Siyahi's Writers' Retreats:
Chapter Two – The Art of Storytelling
Stories that live on. Creating a lasting legacy.
Great storytelling isn’t just about writing, it is about crafting every sentence with purpose. It is about the quiet art of making each word count, mapping every plot twist with the precision of a master sculptor. Every page becomes a brick in the world you’re creating, one moment, one emotion, one unexpected twist at a time. This is the art of storytelling, and Chapter Two of Siyahi’s Writers’ Retreat is where you’ll perfect it.
Dates: 16 June 2025 – 30 June 2025
Mentors: Aanchal Malhotra, Prem Panicker, Poulomi Chatterjee, Prateek Agarwal and Mita Kapur
Location: Padmaa, Jaipur
Picture this: 14 unforgettable days with exclusive access to literary legends who’ve mastered the craft and are ready to share their knowledge with you. Guided by Aanchal Malhotra, Prem Panicker, Poulomi Chatterjee, Prateek Agarwal and Mita Kapur, you’ll gain insights that aren’t just theoretical, but practical, actionable, and rooted in years of experience across journalism, publishing, and storytelling.
If you’re ready to write a story that leaves behind a legacy, here’s your chance to get closer to your dream.
Meet the Mentors
Aanchal Malhotra
Aanchal Malhotra is an oral historian and author of the critically acclaimed books…
Poulomi Chatterjee
Poulomi Chatterjee is the publisher at HarperCollins Publishers India…
Prateek Agarwal
Prateek Agarwal is a marketing and communications expert, and a storyteller at heart…
Prem Panicker
Prem Panicker is a journalist and editor with 34 years of experience spanning print and digital…
If you’re ready to make your story stand out, then this is your chance.
What awaits you at Chapter Two:
- Character, conflict and stakes: Design protagonists that leap off the page, villains who linger in your mind, and stakes that keep readers turning pages long into the night. You’ll learn how to make real-world dilemmas the heart of your story, and how to breathe life into characters that feel like people you’ve known forever.
- World-building and immersion: Your setting isn’t just a backdrop. It’s a living, breathing character in itself. Learn how to craft worlds so vivid, your readers will feel like they can touch, taste, and smell them. Unlock the secrets of pacing, tension, and creating suspense that leaves your audience gasping for more.
- Subtext and dialogue: It’s not what they say, but how they say it. You’ll learn to make every line of dialogue crackle with meaning, every pause, every glance telling the story in ways you never thought possible. Master the hidden power of subtext, and watch your writing come to life.
- Sharpening your manuscript and crafting your author brand: Get personalised feedback from industry insiders who know what makes a manuscript stand out. Refine your narrative until it’s sharp enough to cut through the noise. Learn how to build a strong personal brand and gain a roadmap to guide you through the publishing world. Plus, gain invaluable insights into the Indian publishing industry, equipping you with the knowledge to navigate its landscape with confidence. Walk away with a firm grasp on storytelling, editing, and securing representation.
By the end of 14 days you won’t just have a story to tell, you’ll have the tools to make it unmissable.
Are you ready to make your next chapter the one that sticks? Your future as a storyteller starts here.
Padmaa is where your narrative will find its wings.
The journey takes place at Padmaa, a space as rich in history and heritage as the stories you’ll create. Nestled in the heart of Jaipur, Padmaa isn’t just a venue; it’s a sanctuary for creativity, a place where centuries of legacy breathe life into your words. Once the center of Jaipur’s jewelry trade, this stunning haveli now holds the spirit of seven generations of love, wisdom, and the undying power of storytelling.
Every corner tells a story, every courtyard invites a moment of reflection, and the ambiance stirs your creativity. The perfect setting for a writer’s retreat, Padmaa gives you the space to create, connect, and collaborate, with breathtaking surroundings to fuel your imagination.
Feel the texture of history, the fragrance of stories past, and let the energy of Jaipur’s soul guide your pen.
It’s time to turn the page, your next chapter awaits...
From the first draft to the final masterpiece, here's how we will get you closer to being published.
Every story that Aanchal Malhotra tells, she seamlessly weaves meticulous research with deeply personal narratives, bringing to life a prose that is lyrical and emphatic. Under her mentorship, you’ll learn how to infuse your writing with authenticity, grounding it in thorough research while ensuring emotional layers that make the narrative unforgettable.
Prem Panicker knows how to pull readers into a story, making them see, feel, and live each narrative. Learn how to keep readers at the edge of their seats with Prem’s secrets for longform storytelling that sticks. With his sharp eye and deep understanding of what makes a story resonate, he’ll teach you how to craft narratives that capture the imagination and never let go. Under his guidance, you’ll learn how to refine every sentence, tighten every plot, and transform your manuscript into a work that demands to be read.
Poulomi Chatterjee doesn’t just edit books, she shapes them. With her sharp eye and deep understanding of what makes a story resonate, she will help you with her invaluable insights into the Indian publishing industry. You will learn how to pitch your manuscript to editors, and understand the entire journey of a book from manuscript to publication.
Prateek Agarwal doesn’t just market books- he sparks movements. He knows how to create high-impact campaigns that propel books into the heart of conversation, he is the reason books turn into a cultural phenomena! Under his mentorship, you’ll discover how to amplify your work and generate the buzz your story deserves.
Mita Kapur is the powerhouse behind the success of countless authors, and has spent years shaping the literary landscape in India. A celebrated author, editor, and journalist, she’ll teach you how to craft a narrative that resonates not only with readers but with publishers and literary professionals. Mita’s mentorship will give you the tools to elevate your writing and position yourself as a force in the industry!
Your next chapter starts here!
An exclusive opportunity to refine your storytelling under the mentorship of celebrated authors, in a place designed for creativity and growth.
