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Creative Writing Workshop – Kunskapsskolan Gurgaon

Published on September 21, 2026

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Creative Writing Workshop – Kunskapsskolan Gurgaon

An In-Person event

InnovateNOW:

Pre-College Entrepreneurship

Workshop Venues:

Inspiring the Authors of Tomorrow.

9 am to 4 pm IST
5th-9th Jan 2026
INR 30,000 + GST
Grades 8-12
Heritage (HIXS
Campus)

A special course fee of INR 25000 + GST is available for the Early Bird - 26/10/25

Do Any of these Apply to YOU?

I want my words to matter, to inspire, to challenge, to make readers feel something real.

I’ve written a few things, but I’m looking for guidance, feedback, and a real shot at being hear.

I have a story to tell, but I don’t know if I’m good enough or where to even begin.

If you nodding your head right now, we’ve got just the program for you! Keep Scrolling to know details!

A writing workshop is not just about learning words, it’s about discovering your voice, shaping your stories, and realising that your imagination has the power to move the world.

What is the Creative Writing Workshop?

A Space to Learn and Practice Writing

A creative writing workshop is a structured program where young writers explore storytelling, narrative techniques, character building, and persuasive writing. Through guided exercises and discussions, participants strengthen their writing skills, learn to read like a writer, and discover how to give shape to their imagination.

A Platform to Share and Grow Together

It’s also a collaborative environment where students share their work, receive constructive feedback, and polish their drafts. By engaging in peer reviews and learning editing techniques, they prepare their writing for publication and build confidence in their unique voice.

Meet Your
Program Director

We’re delighted to welcome Anushka Ravishankar as one of our Program Directors for this writing workshop!

Anushka studied mathematics at Fergusson College and went on to earn a post-graduate degree in operations research. She began her career in IT, but turned to writing after the birth of her daughter drawing inspiration from authors like Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear. Her writing journey began with contributions to Tinkle magazine, and she later became an editor at Tara Books, where she wrote Tiger on a Tree a breakout success internationally. She went on to as Publishing Director at Scholastic India and co-founded Duckbill in 2012, later acquired by Penguin Random House India. Often called the Indian Dr. Seuss, Anushka is known for her brilliant nonsense verse and playful storytelling that blends humor, structure, and heart. Her work ranges from uniquely Indian tales to stories with wide, cross-cultural appeal, often created in collaboration with illustrators from around the world. We’re thrilled to learn from her unique voice and creative journey!

Anushka Ravishankar - Co-founder of Duckbill Books

We’re delighted to welcome Sayoni Basu as one of our Program Directors for this writing workshop!

Educated in Kolkata and at Oxford, Sayoni began her publishing career at Oxford University Press and later worked at its Delhi branch and at Penguin India. In 2001, she moved into children’s publishing with Puffin, driven by her love for Bengali and international children’s books and her curiosity about the lack of engaging English-language books for young readers in India.

She went on to serve as Publishing Director at Scholastic India and Amar Chitra Katha, and in 2012, co-founded the acclaimed publishing house Duckbill with award-winning author Anushka Ravishankar. With decades of experience and a passion for bold, fresh storytelling, Sayoni brings deep insight into the evolving world of children’s publishing

and we can’t wait to learn from her!

Sayoni Basu - Co-founder of Duckbill Books

After coming to this bootcamp, I understood that leadership is not only about motivating people to do something, but it's about having a vision!

- Saira Dua -
Pathways School Gurgaon, Grade 10

Apply NOW

*Since this is the inaugural edition of the conference, the testimonial above is from a similar BRE program where students engaged in a social impact project.*

You have Questions? We have Answers!

Can’t find an answer? Email us at info@bigrededucation.com

The Youth Leadership Bootcamp is for high school students eager to develop essential leadership and problem-solving skills. Designed for future leaders and critical thinkers, this program helps participants build confidence, enhance communication, and navigate challenges effectively. Through interactive learning and hands-on experiences, students gain the tools needed to lead with impact and drive meaningful change.

