In conversation with Dasho Kinley Dorji: Insights on crafting engaging Creative Non-fiction

On the morning of April 24, a group of postgraduate and master’s students had the privilege to engage in an hour-long conversation with Dasho Kinley Dorji, editor-in-chief of Druk Journal, Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy and a recipient of the royal red scarf from His Majesty, the Fourth King.

The purpose of the talk was for the students to gain insights from Dasho’s experience as a creative non-fiction writer highlighting his writing process, habits and inspirations behind the publication, Within the Realm of Happiness.

Despite Dasho’s impressive credentials, the students found him to be jovial and candid, allowing for an open and engaging discussion. Topics ranged from aspects of writing creative non-fiction to personal anecdotes of past struggles of journalism in a close knit society. During the conversation, Dasho shared his insights and experiences as a journalist, highlighting the importance of staying true to one’s principles and ethics in the face of external pressures. he advised novice writers to start with the basics without worrying about developing a ‘personal style’ highlighting the importance of mining one’s personal experience for inspirations.

The students were eager to learn from Dasho’s experiences, with many asking thought-provoking questions and engaging in lively discussions. Overall, the conversation provided a valuable learning opportunity for the students.