Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – In the bustling cultural landscape of Thiruvananthapuram, a vibrant community of wordsmiths has been quietly blossoming. "Let’s Write TVM" (LWT), a creative writing collective launched in May 2023, is rapidly establishing itself as a crucial incubator for literary talent, offering a non-judgmental and supportive environment for individuals passionate about the written word. What began as a modest gathering of fifteen like-minded individuals has, in just over a year, burgeoned into a dynamic network of over 215 active members on WhatsApp, primarily drawn from the city and its surrounding regions.
The genesis of LWT lies in the vision of its founder, Narayan Menon, an entrepreneur and businessman who experienced firsthand the power of collaborative writing during his time in Bengaluru. Upon returning to Thiruvananthapuram, Menon found a palpable void in organized literary circles. "I was part of a few creative writing groups in Bengaluru, and the synergy and growth I witnessed were remarkable," Menon recalls. "When I moved back home, I craved that same sense of community for my own writing pursuits. I searched for similar groups focused on literary endeavors, but I couldn’t find one that resonated with my needs. So, I decided to create one myself. The response has been nothing short of overwhelming right from our very first meeting."
From Humble Beginnings to a Flourishing Collective
The journey of Let’s Write TVM is a testament to the enduring appeal of shared creative expression and the power of a well-intentioned initiative. The group’s consistent growth and burgeoning engagement highlight a clear demand for such a platform within the city.
The Inaugural Spark:
The inception of LWT in May 2023 marked the beginning of a new chapter for aspiring writers in Thiruvananthapuram. The initial meeting, comprising a mere fifteen individuals, set the stage for what would become a significant literary movement. This small group, united by a shared passion for writing, laid the foundation for a community that would soon expand its reach and impact.
Exponential Growth:
The rapid expansion of LWT, from its initial fifteen members to over 215 individuals on WhatsApp, underscores the unmet need for a dedicated writing community. This growth, primarily driven by local residents of Thiruvananthapuram, signifies the collective’s success in attracting and retaining talent within the city. The digital platform serves as a central hub for communication, idea sharing, and coordination, facilitating a seamless flow of information and fostering a sense of constant connection among members.
The Visionary Behind the Movement:
Narayan Menon, the driving force behind LWT, envisioned a space where writers of all levels could converge, hone their craft, and find solace in a shared pursuit. His entrepreneurial background and personal experiences with creative writing groups in other cities provided him with the insights and motivation to establish LWT. Menon’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment has been instrumental in the group’s success.
The LWT Methodology: Fostering Creativity and Confidence
At the heart of LWT’s success is its thoughtfully designed approach to nurturing writers. The group’s regular meetings provide a structured yet flexible platform for members to engage with their craft and with each other.
Structured Yet Unfettered Meetings:
LWT convenes on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. These dedicated sessions are designed to be both productive and enjoyable. The core of each meeting revolves around a writing prompt, introduced by Menon. Attendees are encouraged to craft original pieces in response, drawing from their imaginations and experiences. The choice of language – English or Malayalam – is left to the individual, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the region.
A Spectrum of Genres and Forms:
The freedom to explore diverse genres and forms is a cornerstone of the LWT experience. Members are at liberty to express themselves through short stories, diary entries, poems, essays, and any other literary format that sparks their creativity. This flexibility ensures that writers of varying interests and skill sets can find their voice and engage with the writing process in a manner that feels most natural and fulfilling to them.
The Power of Constructive Feedback:
A defining characteristic of LWT is its unwavering commitment to a non-judgmental atmosphere. "Each person is entitled to his or her opinion," emphasizes Menon. "The fundamental thing is if you love the written word, be free to express what you feel." This ethos creates a safe space where members can share their work without fear of criticism, encouraging experimentation and self-discovery. Constructive feedback, when offered, is delivered with sensitivity and a focus on growth, fostering an environment of mutual respect and encouragement.
Bridging Age and Experience Gaps:
The LWT community boasts an impressive age range, with members spanning from 15 to 75 years old. This intergenerational dynamic enriches the collective’s perspective, bringing together the fresh insights of younger writers with the seasoned wisdom and life experiences of older members. This broad spectrum of ages fosters a unique learning environment where diverse viewpoints can be shared and appreciated, leading to a more robust and nuanced understanding of the writing process.
