Freewheeling, fearless and fierce. These are the three words that aptly describe the conversations that took place during the second edition of Women Writers' Fest in Bengaluru.
The panelists poured their hearts out on issues that mattered to them. From putting the spotlight on the definition of a strong woman to exploring the nuances of food writing, from understanding the need to introduce female characters in children's books to gauging the role book clubs play in promoting the reading culture of the city, the day was replete with cogent conversations.
We bring you the thought-provoking quotes made at the fest:
Idea of a strong woman
It is time to celebrate another form of strong woman who isn't very sacrificing. My idea of a strong woman - Akeli Awara Azaad#WomenWritersFest pic.twitter.com/hFJ4SYjRO4
— SheThePeople (@SheThePeopleTV) September 1, 2018
"Men can derive a lot of value from women’s struggles and voices"- Varsha Adusumilli
"Feisty Women Are Not Necessarily Strong Women" - Anuja Chauhan
Book Clubs
#Bookclubs help you come out of your comfort zone#WomenWritersFest #Bangalore pic.twitter.com/3wSKMw1Jw2
— SheThePeople (@SheThePeopleTV) September 1, 2018
Writing short stories
I love the challenge of putting an ocean into a pond - @monideepawrites on writing short stories #WomenWritersFest pic.twitter.com/V0CtEmNnXO
— SheThePeople (@SheThePeopleTV) September 1, 2018
Readers of short stories and writers of short stories have a deep connection because they understand each other - Jahnavi Barua at #WomenWritersFest pic.twitter.com/gsF8FLqaVO
— SheThePeople (@SheThePeopleTV) September 1, 2018
On writing good short stories
.@TheKaunteyas at #WomenWritersFest #Bangalore
— SheThePeople (@SheThePeopleTV) September 1, 2018
A good short story is when you read it, you become aware of the layers of meaning and nuances that are between the lines. pic.twitter.com/M2zjSyiPa6
On labelling women
Why do we put people in boxes? Labels are silly and they are a very lazy way to categorise people.@anujachauhan at #WomenWritersFest on being called the queen of chick lit. pic.twitter.com/xPj345vBjo
— SheThePeople (@SheThePeopleTV) September 1, 2018
On encouraging young girls to pursue passions
"Girls are getting educated, but they aren’t really pursuing careers of passion. There needs to be more encouragement for the 20-year-olds enabling them to pursue careers of their choice. Sadly, this isn’t the case in many areas" - Varsha Adusumilli
On becoming a good writer
Be a good listener and a good evesdropper to be a good writer - @anujachauhan in a conversation with @KiranManral at #WomenWritersFest pic.twitter.com/IkaEcV2eFy
— SheThePeople (@SheThePeopleTV) September 1, 2018
Your life experiences are very organic and raw. You must use them in your writing @anujachauhan at #WomenWritersFest pic.twitter.com/0tmvRHoJI2
— SheThePeople (@SheThePeopleTV) September 1, 2018
On Food Writing
Food writing should embrace where food begins, how it is grown and how it is consumed - @ShvethaJ at #WomenWritersFest pic.twitter.com/WZ6trHUh3F
— SheThePeople (@SheThePeopleTV) September 1, 2018
On writing for women and by women
We had very few books which were by women and for women.The scenario is definitely changing now. - @kavitharao at #WomenWritersFest pic.twitter.com/Lmk8i3gWJq
— SheThePeople (@SheThePeopleTV) September 1, 2018
On the effects stories have on people
Stories are sense-making and therapeutic tools. They give wisdom and help you heal.#WomenWritersFest pic.twitter.com/N3l7fnVURu
— SheThePeople (@SheThePeopleTV) September 1, 2018
On not fitting women into a genre
“Why is it that we women are only believed to be good at writing romance; why can’t we write horror or politics for that matter?” - Kiran Manral
On the need to empower women
"In terms of majority, books and stories have always been based on men. We need books by women for women — we need access to be able to put our work out there" - Kavitha Rao
On children's books lacking female characters
Children's pronouns are HE and so they assume it is a HE world.#WomenWritersFest pic.twitter.com/Y1THuOnKZ6
— SheThePeople (@SheThePeopleTV) September 1, 2018
I believe in equality but I am not a feminist is one funny statement I have heard people make on feminism - @shailichopra #WomenWritersFest pic.twitter.com/zQD7YILUL5
— SheThePeople (@SheThePeopleTV) September 1, 2018
Also: Writers Fest: ‘Every Short Story Captures A Moment Of Truth’