All participants who attend the BootCamp for all 4 days, will receive the following:

  1. Certificate of Participation from the Ivy Learning Lab and Big Red Education, signed by the mentor.
  2. Opportunity to get an LOR from the Mentor.
On the last day, the Bootcamp culminates in a unique presentation day. Here, students are encouraged to think outside the box, showcasing their learnings in the most creative ways imaginable – be it through skits, interactive games, digital showcases, or even immersive experiences.
The program will be conducted offline.
Unfortunately, we will be unable to share the recordings of the lectures, therefore we request all participants to attend all sessions.
Expect the program to be highly interactive and engaging. There are many group discussions, activities and competition. All the skill learning session & activities will keep the pace rapid so boredom won’t set in. We ensure a two-way interaction by providing enough time for questions, comments, and discussion. Breaks will be scheduled frequently so you can stretch, walk, talk, and grab a bite.
Please call us at +91-931-0450-013 or email us at info@bigrededucation.com for further information.
If you request to cancel 30 days before the program’s start date, a full refund will be issued. If you request to cancel 15 days before the program’s start date, you will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be granted for cancellations requested within 15 days of the program’s start date. All refunds will be processed within 2 weeks following the conclusion of the program.
Workshop fees are to be paid in full upon receipt of the acceptance email. We accept various forms of payment including Check, Money Order, Visa, American Express, MasterCard, Direct Deposit, and Wire Transfer.
If you fail to inform us that you cannot attend the program, you will be charged the entire course fee. No certification will be provided.

Creative Writing Workshop

Write. Create. Discover Your Voice.

A 5-Day Immersive Writing Experience in Partnership with Penguin Random House India

Inspiring the Authors of Tomorrow...

9 am to 3 pm IST
5th-9th Jan 2027
Regular Fee: 20,000 + GST
Host School Fee: 15,000 + GST
Grades 8-12
Kunskapsskolan Gurgaon (KKG campus)
Priority Deadline: 30th October 2026 * Priority Deadline: 30th October 2026 * Priority Deadline: 30th October 2026 * Priority Deadline: 30th October 2026 * Priority Deadline: 30th October 2026 * Priority Deadline: 30th October 2026 * Priority Deadline: 30th October 2026

A special course fee of INR 25000 + GST is available for the Early Bird - 02/11/25

About the Workshop

What is the Creative Writing Workshop?

The Creative Writing Workshop is designed to help students strengthen both their critical and creative writing skills, develop their own voice, and understand the craft behind compelling storytelling.

 

Over five days, students will learn through writing exercises, workshops, guest sessions, peer review, editing, publishing discussions, and a capstone project—with sessions led by experienced writers and publishing professionals associated with the Penguin Random House India ecosystem.

 

At the end of the workshop, students will have the opportunity to share their capstone project.

Creative Writing Workshop — Big Red Education × Penguin Random House India
In partnership with Penguin Random House India

Where young writers meet the world of publishing

The Creative Writing Workshop, brought to you by Big Red Education in partnership with Penguin Random House India, gives students an opportunity to learn directly from experienced authors, editors, and publishing professionals.

Penguin Random House India's Children's and Young Adult division publishes fiction, non-fiction, picture books, chapter books, and comics through imprints including Puffin and Duckbill, giving students a real view of how stories are written, edited, pitched, published, and shared with readers.

WHY SHOULD YOU ENROL?

Have you always wanted to write, but weren't sure where to start?

Whether you already write regularly or are simply curious about storytelling, the workshop gives you an opportunity to learn directly from authors and publishing professionals from the Penguin Random House India ecosystem.

Students will learn to

What Makes This Workshop Different?

More Than Just
Writing Lessons

A practical writing experience that takes students from learning the craft to creating and sharing their own work.

Learn the Craft of Writing

Understand the techniques authors use to develop compelling stories, characters, plots, and voices.

Learn From Published Authors

Interact with Penguin Random House India authors and publishing professionals and gain perspectives from people working within the publishing ecosystem.

Develop Your Own Voice

Experiment with different forms and styles of writing while discovering what makes your voice unique.

