Creative Writing as Self-Care 

Date: 28 October, Saturday | Time: 9:30am - 11:00am | Venue: LT4, Gaia, Nanyang Technological University

Speaker: Mr Desmond Kon

Programme Description 

Expressive writing may be approached as an act of self-care. It is a beautiful way to reacquaint with one's identity, history and values. How may such disciplined practice help one write with authenticity and vulnerability about one's own lived experience, while enhancing one's well-being. Which life anecdote of yours needs its own story? Is it a moment of joy or pride, perhaps confusion or disappointment? Is it physician-centred or patient-centred? How may one learn to trust one's own voice, while encouraging healthy striving and empathy?

Indeed, great autobiographical works have emerged out of expressive writing, including compelling medical memoirs. This workshop will begin with a short presentation. Participants are then invited to write their own personal stories based on creative prompts, and share a reading of them. Such a creative writing workshop houses a safe, open space where participants are encouraged to engage in reflections about both their personal and professional selves.

Speaker Bio

Mr Desmond Kon

Mr Desmond Francis Xavier Kon Zhicheng-Mingdé (b. 1971) is the author of eighteen books, spanning fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and experimental writing. A former journalist, he has also edited over twenty-five books. He is trained in publishing at Stanford University, and did his postgraduate studies in theology at Harvard University and creative writing at the University of Notre Dame. In addition to grants from the National Arts Council and Singapore International Foundation, Desmond has enjoyed literary appointments at the Notre Dame Poetry Fellowship, NAC Gardens by the Bay Writing Residency, and NTU-NAC Creative Writing Residency. Among other accolades, Mr Desmond is the recipient of the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award, Singapore Literature Prize, Poetry World Cup, two Illumination Christian Book Awards, two Independent Publisher Book Awards, and four Living Now Book Awards. He has taught writing and publishing for over two decades.

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