Nandakumar Melethil

Years of Experience in Creative Writing Classes

10

Teaching Experience in detail in Creative Writing Classes

My creative writing teaching is built on a dual foundation: mastering essential craft and nurturing the individual voice. I begin by demystifying the elements of narrative—point of view, sensory detail, scene structure, and character motivation—through targeted exercises. Students might rewrite a passage from an antagonist’s perspective or craft dialogue where conflict is entirely subtextual. This technical focus provides the crucial tools for translating imagination into effective prose, empowering students with tangible skills. The workshop is the core of this practice. I meticulously foster a culture of respectful, constructive critique where feedback is specific and kind, always focusing on the work’s potential rather than its flaws. My role is to guide this discussion, modeling how to ask questions that serve the story. This transforms the classroom into a collaborative studio where students become insightful editors and confident presenters of their work. Beyond technique, my primary mission is to help writers discover and trust their unique voice. I design prompts that encourage mining personal history and emotional landscapes, emphasizing that the most specific stories are often the most universal. I curate a diverse reading list to showcase a myriad of forms of expression, proving that there is no single "right" way to write. Ultimately, my goal is to cultivate not just skilled writers but resilient and reflective creatives. Success is a student who continues to write beyond the classroom, equipped with a sustainable process, a critical eye, and the conviction that their perspective is valuable. I am a facilitator of discovery, guiding them to uncover the stories only they can tell.