Writing sessions from the car. Book club sessions from a misal shop on the highway. Guest sessions in my dance class hall. 2023 was a year when I seemed to be juggling rather a lot, especially as my writing programmes were bursting at the seams, plus I started an in-person writers’ club at St. Mary’s School, Pune, once more!
Book Clubs
Juggling schedules was often difficult, but my book club for ages nine and ten saw a lot of new participants from different parts of the world. I had book clubbers from all over the country, as usual, but also London and Singapore! In 2023, I also met several of my regular book clubbers in person for the first time. In Bengaluru, especially, it was a joy to meet so many children who’ve read with me.
My book club for ages seven and eight was relatively slow. We did read several books together, but I hope for many more new readers in the year ahead.
Writing Programmes
Unlike my book clubs, my writing programmes have overflowed! In the April to June edition, I had eighteen children sign up across age-groups, forcing me to teach three batches, instead of my usual two. During the October to December edition too, I had fourteen children sign up–three batches again!
I also started teaching at St. Mary’s once more, and that has been more than a little overwhelming because I have over 60 children in each batch! I’m not used to classes that large, but it’s been fun interacting with children in person once more, working with all the forms of writing that I love.
I had six guests visit my writing programme too (virtually, of course), and each one was a treat.
We also launched the next issue of our e-magazine, WORDS, which you can read here. Issue 4 will be out later this month!
My in-person workshops go on as usual too, both teacher training session and author events with children. I’ve conducted writing workshops and training sessions in several cities, and I hope to meet many more children in the year ahead!
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