INDICA WRITING RETREAT 2022

INDICA BOOKS  is delighted to announce a two day writer’s retreat on 2nd-4th September 2022 for aspiring writers at our INDICA-Rithambara Retreat, Benguluru.

Over two days of immersive learning, participants will learn the craft of bringing a story idea to a draft stage with an extensive focus on adapting Puranic stories for a novel. The retreat is anchored by Saiswaroopa Iyer, a Streeshakthi Awardee (2022) and author of five novels, all based on ancient Indian women. Other prominent authors and publishers will also give their insights online. The attendees would also get to know about the Indic context of creative liberty and how the traditional Kavyas and Natakas have been adapting Puranic stories to recreate a new genre of immortal classics. Participants will be made to put into practice what they have absorbed through hands on writing sessions. Attendees will also learn to review other books and build their own platforms, a crucial marketing  tool for their careers as authors.

This writers retreat is for creative intellectuals to get together and learn from the experts and begin their journey as authors. The idyllic ambience of the retreat will provide the perfect environment for the participants to get away from the monotony of their routine and accelerate the realisation of their writing dreams.

The retreat is limited to 15 participants. The cost of accommodation will be Rs 5000 for both the days.

Existing members of 1000 Reviewers Club ( 2021 & 2022) who have written 3 or more reviews need not pay the above cost and will be hosted free of charge. Outstation members of the Reviewers Club who have fulfilled the above criteria will also be provided an additional travel grant of Rs 10000 or actuals whichever is lower.

Applicants may write to us at namaste@indica.org.in

Speakers

Saiswaroopa Iyer

Author

Formerly an analyst with a Venture capital firm, Saiswaroopa’s interests include Startups, Economics, Carnatic Music, Philosophy, Politics, History and Literature of India. She won a state level gold medal from TTD in rendering Annamacharya Kritis. She holds an MBA from Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur Her first novel Abhaya explores the Diwali legend of Narakasura and the fascinating stories around his Shakta origins. Best Selling author Amish Tripathi has endorsed Abhaya saying, “Abhaya allows us to delve into the world of our ancestors and Gods through the route of great storytelling and a brilliant narrative. A thoroughly enjoyable read.” Her second novel Avishi explores the forgotten RigVedic legend of Vishpala and reimagines the Rig Vedic India in its fascinating richness. Concepts like pre marital society, Ancient medicine including prosthetics and democracy in ancient India have been explored in this novel. She currently lives in London. Her next novella, Daughter of Mura is a sequel to Abhaya set in the Mahabharata times and explores the bitter sweet love story of Ghatotkacha and Mauri