Pedagogical twists: challenges to teaching fiction writing workshops in Indian colleges and universities

Kanjilal, Satyaki (2026) Pedagogical twists: challenges to teaching fiction writing workshops in Indian colleges and universities. New Writing. pp. 1-13. ISSN 1479-0726 (In Press)

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Abstract

This paper explores the complexities of teaching fiction writing in Indian higher education. It argues that the Cold War-era workshop model, which originated in the U.S. and emphasizes the written text over broader cultural and socioeconomic contexts responsible for generating the text, is inadequate for Indian universities and colleges lacking dedicated creative writing programs or an opportunity to teach advanced fiction workshops. The paper highlights the logistical challenges faced by instructors, including the limited opportunity to teach fiction writing courses and the lack of exposure of students to craft courses on fiction writing in Indian schools. It critiques the American workshop model and proposes alternative strategies to teach fiction workshops that are tailored to the Indian context. These include a modified anonymous floating workshop model and a seminar-based structure to teach fiction writing. The paper underscores the need for context-sensitive approaches to creative writing pedagogy that address the unique cultural, institutional, and educational realities of Indian universities.

Item Type: Article
Keywords: Pedagogy | creative writing | workshop | logistical challenges | language anxiety
Subjects: Social Sciences and humanities > Arts and Humanities > Philosophy
JGU School/Centre: Jindal School of Liberal Arts & Humanities
Depositing User: Mr. Luckey Pathan
Date Deposited: 07 Mar 2026 10:40
Last Modified: 07 Mar 2026 10:40
Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/14790726.2026.2614676
URI: https://pure.jgu.edu.in/id/eprint/11004

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