Only 11 Slots Left

In the bustling heart of the Toronto Arts community, Asha Ponnachan is a name synonymous with versatility, as a writer, actor, dancer and mental health advocate, she understands that creativity isn’t just a hobby, it’s a way of being. Now, she along with our journal inviting a select group of writers to join to us for an intensive, transformative 6- week workshop designed to move projects from ideas to fruition – starting from April 10, 2026.

Why this workshop?

Writing can be a lonely endeavour, but it doesn’t have to be. This workshop is built on the principal of organic accountability. By working within the same cohort for six weeks, participants engage in authentic discussions that help push their projects forward in a supportive, professional environment.

The Roadmap

1. Professional guidance: learn from bestselling author who has published three international bestsellers, two of which are poetry books.
2. Connect with like-minded individuals and gain industry exposures.
3. Step-by-step momentum: 6 weekly sessions provide the structure needed to keep your projects moving in right direction.
4. Publishing insights: Gain a general understanding of how to get your work out into the world.
5. Publication : Your poem(s) developed during the workshop will be featured in an upcoming issue of The Hemlock Journal in a dedicated section.
6. Certifications: All participants will receive a certificate of participation signed by the mentor, Asha Ponnachan, the managing editor and executive editor at The Hemlock Journal.
7. Free entry to the upcoming Poetry Writing Contest by The Hemlock Journal

Workshop logistics

• Structure: 6 sessions (1 session per week)

• Duration: Each session is 1 hour of focused, high impact learning.

• Capacity: limited to 15 people per session, to ensure personalised attention.

• Fees: $270 per person for the full 6 week session, which makes it approximately $45/ hour long session. For participants from India, the fees would be Rs. 12,000/- or Rs 2,000/per session, per person.

How to Pay the fee?

Participants can pay either the full fee $270/Rs.12,000/- or they can opt to pay for individual sessions, before the session starts $45/Rs. 2,000/-. Below are the PayPal and Razorpay links for the secure payment of the fee.

(All the previous contributors of The Hemlock Journal get 15% waiver on the fee (Pay only $229/Rs. 10,200 for the full 6 week workshop, or $38/Rs. 1700/- per session). Get 20% off with the annual Hemlock Membership. (Pay only $215/ Rs. 9,600/- for the full 6 week workshop or $36/Rs. 1,600/- per session) To know more about the The Hemlock Membership Click Here.

How to Register?

Fill the registration form given below. Book your spot now. We’ll close the form once we get 15 participants.

Once your seat is confirmed, you’ll receive an email from us with all the details, including the scheduled time and the link to join.

Meet your Mentor

Asha Ponnachan (she/her) A writer, actor, dancer and lover of all things art, asha, is the bestselling author of three books that gained international fame. She has also written multiple scripts for stage and screen. Her acting career spans a vast repertoire of theatre productions on Canadian stage as well as short films. Trained as an Indian classical dancer, she began performing on stage as a child. Her love for storytelling transitioned from dance to acting and writing. She has directed two plays and one documentary. Having lived and worked in various countries before making her home in Canada, she draws upon a diversity of international experiences in her art- whether it is writing or acting. Asha also works as an arts manager and founded a literary arts organization in 2025. Additionally, she volunteers her time to champion the benefits of ‘arts on mental and emotional health’. Her motto is “there is always Hope” and art is one of the most promising generators of hope.

Ready to start your literary journey? Spots are limited to 15, and we are more than excited to have you onboard with us.