Two titles, one project Booksa hosted the presentation of a dual creative writing manual published by Kulturtreger and VBZ. The authors are writers Zoran Ferić and Ivana Bodrožić. The manual includes two complementary parts. Ferić wrote Nothing Here Is True. Bodrožić wrote Everything Happened Exactly That Way.
Years of workshops The project grew out of years of collaboration between the authors and Booksa. Their writing workshops started in 2005 and have since gathered many participants.
Writing starts with reading Ivana Bodrožić said that writing requires constant reading. She explained that some technical skills help shorten the path toward a finished text. The hardest part is finding your own voice. She encouraged writers not to imitate others. She added that four of her workshop participants have already published books or will publish them this year.
Writing enters other lives Zoran Ferić said that teaching writing means entering other people’s stories and memories. He described the workshops as a place where he lived many lives. He connects this with the experience of reading and writing.
What the manual offers The manuals guide readers through basic and advanced writing techniques. They include literary examples, including those from the authors themselves.
Different approaches Moderator Ana Brnardić highlighted that the authors approach writing differently. Bodrožić uses practical examples and speaks directly to the reader. Her goal is to remove fear from the writing process. Ferić uses literary passages that shaped him as a writer.
Methods and advice Bodrožić said she does not expect participants to write a perfect story in a few months. She believes the story arrives when a writer is ready. Ferić encouraged participants to take inspiration wherever they find it. He said that borrowed ideas become personal through work and adaptation. His first exercise comes from director Vlado Krušić because it proved effective.
Biographical notes Ivana Bodrožić was born in Vukovar in 1982. She lived in Kumrovec after 1991. She holds degrees in philosophy and Croatian studies. She is the author of award winning poetry, prose and novels. Zoran Ferić was born in Zagreb in 1961. He graduated in Slavic studies. He received several literary awards and published story collections and novels.
