The Shape of Words: Writing with Purpose

The Department of English and Cultural Studies in collaboration with the CHRIST Language and Arts Network organized an engaging online workshop titled “The Shape of Words: Writing with Purpose” on 27 March 2026. The session was conducted by Dr Swagata Ghosh, Head of Multimedia Technical Service, Learning, Innovation, Development & Skills at Bath Spa University, UK. The workshop aimed to introduce students to the significance of purposeful writing, creative expression, and contemporary professional communication practices. The event brought together students and faculty members interested in creative writing, storytelling, and professional development.

Dr Swagata Ghosh began the session with an interactive exercise designed to encourage observation and interpretation. She displayed a series of photographs and invited participants to write down their immediate thoughts, feelings, and interpretations based on the visuals. This activity highlighted how creative writing often emerges from attentive observation and personal perception. Students responded enthusiastically, producing diverse interpretations of the same images, which demonstrated the subjective and imaginative nature of storytelling. Through this exercise, Dr Ghosh emphasized that writing is not merely about describing events but about shaping experiences, emotions, and perspectives into meaningful narratives.

The workshop further explored the role of storytelling in both creative and professional spaces. Dr Ghosh discussed how writers can transform ordinary observations into compelling narratives by paying close attention to details, emotions, and context. She encouraged participants to develop their own authentic voices and to approach writing as a reflective and purposeful act. The interactive nature of the workshop enabled students to actively engage with the writing process rather than passively receiving theoretical instruction.

One of the key highlights of the session was Dr Ghosh’s discussion on the evolving concept of the Curriculum Vitae (CV). She spoke extensively about the shift from the traditional CV to the narrative CV, a format increasingly recognised in academic and professional environments. Unlike conventional CVs that primarily focus on listing qualifications, achievements, and experiences in a structured format, the narrative CV places emphasis on the individual’s story, motivations, interests, and intellectual journey. Dr Ghosh explained that the narrative CV allows applicants to articulate how their experiences connect to their aspirations, values, and areas of interest, thereby presenting a more holistic representation of themselves.

She noted that in today’s interdisciplinary and creative professional landscape, employers and academic institutions are increasingly interested in understanding the person behind the qualifications. The narrative CV therefore becomes an important tool for showcasing individuality, creativity, adaptability, and reflective thinking. Dr Ghosh encouraged students to think critically about their personal and academic journeys and to communicate these experiences meaningfully. This discussion proved especially valuable for students preparing for higher education opportunities, internships, research applications, and creative industries where personal voice and storytelling are highly valued.

In addition to discussing narrative writing and professional communication, Dr Ghosh also shared insights into the Creative Writing programme at Bath Spa University, UK. She introduced participants to the programme’s interdisciplinary and practice-oriented approach, highlighting how creative writing is integrated with broader cultural, literary, and digital studies. She spoke about the opportunities available for students to experiment with different forms of writing, including fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and digital storytelling. Her discussion offered students a global perspective on creative writing education and inspired many participants to explore creative and academic pathways beyond conventional disciplinary boundaries.

The workshop maintained a highly interactive atmosphere throughout the session. Students actively participated in writing prompts, reflective exercises, and discussions on storytelling techniques. The exercises encouraged critical thinking, creativity, and confidence in self-expression. Participants were able to appreciate the relationship between observation, imagination, and narrative construction, while also understanding the practical relevance of storytelling in professional communication.

Overall, “The Shape of Words: Writing with Purpose” was an enriching and intellectually stimulating workshop that successfully combined creative exploration with professional skill development. The session encouraged students to rethink writing not only as an academic activity but also as a powerful means of self-expression, communication, and identity formation. By addressing both creative writing practices and contemporary professional expectations such as the narrative CV, the workshop aligned with the university’s vision of fostering holistic, interdisciplinary, and globally aware learners. The event provided participants with valuable insights into storytelling, creativity, and reflective writing, leaving them inspired to approach writing with greater purpose and confidence.