It is always so rewarding when a guest speaker repeats something you’ve been saying at your writing programmes for a long time! Thank you, Vaishali, for this session on non-boring nonfiction, and for reiterating so many things that keep needing to be said!
In November last year, I watched Vaishali Shroff conduct two sessions at Bookaroo Vadodara. One was based on Sita’s Chitwan; the other on Batata, Pao and All Things Portuguese. Right away, I was sure she would be the perfect person to do a nonfiction workshop with the children at my writing programmes. Unfortunately, working something out right away was impossible, but after much juggling of schedules, we finally managed to do it this time.
Step by step, Vaishali took us through the writing of engaging nonfiction. With an exercise inspired by something as simple as the picture of a mango, she helped the young writers understand the difference between a bland visual description and a hook that draws the reader in. I loved how different the first pieces the children shared were from the pieces they shared at the end of the session!
With examples from her books, she stressed the importance of research and fact-checking. Bringing a plot and story into our nonfiction is important too! And all the while, as she worked with mentor texts, she kept the children active, making them write and share one short piece after another.
Most importantly for me, there were several things Vaishali said that made me rejoice quietly, simply because it’s great to have someone else repeat something I keep trying to bring into my writing programmes.
One, don’t be lazy about rewriting. If something doesn’t work, delete it!
Two, focus. Your piece must have focus. I usually refer to this as purpose, and I keep asking: what is the purpose of this piece?
And three, research. Don’t just write things you find on the internet! Fact checking is important.
Guest sessions are rewarding; the next one will be here in June!
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