It was during COVID 2020 when I decided to give The Artist’s Way by Julie Cameron another ago. There was prompt, “if you had five imaginary lives, what would they be?” I sheepishly wrote down a writer, or something to do with storytelling. I was so under confident in those days I was too shy to even reread it. Who the hell did I think I was? A 30 something year old with a toddler wanting to write? Get real your prime has passed.
But the subconscious mind works in magical ways. A year later, COVID still hadn’t relented and my thumb was doing as millions of others were, relentlessly swiping down on a piece of glass. I decided I was above beauty bloggers and I had to intellectualise myself. I found Bound and something so closed off and so deep sparked inside of me. Here were these women with a kick-ass podcast, publishing kick-ass books, representing kick-ass people; and low and behold these kick-ass women were willing to mentor people who aspired to write. All of Julie Cameron’s words came flooding back. I signed up to be mentored. I actually did something for myself.
Michelle was my first writing mentor. She was the first person I ever so gently released my crazy, wild inhibitions to in word form. She helped me light a candle that has since become inextinguishable. I joined another writing class shortly after, and I am now proud to say I write for Penguin Random House.
Thank you Michelle. Thank you Bound. Thank you universe for always showing that you work if we work it.
-Emine Sharma, Writer
I’m an editor but I wanted someone more experienced to guide and push me the way I do for my clients. In came Michelle! During our 3 months together, she was organised, well-prepared with a stash of readings of all genres, and practical in her approach to writing and publishing. Her invaluable inputs helped me better my existing stories and attempt new styles of writing. I especially loved how she widened the ambit of what I read, how I read it, and where I draw my inspiration from. I finished a story using her feedback and submitted it to four litmags, two of which accepted it for publication, which has really improved my confidence as a writer. Thank you, Michelle!
-Mahima Kohli, Book Editor for over 8 years
The Bound Virtual Retreat was exactly what I needed to fill in the gap between a vague story idea and its actual realisation on paper. Each session was planned extremely well and we received keen insights into the various aspects of writing, from the craft of good storytelling to crisp editing and even pitching and a look into the working of the publishing industry. I loved my sessions with my mentor, Michelle, which helped clarify doubts, gain confidence and establish a doable daily writing routine. I’ve made good friends and found a tribe and can’t wait to do the next Bound workshop!
-Alisha Purandare, Freelance writer & German language tutor
Over the past two weeks, Michelle, our instructor, has been very polite and helpful. She made us understand things that we unconsciously know, but often don’t use. I’m an active writer. I participated in this class to improve my writing skills and it was very beneficial. Michelle made us analyse literary texts ourselves so that we write better and achieve the writing goals we’ve been dreaming about. In each two hour session, participants engaged each other with such intriguing conversations that time really flew by. This class has taught me the importance of living in a community, teamwork, good listening skills and of course, better writing techniques. I recommend this to all writers who want to improve their craft.
-Ashaani Taneja, Student, Bachelors in English and Creative Writing, Queen Mary University of London
The experimental fiction workshop really stood out as we explored different techniques and styles that break the conventional and standard rules of writing fiction. It was so interesting to get other writers’ perspectives on the bizarre ways language can be twisted and represented to make it both innovative and appealing. Thanks to Michelle whose mentoring during the session made it so interactive and enjoyable! Would recommend this workshop to anyone who’s trying to explore their distinctive style of writing!
-Ritika Bali, Student, MFA in Creative Writing, Miami University, Ohio, US
Bound’s creative writing class for children at Mastree was extremely enjoyable for kids and well-received by parents. The instructor, Michelle D’costa’s enthusiasm and passion for storytelling kept the young audience engaged throughout. Children showed active participation and had many takeaways from the interactive session. Bound proved to be a perfect choice for tickling the young curious minds.
-Shubhra Sharma, Former Product Marketing Manager, Mastree by Unacademy
I’ve been wanting to write a novel for years now but could never get to completing it. However, now, with the help of Bound, and in particular, Michelle D’Costa, I am on my way there. An important aspect of writing Michelle helped me with, is character development. I’ve always had issues with developing believable characters, most of them being flat and one-dimensional. Michelle helped me understand this problem in depth, and find ways to flesh out my characters better. I’m sure she’ll do wonders for you too. Thank you, Michelle.
-Shylin Sam, Associate Editor, Content Services, EY
Michelle is a very warm yet assertive writing mentor. She will point out what works and doesn’t work in your creative writing without mincing words and wasting time. Working with Michelle on a one-to-one level is like drinking a warm, strong cup of coffee and you always feel invigorated and stimulated after. I highly recommend it. Thank you!
-Neharika Gupta, Author, Adulting (HarperCollins India)
Working with Michelle has been an amazing experience. When I had started out, i was near certain I would never reach a point where I could write a complete story, let alone a good one. Michelle has made me truly believe in myself as a writer. She has challenged me in my thinking with prompts and feedback. At the same time she has cultivated a hugely supportive partnership. Her guidance and experience are just the thing a budding writer need!
-Vanshika Sharma, Manager, Learning & Development, Reliance
I signed up for Michelle’s mentorship hoping I would complete my novel’s final draft. But I left with so much more. In writing, there are loads of editors that edit without saying a word. Not Michelle. She helps you understand the inner mechanisms of writing and to use it to your advantage. I learned how to write, edit, and revise my work in more ways than I could imagine. But it wasn’t about the editing alone. The major benefits came from writing assignments, individual feedback, and self-editing. The sessions were both fun and challenging. Michelle’s direct feedback for improving my writing was invaluable. She has a calm and logical method of teaching that connected and inspired me. Someone I would highly recommend for any writing situation.
-Rahul Sharma, Student, BA English, Irvine Valley College, California
I really enjoyed Bound’s fiction writing class. It was well-structured and interactive. I appreciated the quality of the community that participated. The class pushed us to both experiment with styles, and stay true to our own voice.
–Natasha Malpani Oswal, Author & Founder, Boundless media
michellewendydcosta.wordpress.com 