Award-winning alumni share lessons for aspiring writers

By Sadia Roohi

For Dr Prasanthi Ram (SoH/2022) and Daryl Qilin Yam (SoH/2023), writing is far more than a profession — it is a way to distil life’s essence, preserve moments, and connect deeply with others.  

As prominent voices in Singapore’s literary scene, their works reflect a shared passion for exploring human relations.

Dr Prasanthi’s debut short story cycle, Nine Yard Sarees, earned her the Fiction in English prize at the Singapore Literature Prize 2024. The collection, which was born out of her PhD dissertation in creative writing at NTU (2017-2021), explores themes of family, migration, and identity, and resonated deeply with readers and critics alike.

Dr Prasanthi is also currently teaching academic writing at NTU's Language and Communication Centre.

	Dr Prasanthi Ram (SoH/2022), recipient of the Fiction in English prize at the Singapore Literature Prize 2024. Photo credit: Diana Rahim.
	Daryl Qilin Yam (SoH/2023), local author and co-founder of non-profit organisation Sing Lit Station.

Daryl’s debut novel, Kappa Quartet, received critical praise for its emotional depth and originality. His follow-up works, including Shantih Shantih Shantih, showcased his bold storytelling style and further established his reputation. Last year, Epigram Books published Be Your Own Bae, a short story collection that emerged from his Master’s thesis at NTU.

Daryl is also the co-founder of Sing Lit Station, a non-profit organisation which aims to serve the local literary community of writers and readers by creating a space for writers to grow their artistic and professional lives, inviting readers to explore the local literary culture, and working with partners to build inclusive and dynamic communities.

How it all began

Both began writing as a way to process emotions and connect with their inner selves.

For Dr Prasanthi, it began as a personal outlet. “When I was a child, I wrote song lyrics and terrible poems to navigate emotions I didn't quite understand,” she said with a laugh. Later, her foray into fan fiction revealed how storytelling could be a path for her. “It sparked something in me, the realisation that stories could connect us and give shape to our experiences.”

Similarly, Daryl looked to writing for respite during his turbulent teenage years. “Books were my first refuge as a child and later gave me solace as a bullied teenager,” he shared. Writing became his way of processing the world and building connections with himself and others.

These early experiences set them on paths that would later influence their literary style, emphasising authenticity and connection.

Finding their voices at NTU

Both writers credit NTU’s creative writing programmes with shaping their craft and deepening their understanding of storytelling.

Dr Prasanthi joined NTU’s PhD programme on a scholarship. “I didn’t think I would be accepted by the programme. It felt like the universe was telling me to go for it,” she said.

During the course, she met an acclaimed author Balli Kaur Jaswal, who was a fellow participant.

“I admired her books before meeting her, and now she’s like an older sister in the writing world,” Dr. Prasanthi shared.

Daryl also found a supportive environment in NTU’s Master of Arts in Creative Writing, which helped him complete his short story collection, Be Your Own Bae. His thesis supervisor, Associate Professor Boey Kim Cheng, left a lasting impression. “Prof Boey could look at a draft and tell you it wasn’t working, but it never felt harsh — only honest,” he recalled.

The joy of creation

Daryl was a recipient of the NTU Research Scholarship and teaching the Introduction to Creative Writing module was part of the scholarship requirements. Teaching for three semesters at NTU inculcated the spirit of a mentor and educator within Daryl. It taught him how the practice of writing involves acts of community that never takes place in isolation, which cannot be replicated by technology or artificial intelligence.

Explaining further, Daryl said: “In an environment as creative as creative writing, teaching also demanded that I build an environment in which students can unlock parts of themselves that they hadn't dared to access before, and to express themselves in ways they perhaps never felt permitted to before.” 

“Storytelling is never truly solitary, it is about the connections we make with readers and other writers,” headded. “The heart of a story has to come from you. AI can help with tasks like grammar checks, but creativity is inherently human.”

“A writer’s voice comes from lived experiences and emotions. That can’t be replicated by an algorithm,” said Dr Prasanthi, who most recently taught Literary Production for the Masters in Publishing and Creative Writing programme at NTU.

Dr Prasanthi Ram with her mother at the Singapore Literature Prize 2024 ceremony.

One of her proudest moments was publishing Nine Yard Sarees, with the story “The Panasonic” holding particular significance. Inspired by her mother’s habit of travelling with a rice cooker, it was her first story to appear in print. “It gave me the confidence to believe in my voice as a writer,” she shared.

Daryl found similar fulfilment in completing Be Your Own Bae. Reflecting on his debut novel, Kappa Quartet, he admitted, “I used to shudder when people told me they’d read it because it was so personal. Now, I can honour the vulnerable 24-year-old me who lives in its pages.”

Living life fully, whether through observation, reflection, or taking breaks, is essential to good writing.

Dr Prasanthi starts with spontaneity before shifting to structured planning. Her introverted nature helps her reflect and observe, qualities essential for crafting stories.

“I let my mind run freely during ideation, but once a story begins to take shape, I plan rigorously to ensure it stays true to its heart,” she said.

Daryl with local poet and playwright Amanda Chong at the launch of his latest book, Be Your Own Bae.

Daryl’s approach is more fluid, beginning with sketches and fragments that evolve over time. “Ideation, research, and imagination are constant processes,” he shared. “There’s hardly a moment when I’m not holding space in my mind for what I need to write next.”

Dr Prasanthi advises budding writers to write what they want to write, not what others expect to read. “Be sincere in your writing, and your readers will resonate with it,” she advised.

Daryl added, “Read deeply and widely. Let your fingers learn the rhythm of words, like practising scales on a piano. Writing is both craft and life.”