Understand Editing

Learn how professional writers refine their work through feedback, editing, and revision.

Explore Publishing

Understand what happens beyond the manuscript—including pitching, writing a synopsis, and preparing work for publication.

Share Your Work

Bring everything together through a capstone project and final presentation.

Student writing

Discover the Writer Within You!

Writing is one of the most important, though often underrated and underdeveloped, skills in our school systems. A student who is a good writer is automatically set up for success.

Strong writing skills help students express their ideas, communicate effectively, and persuade others.

Workshop Overview

What Will You Learn?

The workshop takes students through the different stages of the writing and publishing process.

Workshop Highlights
Learning to read like a writer
Understanding structure and technique
Building and supporting your plot
Developing characters and sketching out setting
Finding and developing your writing voice
Peer review and editing
Understanding publishing and pitching
Helpful tips for submitting your written work

Do Any Of These Apply To You?

If you nodding your head right now, we’ve got just the program for you! Keep Scrolling to know details!

What will YOU Learn?

DAY 1

BRE
  • An introduction to the world of the book and a discussion of what constitutes a good book. Participants will be encouraged to identify what excites them and what they want to write. There will be an overview of some of the key elements of writing, such as plot, character, narrative style and genre, among others. After some warm-up writing exercises, there will be a discussion on how to start well.

DAY 2

BRE
  • This day will be devoted to developing characters and dialogue, with an emphasis on empathy, narrative voices and points of view. There will be a guest lecture: Samit Basu on writing science fiction and fantasy.

DAY 3

BRE
  • The day will begin with an introduction to writing non-fiction, including a guest lecture by Mamta Nainy on how to research and use the researched material effectively . The afternoon will be devoted to understanding different genres and a preliminary discussion for capstone project, bringing together the different elements worked on.

DAY 4

BRE
  • The day will begin with an overview of publishing, with a specific focus on pitching to publishers and writing a synopsis. The participants will be asked to bring the day’s learnings to developing capstone project. A guest lecture from Nandita Basu on creating graphic novels.

DAY 5

BRE
  • An introduction to editing and how to use editorial tools. A feedback session on the capstone project, and the final presentation of the project.
Apply NOW

A Five-Day Writing Journey

DAY 01

Discovering the World of Writing

An introduction to the world of books and a discussion of what makes a good book. Students will identify what excites them as readers and writers and explore the key elements of storytelling, including:

  • Plot
  • Character
  • Narrative style
  • Genre

The day will include warm-up writing exercises and a discussion on how to start a story effectively.

DAY 02

Characters, Dialogue & Voice

Day 2 focuses on developing characters and dialogue, with an emphasis on empathy, narrative voice, and point of view. Students will explore how authors build believable characters and use dialogue to move a story forward.

Featured Author · Past Workshop
Samit Basu
Samit Basu
Writing Science Fiction & Fantasy
Samit Basu is an author whose work spans fantasy, science fiction, comics, and writing for younger readers. He is featured in Penguin Random House India’s author catalogue.
DAY 03

Non-Fiction, Research & Genre

Students will be introduced to writing non-fiction, including how writers research a subject and use researched material effectively. The day will also explore different genres and begin the development of the capstone writing project.

Featured Author · Past Workshop
Mamta Nainy
Mamta Nainy
Research & Using Research Material Effectively
Mamta Nainy is a children's writer, editor, and translator whose books are published by Penguin Random House India, including titles under its Puffin and Duckbill imprints.
DAY 04

Publishing, Pitching & Graphic Novels

Writing doesn't end when you finish your first draft. Students will explore the publishing process, with a specific focus on:

  • Pitching to publishers
  • Writing a synopsis
  • Understanding the publishing process
  • Developing their capstone project
Featured Author · Past Workshop
Nandita Basu
Nandita Basu
Creating Graphic Novels
Nandita Basu is a comic-book artist and author whose work is featured by Penguin Random House India, including The Piano, Rain Must Fall, and Starry Starry Night.
DAY 05

Editing, Feedback & Final Presentation

The final day focuses on editing and editorial tools. Students will receive feedback on their capstone projects and use that feedback to refine their work. The workshop concludes with the final presentation of the capstone projects, giving students an opportunity to share their writing.

