LUMS YOUNG WRITERS WORKSHOP
The Nonfiction Workshop
This workshop celebrates the work and memory of the writer Annie Ali Khan. This year, non-fiction track of the LUMS Young Writers Workshop will be moderated and mentored by writers Sara Khan and Zuha Siddiqui. The five-day workshop will help participants understand the nuts and bolts of working on a non-fiction piece: beginning with choosing a subject, initial research (and pre-reporting), developing and writing the piece, and concluding with pitching and publishing. It will also provide participants with a clearer look at the mechanics of non-fiction writing — such as the multiplicity of formats existing within the genre (from personal essay and memoir to cultural criticism and oral history, as well as features and traditional reportage), and how to work closely with characters and sources (and various ethical considerations that come into play as a consequence). This workshop operates on the belief that we can improve as writers not just by writing regularly, but also by becoming thoughtful readers and critics. This year, we hope to have a maximum of 8 participants.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Participants of this workshop will work their way through the process of non-fiction writing, beginning with the idea stage (asking themselves two fundamental questions: What makes a good story? What makes a story worth pursuing?), and moving on to initial research, pitching, and eventually publishing. There will also be a reading list comprising books and non-fiction materials written by some of the best practitioners of the genre – including Annie Ali Khan, in whose memory this workshop has been created. There will be 5-7 mandatory readings (longform essays and reportage), and we will spend a portion of each of our five sessions discussing and dissecting these readings in detail.
WHO IS THIS WORKSHOP FOR?
We recognize that longform produced out of Pakistan is rare, and one of the aims of this workshop is to cultivate a community of writers whose work seeks to transcend traditional forms of nonfiction emerging from Pakistani newsrooms, and who can turn to each other for help and support once this workshop ends. Pakistani writers from across the country with an interest in the craft of non-fiction writing and a willingness to break out of traditional forms are encouraged to apply. Applicants need not have prior reporting experience, nor do they need to have worked with a media organization in a writing/reporting/editing capacity. However, we are looking for compelling storytellers with interesting and (or) important ideas, so we’re asking applicants to submit two non-academic writing samples – either an essay, a memoir, or a reported piece. For this workshop, we will prioritize applications from writers between the ages of 18 and 30.
TO APPLY, PLEASE SUBMIT:
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A story idea, about 200 words answering these questions:
Why is your story relevant right now? Why is this interesting to you? Why are you the right person to write this story? (This could include your personal interest, expertise, or ability to understand the issue) -
A work of nonfiction that really resonated with you (published within the past 5 years)
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2 writing samples (we prioritize non-academic writing samples, such as essays or reported pieces – unless academic samples are all you have)
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100-500 words about yourself and why you’re applying for this workshop
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Resume