Page 2 - My Creative Writing Portfolio

INTRODUCTION

During the Sydney lockdown from 1 July to 1 November 2021, I spent most of my time at home.
With only one hour permitted each day for exercise within a five-kilometre radius, life became
quiet and confined. In that stillness, I felt a strong need to use my time meaningfully and creatively.
In August, I enrolled in a 12-hour online course in General Creative Writing. The course became an
important part of my routine. I especially enjoyed listening to the instructor and engaging with the
various writing exercises, which encouraged me to think differently and experiment with new
forms of expression.

The materials in this folder are a selection of the case studies and assignments I completed during
the course. I did not finish every task, and I wrote less in the fiction and non-fiction sections, as
they required more time and sustained development. Instead, I found myself drawn more strongly
to poetry. Poetry allowed me to express ideas and emotions more freely, without the structural
demands of longer narratives. Even though this is a limited selection of my work, the pieces
included here reflect my genuine interest in the course and my commitment to exploring creativity
during that period.

At first, I hesitated to create a portfolio. I questioned whether it was necessary. However, as I
began gathering and rereading my work, I discovered how rewarding the process could be. Looking
back at what I had written helped me see patterns in my thinking and recurring themes in my
writing. I realised that I am particularly drawn to reflections on life—especially my own
experiences, uncertainties, and the journey I am taking in this world. Writing became not only a
creative activity, but also a way of understanding myself more deeply.

This collection was created primarily for my own reflection. It serves as a personal record of what
I discovered about myself through writing during an unusual and challenging time. At the same
time, if others find these pieces meaningful or relatable, I would be pleased to share them. Writing
during the lockdown allowed me to explore my creativity, think more carefully about my ideas,
and express feelings that I had not previously put into words.

Overall, this portfolio is a snapshot of my creative journey during the lockdown period. It reveals
the themes I naturally explore, the approaches I take to writing, and the thoughts that occupied
my mind at that time. More than a set of assignments, this collection represents reflection,
experimentation, and personal growth. It is a quiet record of how creativity helped me navigate
isolation and better understand my own inner world.

Jagannath Adhikari 28 October 2021