Let’s Write TVM is a community in Thiruvananthapuram that nurtures creative writing

A non-judgmental space for writers. That is how the community, Let’s Write TVM (LWT), has been promoting itself since its launch in May 2023.

From the 15-odd people at their first meeting, the group has grown to over 215 people on WhatsApp, most of them from Thiruvananthapuram itself, says Narayan Menon, the founder of LWT. “I was based in Bengaluru for some time, where I was part of a few creative writing groups. When I moved back home to Thiruvananthapuram, I wanted to get back to writing but couldn’t connect with any group focussed on literary endeavours. So I decided to form one, and that is LWT. The response has been overwhelming right from the first meeting,” says Narayan, an entrepreneur and businessman.

The group meets on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month, from 2pm to 5pm. “I usually bring a prompt and the attendees write a piece based on that, in English or Malayalam, which they read out. They are free to choose the genre and form (story, diary entry, poem etc) and each person is entitled to his or her opinion. The fundamental thing is if you love the written word be free to express what you feel.”

The members are aged between 15 and 75. He adds that while some write for the joy involved in the process, for many it is an outlet to vent their emotions. There are a few who want to take it to the next level – publish their work. It is for them that the LWT brought out Kaleidoscope, a self-published book with a collection of short stories and poems written by 20 of its members. “We plan to bring out another collection soon. But this time I want to conduct a workshop prior to that to give guidance for the writers.”

Narayan Menon, founder of Let’s Write TVM
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Recently they published an in-house magazine on Onam, Word Sadhya, featuring 29 articles – poems, essays, fiction and personal notes.

LWT has also been holding writing workshops in schools and has been a regular at literary festivals.

LWT member Christo Mathews, an engineer and public relations practitioner, says, “The camaraderie in LWT is only surpassed by the genres they bring to the table. I have even started experimenting with my writing, as a result.” Arun Kunjunny, another member, who is a photographer and personal transformation coach, adds, “Writing is my form of expression, and LWT is my safe space to do so freely, in joy.”

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