A group of Vizag Writers, a community of aspiring writers, poets and storytellers, during an open mic session at a cafe in Visakhapatnam. | Photo credit: Special Arrangement
In the open lawn of a beachside hotel in the heart of Visakhapatnam, aspiring writers and poets showcased their art on stage, drawing cheers from the audience. At a cafe in Rushikonda, three newly-published authors shared their journey on how to bring books to life, while aspiring writers listened to them intently while jotting down notes. At a city park, a group of people worked on their notebooks in a silent writing session, followed by another group sharing their creations with others.
These sessions, organised by Vizag Writers, a community of authors, poets and storytellers, are changing the way creativity is expressed and creating a vibrant landscape for writers in the city. The group was founded by Neha Gidutturi, who has been working in the social development sector, in February this year and today, it has over 100 aspiring writers and 30 active writers.
Neha says, “Writers need to be heard; I put a lot of emphasis on listening. It is so underrated, we are never taught how to listen. If a writer feels that their work is recognised and given constructive feedback, I think that is the greatest support any writer can get.”
Neha’s journey into the literary world began when she was 10 years old, she avidly read the works of Ruskin Bond, Sudha Murthy and the Harry Potter series and eventually started exploring other genres. “It was only during college that I tried to pen down my thoughts and began interacting with fellow writers from different backgrounds. I am grateful to the community that introduced me to different perspectives and they are my inspiration,” says Neha, who writes free verse and spoken word poems that focus on life, emotions and sometimes social issues.
A Safe Place
Neha created the group earlier this year with the idea of creating a safe space for writers to speak. Over the past six months, it has grown into a community that sees a diversity of voices, each weaving their own unique stories, poems, and ideas. Whether you are a seasoned writer or someone who just enjoys the magic of storytelling, there is a place for everyone among fellow literary enthusiasts
From thought-provoking discussions to inspiring readings, the Vizag Writers Community strives to create an environment where ideas flow freely and creativity thrives. “We carefully curate a series of events where we provide a space to grow together,” says Neha. The sessions follow a format: open mic sessions that create an inclusive space for anyone to get into the world of writing by listening to others; silent writing sessions where a writer chooses their own space to write and is not alone in the battle against creative blocks; peer-learning workshops that create an environment to learn from each other; and Rachana, a unique writer show in Andhra Pradesh, to encourage fellow artists.
People listen to a participant during a session organised by Vizag Writers, a community of aspiring writers, poets and storytellers, in Visakhapatnam. | Photo credit: Special Arrangement
Perhaps the most notable aspect of Vizag Writers is the sense of community it fosters. Writing can be a solitary task, but within this group, no one ever feels alone. Members support each other during writing, celebrate each other’s successes, and also offer constructive criticism when needed.
For new members, the community provides a welcoming and inclusive environment where they can grow as writers and find their voice. For established writers, it’s a place to mentor others and develop their craft.
When 20-year-old Rashmi Bhavani joined Vizag Writers’ first event last March, she didn’t know what to expect. But her participation in the group’s next meetup opened doors to a world of creativity and opportunities that brought her closer to her passion for writing. “The sessions gave me confidence and exposure. In each session, we discuss each other’s works and understand the author and the intent of his works and also receive constructive criticism to improve our content. For example, in one session when I was reciting an excerpt from my composition, I received feedback on reducing the length of my content. This really helped me as a writer,” says Rashmi. A B.Tech graduate, Rashmi has been writing poems and short stories since her high school days
People listen to a participant during a session organised by Vizag Writers, a community of aspiring writers, poets and storytellers, in Visakhapatnam. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Vizag Writers has a mix of members from different age groups and professions. In its last meet-up, a Class VIII student was one of the youngest participants in the group who read out her short story.
Screenwriter and filmmaker Ravi Teja, who is part of the core team, believes that consistency in writing is a must as you are a full-time writer. “But you can’t just sit and write every day without inspiration. Vizag Writers Meet-ups have become an inspiration for many writers like me. They provide a platform to write consistently, collaborate and most importantly, share your work with fellow writers. We meet twice a month to share our creations, take home some applause and some lessons,” says Ravi.
As Vizag Writers grows, its impact on the local literary scene is becoming significant. The group’s future plans include organising storytelling and poetry shows in various cities across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Neha says, “We look forward to working closely with the literature departments of colleges across Andhra Pradesh and fostering a vibrant community of writers in collaboration with them. Our aim is to write and learn, share and grow together.”
The next event of Vizag Writers will be held on July 28 from 5 pm to 7 pm at Wabi Sabi Art Cafe.
