Reality is often stranger than fiction, and more often than not, fiction is inspired by everyday things that happen around us. “We read so many news reports every day in the newspaper and all of them are real. How do we take these events and weave them into stories?” asks Chennai-based author Vibha Batra.
At her workshop, From Fact to Fiction, Vibha aims to help young adults (ages 13 to 17) write vibrant stories that are derived from real life events. “For instance, my previous picture book called Lights Out was inspired by a real life incident that happened in a village near Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu,” she adds. The book, published by Karadi Tales, illustrates the story of a village that turned off their main street lights because a sparrow had built a nest and laid eggs in the electrical junction box.
“I want the children to take something close to their hearts and make it into a story by changing and adding something. I want them to know that they have the power to create their own narratives,” says Vibha.
Working with teens and pre-teens is particularly exciting for the author because she considers herself one. “They’re not cynical and are open to everything. I think it is great to catch them young and teach them values like compassion, kindness and empathy,” she says.
“There are a lot of people who are going through challenging times, and they would benefit if we can help them with our writing and voice,” she concludes.
To register for From fact to fiction: A creative writing workshop, log on to thehindu.com/lit-for-life/workshop/
Published – January 10, 2025 03:54 pm IST
The Hindu MetroPlus
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The Hindu Lit For Life
