About
Richa Rungta

Dear Richa,
I've just spent some very enjoyable time going through your entire oeuvre from the course and something that stands out is just how much energy you devoted to encouraging others. It represents an extraordinary proportion of your output, so thank you for your ever- supportive comments.

As for your own words, on reading all you wrote, I would say you are incapable of writing an inelegant sentence. Those measured cadences are something to behold and they so often represent ideas unsprung.

One I'd originally overlooked from your chair story (because there was so much to praise, and as an exercise in expounding the writing process, it's marvellous) is 'It reminds me that creativity is not about chasing perfection, but about showing up.' It's this: 'It reminds me that creativity is not about chasing perfection, but about showing up. ' With your permission, I would like to use it in a little course on writing for well-being which I'm running as a volunteer this autumn. It's as if you reach for the sky, but the sky is not the purpose; it's the reaching. Just lovely.

It's fascinating to read how your initial objectives for the course played out. You said you wanted to learn more about, 'how life stories can be crafted in a meaningful, respectful, and engaging way.' Nearly all of your creative effort was put into your weekly assignments. I do feel that you succeeded in being faithful to the facts, yet not afraid to shape them into a form that resonates with readers on a deeper level. For me. I think your understanding of that sought-after deeper level came with your appreciation of detail, an accumulation of little significances perhaps. It was fascinating to see how you picked that up towards the end of the course in your understanding that your piece about your special place had been rich in tone, but a little lacking in detail. You said what was without showing what made it so.

I would be really keen to see you continue to work at that aspect. Your story about your momentous journey tugged everyone's heartstrings. You got that sense of feeling just right. You have enough words to add detail, little elements that draw out the character of Jamuna Devi Rungta, for example. If you wish to have a go and send it to me, I will happily comment. In the meantime, I wish you and your family great joy and may your Happy Coach make you smile with contentment.

Dear Richa,
You've been an absolutely wonderful member of the Introduction to Writing for Children course, participating in every challenge, supporting fellow students, contributing to every discussion. And, of course, it is important to produce some excellent stories for children.

The ways in which you took note of suggestions from me and others, and then reworked both Boots Go Plop and Champa The Chicken Who Couldn't Cluck, reworking both to great effect, shows your professional attitude to writing. That attitude of openness combined with determination is hugely important in achieving publication. Both of those stories, and the Dragonfly Who Flies Like A Rickshaw, show you to be properly in touch with what's important to very young children, and what makes them laugh. That's a skill in itself! In Two Voices, One Truth you tackled a more sombre topic, again with skill, really empathising and bringing to life both mother and child in this difficult conversation. You managed to place that conversation in a time and place, bringing to life both characters as well as their words.

You have great writing skills (no, I don't say that to everybody, just in case you're wondering!), and I do hope you go on to achieve publication with a good publisher. You know how hard that is to achieve, but keep going because I think you could be in the minority who succeed. I hope so! It was lovely to 'meet' you via zoom!

Thank you for all you've brought to the course. I wish you every success.