Islamabad — The Department of English, International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), held the opening session of its Fall 2025 “Creative and Academic Writing Workshop Series” under the English Literary Society’s (ELS) Creative Writing Club. The workshop, titled “Show, Don’t Tell: Image in Creative Writing,” was conducted by Dr. Sheeraz Dasti, Associate Professor at the department.
The session began with opening remarks from Dr. Saiyma Aslam, Chairperson of the Department of English, who highlighted the significance of encouraging creative and critical engagement among students through such academic initiatives. The workshop focused on developing students’ descriptive writing skills and the effective use of imagery in creative expression.
Referring to theorists such as Janet Burroway and Diane Callahan, Dr. Dasti discussed the distinction between “telling” and “showing,” emphasizing the use of sensory detail and concrete imagery to make writing more vivid and emotionally resonant. Participants took part in practical exercises like “Creative Play,” “Replace the Abstract with the Concrete,” and “Sensory Detailing,” where they practiced transforming plain descriptions into engaging and image-rich prose.
The event was hosted by Sameen Malik, with faculty advisors Dr. Amal Sayyid and Ms. Sara Rashid. The ELS Logistics and IT Committees managed the event arrangements. The session concluded with an interactive discussion and feedback exchange, marking a productive start to the workshop series aimed at enhancing creativity, clarity, and artistic expression in student writing.
