Creative writing workshop

Join us for a creative writing workshop that illuminates the power of place in storytelling. Place and setting are much more than a simple backdrop: they shape a story’s mood, influence its characters, and draw readers and audiences into the world we create. Whether you’re describing the bustling of a lively city, the tranquillity of a remote countryside, or a fantastical realm beyond our own, a strong sense of place can bring your writing to life.

In this workshop, we’ll explore how to draw on familiar (and not-so-familiar) surroundings—through food, friendships, ecology, or history—to create authentic, meaningful settings. We’ll discuss why people of all ages and backgrounds crave a sense of belonging and how you can capture this universal need on the page. By grounding your stories in place and setting, you can take your storytelling to new heights and create emotional connections with your audience.

See the world through the eyes of a storyteller and discover new ways to bring science, ideas, and imagination together!

This workshop will be conducted by the Indian ecologist Prof. Harini Nagendra during the week of the Dies Natalis. During the Dies Natalis, Nagendra will receive an honorary doctorate for her original research on how people and nature can reconnect in cities to foster sustainability, resilience, and livability.