Young Voices Take the Spotlight in Keekli’s First Writers’ Webinar of 2025

Keekli Charitable Trust hosted its first writers’ webinar of the year, bringing together the young talents selected for the Short Story Contest – 2025. Out of 135 entries received from budding authors across the country, 51 stories have been chosen for publication in this year’s anthology. Over 40 enthusiastic young writers attended the session, which offered inspiration, guidance, and practical tips on the art of storytelling.

The session was expertly moderated by writer and editor Sonia Dogra, and featured an insightful panel comprising Aastha Chadha—writer, transcreator, storyteller, voiceover artist and contest jury member—and Vandana Bhagra, publisher and editor of the Keekli News Portal.

The panel discussed the criteria used for evaluating submissions, outlining the importance of structure, originality, character development, and narrative voice. Aastha Chadha shared detailed tips on plot building, pacing, and crafting memorable characters, encouraging students to nurture their own creative instincts. She also stressed the value of observation, reading, and curiosity in becoming a better writer.

An important part of the conversation centered on the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence in creative fields. Both panelists urged students to trust their own voices and refrain from relying on AI tools for storytelling, underlining the need for authentic, human-driven narratives.

Vandana Bhagra introduced the writers to the classic ‘5Ws and 1H’—Where, What, Who, When, Why, and How—emphasizing how these elements serve as the foundation of a strong and well-rounded story. Her practical suggestions offered a helpful checklist for students aiming to sharpen their storytelling skills.

The session also featured a special segment with Lavanya Muni, a Class 9 student and past winner, who will once again be featured in the fourth edition of the anthology. She shared her journey of getting published through Keekli and the sense of community and encouragement she found among fellow young writers.

Wrapping up the webinar, the panel addressed student questions on writer’s block, creative inspiration, and how to write convincingly about both familiar and unfamiliar themes. The atmosphere was engaging, empowering, and filled with literary promise.

This successful webinar marked a strong start to the Short Story Contest season, laying the foundation for what promises to be a vibrant, youth-led celebration of literature through Keekli’s upcoming anthology.