We, the editorial team, learned a lot about not only creative writing but also editing other creative writers’ work. His advice was truly valued and I personally learned a lot. Some of the main steps that I plan to implement in my work as an editor and the Director of Creative Writing is to: 

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• Understand that “There is a difference between being a writer and an editor. When you’re the editor, you're the coach not the player ”- Mohsin Hamid, in the editorial Q&A session. Their roles are quite different and when taking up either role, the way we perceive the work will require us to wear different spectacles and one should be consistently mindful of that.

• Create a relationship of trust between an editor and writer to better apprehend and support the writer in editing the piece of work so that the experience of editing is a 'useful' one for both writer and editor. He suggested that we approach another writer's work with 'curious humility' instead of a position of judgement and censure.

• Accept my own biases while making sure I'm open-minded at the same time. This means being actively aware of a bias I have against a topic, however, trying to not be clouded by it.  One may not be able to change their bias but one can always try to change their attitude towards those who disagree and differ from us in their views. The mastery of this skill is important to be a good editor.

 

While I may have learned a lot, it also had me questioning a few things with regards to improving the creative writing department and experience, such as:

 

• Is the space we are providing students appropriate or conducive for creative expression?  

• Should there be a separate platform for creative writing?  

• How can I create a bond of trust with our student writers? 

 

All these questions have been spurring since the session and has truly got me thinking about how I can improve the initiative I am running. 

 

After much brainstorming and discussion with my supportive editorial team, I have decided to start a creative writing community, specifically for creative writers under TNS Rise up and Write. This would serve as a space for all of TNS' creative writers to come together to share their work in a supportive and collaborative environment where they motivate each other and help boost each other's standard of writing. This will also help my team of editors and I to create a meaningful bond with our writers so we can not only better edit their work but also create a personalised and supportive environment for them to truly let their creativity flow while interacting with like-minded people.

 

“It's a process of learning and discovering”- Mohsin Hamid, in the editorial Q&A session.

 

After all it is with this process of learning and discovering that we would like to nurture and support our writers so that they create and share works of fiction that they enjoy writing and our readers enjoy reading.

 

It is true that we have a long journey ahead of us, however, I would like to thank Mr Mohsin Hamid yet again for giving me a concrete foundation which I shall use to build the Creative Writing department and myself throughout this journey. I look forward to presenting you all with a newly developed version of our creative writing department to stimulate growth in our students and help them reach their true potential.