Writing Imagined Worlds

A virtual, cohort-based, fiction writing program

Twelve weeks that include both group sessions & one-on-one support

Month One

Explore Craft

Participants will explore strategies that draw from Nandita's work in experimental fiction: visual aesthetics, multilingualism, autofiction, and interactive texts. This foundation will help each writer — whether a first time novelist or an experienced author — explore techniques that might enhance their writing.

Month Two

Develop Your Book

Participants will work on structured outlines and chapter breakdowns for their stories, whether they're just beginning a new work or returning to a work in progress. They will be introduced to planning and editing techniques that will be of use beyond their experience in this program.

Month Three

Individual Progress & Publishing Pathways

One-on-one consultations (one hour) that allow each participant to make individualized progress on their work. Nandita will advise each participant about publishing options for their chosen path: traditional publishing, self-publishing via platforms like Amazon, or something else entirely.

Culminating Event

A virtual, TEDx-style group presentation where participants share their final products.

January 2027 Cohort Schedule

Cohort begins

Saturday, January 9, 2026

Group sessions: January & February

Saturdays, 10 AM to 12 PM US Pacific Time.
Weekly two-hour group meetings.

Weekly Office Hours + 1:1 consultations: March

Nandita will hold office hours during regular session times.
In addition, each participant can schedule individual consultations with Nandita (either one 60 minute session or two 30 minute sessions).

Final showcase

Saturday, March 27, 2027. 10 AM to 12 PM US Pacific Time. A virtual, TEDx-style presentation of final works.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

This program is open to participants 16 and older. If you are younger than 18 please complete your registration (below) and then contact Nandita for a consent form that will need to be signed by your legal guardian: nanditadinesh@gmail.com.
Writers at any stage in their journey are welcome to participate. Exercises are scaffolded to benefit first-time and experienced writers.
UWC stands for the United World Colleges (www.uwc.org). Nandita is an alumna of UWC Mahindra College, India and is a former staff member at the UWCs in India, Armenia, and the USA. This course is endorsed by the international office of the UWC, as an initiative that works toward the movement’s vision.
Participants in this program are automatically eligible for a UWC short course certificate if they meet the attendance requirements: they don’t miss more than one session in each of the first two months, attend their two 1:1 sessions in the third month + successfully complete a final presentation.
Absolutely not. While English is the primary language of facilitation and engagement, you will be welcome to write in the language of your choice. We will use online translators to help support the feedback process.
In order to create a cohesive environment for everyone present, participants are requested to commit to the entire duration of the program.
For applicants to whom the United World College (UWC) Course completion certificate is a desired outcome, attendance is required in at least 3 of the 4 sessions in each of the first two months, followed by attendance at the two 1:1 sessions + final presentation.
The program fee is $350 per person:
50% of the fee is due at the time of registration.
50% of the fee is due at the halfway point.
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REFUND POLICIES:
If you cancel one month or more before the program starts, you will receive a full 100% refund.
If you cancel between one month and two weeks before the start date, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel less than two weeks before the start date — or once the program has already begun — no refund will be issued. Exceptions to this final rule are made only in the case of verifiable emergencies.
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SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
We have ONE full scholarship and ONE 50% scholarship available for this program, based on financial need. Due to the varied nature of documentation applicants are able to provide to evidence their need, our process is as follows: Completed applications for scholarships are due ONE MONTH before a program begins. The day after the deadline, we will use a randomizer to pick recipients for the scholarships. If the first two applicants who are picked are no longer able to attend, we will move down the list. To apply for a scholarship please fill out this form.
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If you’d like to offer this program for a group from your community, please get in touch to discuss a discounted group rate.
If you would like to join as a group of fewer than 10 people, we recommend signing up as individual registrants i.e., each person registers on their own, enabling us to gather the necessary information from each participant.
If you’d like to offer this program for your community and can guarantee 10 or more participants, please get in touch to discuss a discounted group rate.