READY TO BEGIN?

Start Your Writing Journey

Develop your voice, strengthen your writing, and bring your own capstone project to life through five days of guided writing, feedback, editing, and publishing.

Apply Now
Meet The Authors & Publishing Professionals

Learn Directly From the Penguin Publishing Ecosystem

One of the defining features of the Creative Writing Workshop is the opportunity to learn from published authors and experienced publishing professionals connected to Penguin Random House India.

Know your Past Programme Directors

✕
Sayoni Basu
Sayoni Basu
Co-founder of Duckbill Books
Educated in Kolkata and at Oxford, Sayoni began her publishing career at Oxford University Press and later worked at its Delhi branch and at Penguin India. In 2001, she moved into children's publishing with Puffin, driven by her love for Bengali and international children's books and her curiosity about the lack of engaging English-language books for young readers in India. She went on to serve as Publishing Director at Scholastic India and Amar Chitra Katha, and in 2012, co-founded the acclaimed publishing house Duckbill with award-winning author Anushka Ravishankar. With decades of experience and a passion for bold, fresh storytelling, Sayoni brings deep insight into the evolving world of children's publishing.
✕
Anushka Ravishankar
Anushka Ravishankar
Co-founder of Duckbill Books
Anushka studied mathematics at Fergusson College and went on to earn a post-graduate degree in operations research. She began her career in IT, but turned to writing after the birth of her daughter, drawing inspiration from authors like Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear. Her writing journey began with contributions to Tinkle magazine, and she later became an editor at Tara Books, where she wrote Tiger on a Tree, a breakout success internationally. She went on to serve as Publishing Director at Scholastic India and co-founded Duckbill in 2012, later acquired by Penguin Random House India. Often called the Indian Dr. Seuss, Anushka is known for her brilliant nonsense verse and playful storytelling that blends humor, structure, and heart. Her work ranges from uniquely Indian tales to stories with wide, cross-cultural appeal, often created in collaboration with illustrators from around the world. We're thrilled to learn from her unique voice and creative journey!

Modules

What will you learn?

DAY 1 — Discovering the World of Writing

Day 1 introduces participants to key literary genres and opens up a discussion on what makes both fiction and non-fiction engaging—covering elements like character, plot, pacing, empathy, research, detail, and bias. It also outlines core writing dos and don’ts such as showing instead of telling, balancing detail, avoiding clichés, crafting effective dialogue, and using strong imagery and sound. The day includes short warm-up writing exercises and ends with a session on how to begin a story well by examining openings from published books and writing fresh beginnings from story summaries.

Day 2

Day 2 focuses on building deeper writing skills through empathy, dialogue, point of view, and character creation. Participants explore how to step into a character’s mind, analyse dialogue to understand personality and relationships, and then write their own conversational exchanges. The session also covers different narrative perspectives, followed by exercises to apply them. Later, participants develop original characters in detail and collaborate to create interactions between them. The day concludes with a guest lecture by Samit Basu, offering insights into writing fantasy and science fiction.

Day 3

Day 3 builds on the previous sessions by analysing how character is revealed through dialogue, followed by a guest lecture from Mamta Nainy on writing non-fiction. Participants then explore the demands and challenges of various genres using examples from the reading list before moving into a collaborative group exercise to practise genre-specific writing. The day wraps up with a discussion and the setup of the capstone project.




Day 4

Day 4 introduces participants to the basics of the publishing process before moving into an in-depth session on how to write an effective synopsis through discussion and hands-on practice, with additional synopsis work assigned as homework for the capstone project. The day concludes with a guest lecture by Nandita Basu, offering insights into the craft of creating graphic novels.

Day 5

Day 5 focuses on sharpening writing through self-editing, followed by practical editing exercises to help participants identify and refine weaknesses in their drafts. The second half of the day includes individual feedback sessions while the rest of the group works on writing the openings of their books. The final session is dedicated to presenting the capstone projects.

