduous pursuit, he is even ready to make up tales. Tall tales. He is a sucker for all manner of stories – be it short stories of longing, or long stories that need shortening. He is trudging a path that is going to be, in short, a long story. That, one could say, is the long and short of it.
Rahul’s reading of his part as author of the collaborative fiction piece, “A Pound of Flesh”
[symple_column size=”two-third” position=”last” fade_in=”false”] I am : from Bangalore
Presently biding my time : As a Director in a software company
As I secretly follow my dream of : being an impactful writer
As good as : Abraham Verghese, Arundhati Roy and Anita Nair who assure me that the poetry around us is waiting to be heard.
Part of the : Creative Writing Mentorship Program from 5 September – 14 November, 2015
My Website : I write at Urban Bourbon
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About being a part of Anita’s Attic Creative Writing program
After publishing about a hundred or so blog posts, I discovered key areas that really excite me. I wanted to strengthen these areas further in the form of a novel. I have had many spluttering starts and lacked the discipline to execute on that plan. My other great weakness was that I stopped with my first raw draft and did not take the time to edit it to perfection.
Twelve weeks with Anita’s Attic Creative Writing program changed all that for me. Writing is an individual sport but writing well needs a guide and mentor. I saw myself set goals and deadlines for my work. I achieved them week after week with the able guidance and feedback from Anita.
Anita exposed the twelve of us to a range of talented individuals from the writing and publishing world. I was inspired by some of their struggles as a writer. I was fascinated by the amount of research that went into their work and their personal life altering events that shaped their work. This gave me a good 360-degree view of the industry.
Peter’s Bio
Peter Vas is a Bangalore based IT professional. He has a Masters degree in Structural Engineering from Marquette University, Wisconsin. He cherishes his blogs on Indian culture and music on ARPANET Usenet Newsgroups before Tim Berners-Lee invented the worldwide web. He is taking a hiatus from Facebook to pursue his writing ambition but has found himself in a semi-ruinous relationship with Twitter. He has successfully slayed annoying Whatsapp notifications, in pursuit of higher writing goals. After spending most of his career life in Chicago, he returned to India for a rediscovery and loves it. He enjoys his spare time reading, writing and listening to podcasts and music. He is writing his first novel that gained traction at Anita’s Attic. His family is very encouraging of his disappearing act, which sometimes worries him.
Recent Published works
My blogs around the crisis of rape and VAW in India, following the Nirbhaya rape/murder incident of 2012 was referenced by BBC/Public Radio International. My interaction with Bangladeshi activists, on wage disparity was also picked by BBC/Public Radio International, after the garment factory collapse that killed poor garment workers.
Peter’s reading of his part as author of the collaborative fiction piece, Physician, heal thyself
