Cultivating Authorial Voice: A Workshop on Short Fiction Writing
The Department of English and Humanities organized a Fiction Writing Workshop titled “Writing Compelling Short Stories,” conducted by Dr. Sohana Manzoor, a former faculty member of the department, on January 14, 2026. Although she holds a PhD from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and is widely published as an academician, Dr. Manzoor introduced herself to the participants as a fiction writer who is currently completing her MFA degree from the University of British Columbia, Canada, and working on her first novel.
The session began with participant introductions during which students shared their engagement with fiction writing. Attendees from different semesters discussed their interests in writing, ranging from professional ambitions to personal exploration. Alumni and current students also spoke briefly about how writing functions as a creative outlet for them.
Faculty members contributed to the discussion by sharing their perspectives on reading and writing. The Head of the Department, Associate Professor Arifa Ghani Rahman, reflected on the influence of Jane Eyre on her creative journey. Assistant Professor Nadia Rahman described writing as a therapeutic practice that allows emotional expression. Senior Lecturer Al Mahmud Rumman, a published poet, shared his hesitation toward fiction writing, highlighting the challenges often associated with creative work.
The workshop then moved to its central focus, where Dr. Manzoor discussed the differences between Literary Studies and Creative Writing. She explained that Literary Studies emphasizes analysis, while Creative Writing prioritizes imagination and creation. She encouraged participants to develop a flexible personal voice rather than adhering to rigid structures. She also emphasized the importance of research, interviews, and extensive reading as part of the writing process. According to her, effective short stories depend on well-developed characters and carefully considered settings.
To further engage participants, Dr. Manzoor asked them to describe a piece of their own writing in a single sentence. This activity led to a discussion of ruptures in writing, referring to moments of emotional or narrative tension that deepen a story. She advised writers to focus on the images they want to create and to remain attentive to unresolved elements, as these can add meaning to a narrative.
The session concluded with a discussion on journaling as a regular practice for writers. Participants were encouraged to develop journaling habits suited to their individual routines. Overall, the workshop provided students with practical insights into short fiction writing and offered guidance on developing authorial voice.
Report by Rebeka Sultana (251055010)