Beyond the Written Word: Publications and Outreach
LWT’s impact extends beyond its regular meetings, manifesting in tangible publications and active community engagement. The group is not merely a forum for practice; it is a launchpad for literary ambition.
"Kaleidoscope": A Testament to Collective Talent:
Recognizing the aspirations of members who wish to see their work in print, LWT has taken the initiative to publish "Kaleidoscope." This self-published book is a compilation of short stories and poems contributed by 20 of its talented members. The creation of "Kaleidoscope" serves as a significant milestone, providing a platform for these emerging voices to reach a wider audience and validating their creative endeavors.
Future Publications and Skill Enhancement:
The success of "Kaleidoscope" has paved the way for future publications. Menon expresses his intent to release another collection soon, with a proactive approach to skill enhancement. "This time, I want to conduct a workshop prior to that to give guidance for the writers," he states. This proactive measure highlights LWT’s dedication to not only showcasing existing talent but also actively developing and refining the skills of its members, ensuring continuous improvement and higher quality output in future publications.
"Word Sadhya": Celebrating Festivals Through Literature:
Demonstrating its adaptability and engagement with cultural events, LWT recently published an in-house magazine titled "Word Sadhya" in observance of the Onam festival. This special edition featured a rich tapestry of 29 articles, including poems, essays, fiction, and personal reflections, all inspired by the spirit of Onam. "Word Sadhya" exemplifies the group’s ability to harness literary expression to celebrate cultural milestones and foster a sense of community through shared experiences.
Schools, Festivals, and Beyond:
LWT’s commitment to fostering a love for writing extends to younger generations and the broader literary community. The group has actively organized writing workshops in schools, introducing students to the joys of creative expression and nurturing nascent literary talents. Furthermore, LWT has become a regular participant in literary festivals, raising its profile and contributing to the vibrant cultural discourse of Thiruvananthapuram. This outreach signifies LWT’s dedication to democratizing access to creative writing and embedding it within the educational and cultural fabric of the city.
Voices from the Community: The Impact of LWT
The true measure of LWT’s success lies in the experiences and testimonials of its members. Their words paint a vivid picture of the positive impact the community has had on their writing journeys and personal growth.
Christo Mathews, Engineer and Public Relations Practitioner:
Mathews articulates the profound sense of camaraderie that defines LWT. "The camaraderie in LWT is only surpassed by the genres they bring to the table," he remarks. This statement highlights the diverse range of literary styles and voices present within the group, creating a dynamic and stimulating environment. Mathews further reveals how the exposure to different writing approaches has encouraged him to step outside his comfort zone: "I have even started experimenting with my writing, as a result." This demonstrates LWT’s efficacy in pushing members towards innovation and creative exploration.
Arun Kunjunny, Photographer and Personal Transformation Coach:
Kunjunny echoes the sentiment of safety and freedom that LWT provides. For him, writing is not just a hobby but a vital form of self-expression. "Writing is my form of expression, and LWT is my safe space to do so freely, in joy," he shares. This powerful statement underscores the core value proposition of LWT: a sanctuary where individuals can articulate their thoughts and emotions without reservation, finding both liberation and happiness in the act of writing. His description of LWT as a "safe space" speaks volumes about the trust and support cultivated within the community.
The Future of "Let’s Write TVM"
With a robust membership, a growing portfolio of publications, and a strong community ethos, Let’s Write TVM is poised for continued growth and impact. The group’s commitment to fostering a non-judgmental and supportive environment, coupled with its proactive approach to skill development and outreach, positions it as a vital contributor to the literary landscape of Thiruvananthapuram. As the collective continues to evolve, its dedication to the written word promises to inspire and empower a new generation of writers, enriching the cultural tapestry of the region for years to come.
For those interested in joining this burgeoning literary community, updates and information can be found by following @lets_write_tvm. The journey of LWT is a compelling narrative of how shared passion, dedication, and a commitment to fostering creativity can lead to the formation of a thriving and impactful community.
