Mahtab Narsimhan

Readings

My presentations are very interactive which make for a more enriching experience for my audience and me. The content is as listed below;

• I start out with a bit of background about myself and the books I enjoyed reading as a child.
• I talk about the event in my life that made me start writing.
• I talk about where I got my ideas for the book and substantiate this by showing pictures of Gods, Goddesses and other images from Indian Mythology and Culture.
• I show all the research, planning and plotting that goes into a novel.
• I walk the students through the process of writing from rough draft to publication. I substantiate this by showing my rough drafts and all the edits I did towards polishing the novel.

The above is peppered with personal anecdotes and all the challenges that a writer faces when s/he sits down to write and the tricks and tips I use to get me through this process.

If time permits, I will read a brief excerpt from my book and answer questions.

Special Equipment:

A hands-free mike, table, projector screen and power socket with multiple plug points.

Book Sales:

If asked to do so, Mahtab will bring copies of her books to the readings for students to purchase and have autographed.

Workshops

• I start by describing the art and craft of writing. I let the students know that writing is really about rewriting.
• I describe one of the most important tenets of writing “Show, don’t tell.” I give examples of both kinds of writing.
• I talk about Characterization. I show the students how to develop well-rounded characters. I also explain the function of the antagonist and other minor characters.
• I describe the various points of views that can be used in a book and give examples of each with the range and depth of each view.
• Conflict is the engine that drives the story. I talk about how to develop this either with external factors or internal monologue.
• Plotting. I define plotting and what its importance is in a story. I give examples of character-driven plots and identify plot points. I also explain how to transition between scenes and the purpose and effect of backstory/flashbacks.
• I talk about the importance of story/chapter beginnings and endings especially cliff-hangers demonstrating the same with examples.
• Finally I allow the students to write out a short story and will discuss these in class to point out the good points and also areas of improvement.

Special Equipment:

A flip chart and markers. The students should be seated comfortably and carrying a notebook and pen for the writing exercises.

Book Sales:

If asked to do so, Mahtab will bring copies of her books to the readings for students to purchase and have autographed.

Biography

Mahtab Narsimhan, a native of Bombay (Mumbai) plays with acronyms during the day and with words at night when she does all her writing. She has always been fascinated by Indian mythology and adventure. This came together with the unique cultural and spiritual energies of her homeland in her debut novel, The Third Eye, winner of the Silver Birch Fiction Award 2009. A sequel, The Silver Anklet will be published in fall 2009.

Mahtab lives in Toronto with her husband, Rahul, and her son, Aftab.