The simple answer is children. The age-group for each batch is different and relevant details are shared both on my blog and if you sign up to receive details.
However, it is important to note that the writing programmes are targeted at children who enjoy writing. Participants will need to submit several written assignments. They will be given access to a forum, where they will not only share their own work, but also critique the work of other participants. The purpose of the programme is to create a discipline around writing and work towards writing better.
While the programme will involve interactive group-work, activities and games, the participants must be aware that the focus is creative writing. They need to be prepared to write at length without thinking of it as a burden.
Children who struggle with English would not be a good fit for the programme. The focus of the programme is not language teaching or grammar correction. Rather, it is for children who love books and enjoy reading.
The regular fee for a 12-week writing programme (ages 9+) is ₹17,000 per participant. This includes twelve online interactions with me, 2-3 guest sessions, and access to a private forum with regular writing prompts and feedback. Each batch will have no more than 6 participants to ensure personal attention and individual feedback.
During each writing programme, I also organise three guest sessions. While the sessions are free for those who are part of the programme, they are also open to non-participants on payment of a fee of ₹400.
The fee for each edition of my book club (comprising twelve 45-minute sessions) for ages 7 and 8 is ₹4,500 per participant and for ages 9 and 10 is ₹5,000 per participant.
Until a week before the programme begins, the fee includes the online interactions and the books we will be reading, which will be delivered to you anywhere in India. Do also visit the relevant event pages to find out about early bird discounts and buddy discounts.
I have a separate programme for schools. Please write to me if you are a school coordinator or administrator.
Registrations are open for the following online programmes:
- Book Club (12 interactive sessions for ages 7 and 8)
- Read, Write, Explore (12 interactive sessions for ages 9 and 10)
As a rule, new batches of my book clubs begin every alternate month. My writing programmes take place twice a year – from April to June, and from October to December. Registrations for each batch open one month prior to the programme.
I also organise one-hour guest sessions from time to time. If you would like to receive email notifications about any of my programmes, please fill this form. Alternatively, follow me on social media – Facebook and Instagram – for regular updates.
Payment options:
- Scan the QR code
- Pay via UPI to seshanvarsha@icici or to the number in the posters above
- Contact me at the same number if you wish to make a bank transfer (a quick disclaimer – I don’t use WhatsApp!)
Once the payment is made, please fill this form to complete your registration.
Not at the moment.
I do not offer trial sessions or refunds. If you are unsure about signing up, you could consider joining my book club to read just one book with me, instead of signing up for the entire programme. However, once the fee is paid, it is non-refundable.
Additionally, a few times each year, I organise small workshops and guest sessions. These are one-hour workshops – guest sessions at my writing programmes. They are free for those who are part of my current batches, but open to non-participants on payment of a fee of ₹400.
If you would like to receive email notifications about them, please fill this form. Alternatively, follow me on social media – Facebook and Instagram – for regular updates.
Children who participate in the programme will get meaningful feedback from their peers as well as from me. They will learn to look at their own work critically and write better.
Additionally, the best pieces will get featured in our very own e-zine, WORDS. We will be creating one issue during each edition of the programme. Download the first issue here.
You’re welcome to join the next one! Most of my participants are regulars who join session after session. For each age-group, I offer multiple courses and workshops right through the year.
Additionally, during the April to June 2022 batch of my writing programme, we created an e-magazine for the first time. This was such a rewarding experience that moving forward, we will create two issues each year. Download the latest issue here.
No. While we will discuss how to publish a book, the purpose of the course is to work towards writing better, not producing a book at the end.
Additionally, during the April to June 2022 edition of the writing programme, we created an e-zine for the first time. This was such a rewarding experience that it will now be part of each edition of my online writing programme. Download the latest issue here.
Several children join my programmes time and time again, so no!
The question is, did your child enjoy the workshop with me? If so, they are likely to enjoy this one too. If not, then the course will be a waste of time, yes.
Participants must be present for each online session. While a laptop or computer is ideal, a phone or tablet would also do. They need to have access to a stable internet connection for the session. While I prefer videos to be on, I do understand the need for privacy and I leave it to the parents to decide whether they are comfortable with cameras on.
For the reading programmes, they must also copies of the books we are reading together, wither physical copies or ebooks.
For the writing programmes, participants be active on the forum. They must login regularly, share their work and comment on the work of other participants.
I will tell them about other required materials during the online interactions.
Please note that I do not record any sessions.
Honestly? Nothing. However, for the course to be fun and useful, assignments need to be completed.
I’m not going to ask for age proof!
However, when children fit into the same age bracket, they are likely to get along better, continue to stay in touch and support one another in their creative writing journeys beyond the course.
No, I will not be recording the online interactions.
For the writing programmes, however, I share a brief overview of each class on the forum, along with the details of the assignments to be completed.
Each participant may share one finished piece with me at any point after the course is over (maximum 3,000 words). I will read it and provide feedback.
During the course, they may share as much writing with me as they like – on the forum or via email.
Participants should try to attend the online session even if there are exams in the middle—a session is just one hour long! If it is very difficult, let me know and I’ll try to work something out to make sure participants don’t miss out.
Yes! My batches often have children from various time zones. Isn’t that the fun of an online programme?
However, it depends, of course, on the time zone. Also, for the reading programme, it depends on the availability of the books on the reading list.
Yes, I do. Please write to me if you would like me to send you the details.
Write to me! And no, I don’t use WhatsApp.
Explore our E-Magazine
During the April to June 2022 batch of my writing programme, we created an e-magazine for the first time. This was such a rewarding experience that it is now part of each edition of my online writing programme! This biannual e-magazine comprises pieces by participants of my writing programmes, all between the ages of nine and fourteen. We have poetry, nonfiction, drama, and stories. Take a look!