"You are free to write.." ~ Basic Writing Skill

By Rogena Sining
Photo by SOCCOM

SANDAKAN: On 29th December 2018, the Parish Pastoral Council in collaboration with the Parish Social Communication Committee (SOCCOM) and St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish Office organized a half-day workshop on Basic Writing Skill at the Parish Conference Room.

15 participants, including Mr. Pilis Malim, Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council, attended the event. Ms. Kathlyn D’Souza, a journalist from one of the popular social magazines in Kuala Lumpur facilitated the workshop. She hails from Sandakan but currently is based in Kuala Lumpur.

In the beginning of the workshop, Ms Kathlyn shared about her experience in becoming a journalist and how enjoyable it could be. In her session about writing, she explained the different types of writing which include:

•          Press Releases,
•          News Story,
•         Newspaper and Magazine Feature Story,
•          Narrative Writing and
•          Devotional

She related, “When writing a report, please don’t be afraid of your imagination, have fun, explore any or all angles possible, and be relatable and open”. She added “In writing there is no right or wrong, you are free to write and try to have fun.” She also shared on how to draw the audience to read an article through a catchy and punchy headline.

Mr. Pilis Malim, in his sharing said that there would be no problem in writing articles on church event for SOCCOM members because they have acquired the basic skills in writing. He thanked the speaker for her time in conducting the talk about basic writing skills. He also thanked all participants for their generous support. He hoped that the just-concluded workshop would produce a few committed writers.

Ms. Kathlyn showing participants the finer points of writing an article

Mdm. Cecelia Polo, one of the participants expressed her appreciation to the speaker. She hoped that church events would be properly covered and posted in the blog so that parishioners could keep up with happenings in the church.

 Mr. Leonard, Chairman of Parish Social Communication Commission presents token of appreciation to Ms. Kathlyn witnessed by Mr. Pilis Malim