KNOW YOUR PAST PROGRAMME DIRECTORS

Sayoni Basu

Co-founder of Duckbill Books

Learn More

Anushka Ravishankar

Co-founder of Duckbill Books

Learn More

Learning Through the Capstone

From an Idea to a Finished Piece

The workshop gives students the opportunity to bring together everything they have learned through a capstone writing project.

01 IDEATE
02 DEVELOP
03 WRITE
04 RECEIVE FEEDBACK
05 EDIT
06 PRESENT
The Final Piece

They will explore structure, character, narrative, genre, research, and editing before presenting their final work.

What Students Take Away

The capstone gives students an opportunity to apply their learning, receive feedback, and share their writing with an audience.

Guest Speakers

Samit Basu
90 minute masterclass on writing science fiction and fantasy at the workshop on 6 January 2026 from 1.30 to 3 pm.
Mamta Nainy
90 minute masterclass on writing non-fiction at the workshop on 7 January 2026 from 10 am to 11.45 am
Nandita Basu
90 minute masterclass on writing graphic novels at the workshop on 8 January 2026 from 1.30 to 3 pm.
Big Red Education Penguin Random House India

Our Partnership With Penguin Random House India

Where Young Writers Meet a World of Stories.

Big Red Education, in partnership with Penguin Random House India, brings together education and publishing to create a writing experience that goes beyond the classroom.

Penguin Random House India has a dedicated Children's and Young Adult division, publishing across fiction, non-fiction, picture books, chapter books, comics, and more. Its children's publishing includes Puffin and Duckbill.

The workshop gives students an opportunity to learn from authors whose work is part of Penguin Random House India's catalogue, alongside experienced publishing professionals.

For young writers, this means getting closer to the world they aspire to enter: the world of books, authors, editors, and publishing.

Education meets the world of publishing
Explore Penguin Random House India

Ready to Begin? Apply Now to Join the Workshop!

Take the First Step Toward Your Next Big Opportunity!

Apply Now

Ready to Begin? Apply Now to Join the Workshop!

Take the First Step Toward Your Next Big Opportunity!

Planning to attend as
part of a group or
school delegation?

Grab an exclusive
15% scholarship for
your group or school delegation by clicking on this link!

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You have Questions? We have Answers!

 

Can’t find an answer? Email us at info@bigrededucation.com

The Creative Writing Workshop is for high school students who love stories and want to grow as writers. Ideal for aspiring authors, poets, and storytellers, this workshop equips you with the skills to shape your ideas into compelling narratives and find your own voice as a writer.

All participants who attend the workshop for all 5 days, will receive a Certificate of Completion, signed by the mentor.
Participants work individually and in small groups to draft an original piece of creative writing, using the techniques and feedback gained throughout the workshop to revise it into a polished, finished piece.
The workshop will be conducted offline.
Unfortunately, we will be unable to share the recordings of the lectures, therefore we request all participants to attend all sessions.
Expect the workshop to be highly interactive and engaging. There are many writing exercises, group discussions, and peer feedback sessions. All the skill building sessions and activities keep the pace rapid so boredom won't set in. We ensure two way interaction by providing enough time for questions, comments, and discussion. Breaks will be scheduled frequently so you can stretch, walk, talk, and grab a bite.
Please call us at +91-931-0450-013 or email us at info@bigrededucation.com for further information.
If you request to cancel 30 days before the workshop's start date, a full refund will be issued. If you request to cancel 15 days before the workshop's start date, you will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be granted for cancellations requested within 15 days of the program's start date. All refunds will be processed within 2 weeks following the conclusion of the workshop.
The workshop fees is to be paid in full upon receipt of the acceptance email. We accept various forms of payment including Check, Money Order, Visa, American Express, MasterCard, Direct Deposit, and Wire Transfer.
If you fail to inform us that you cannot attend the workshop, you will be charged the entire course fee. No certification will be provided.
If you have missed the payment deadline, you can request an extension by calling us or emailing us at info@bigrededucation.com. Depending on the availability of seats, we will offer an extension.

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