Our events.

"The Mortals is more than a publication; it is a literary project. We host three main events/programs: our annual Writing Contests for high school, annual Writing Contests for middle school, and two elective writing courses for primary school. Our events at the eleven BASIS China schools are designed to inspire, challenge, and support young writers at every stage of their journey. At The Mortals, we believe that great writing starts with bold writing, which thrives in vibrant, collaborative, community-based spaces that nurture mortal souls."

-- Excerpted from Editor-in-Chief's Letter to BASIS China parents, by Ziqian "Albert" Wang '26

BIPH Writers’ Workshop

˜General Overview ˜

i. The Mortals Writers’ Workshop is a celebration of literary creativity, collaborative learning, and the transformative power of storytelling. Taking place in BIPH, this event brings together sophisticated and experienced writers together with emerging and curious participants in a dynamic, immersive evening of writing, discussion, and discovery.

ii. The workshop is founded on the belief that writing is more than just a skill—it’s a way of seeing, expressing, and connecting. Drawing inspiration from the latest issue of The Mortals magazine, the spirited exchanges of the Creative Writing Club, this initiative aims to help individual participants with their writing and further nurture a thriving literary culture BIPH.

Events Included

1. Keynote Speech presented by Mr. Quirk, head of BIPH and AP literature teacher

2. Gimkit & Kahoots, which help check the fundamental understandings and embellish relaxation, sparing participants from daily stress

3. Time writing competition, aiming to foster competitiveness and furnish a platform for expression, reflection, and improvements.

4. Poetry Analysis

5. Talks & Observatories, offering student

Objectives

With the aim of building a flourishing literary community across the BASIS China network, The Mortals magazine and the Creative Writing Club jointly propose the Writers’ Workshop, designed to elevate students’ writing skills, deepen their appreciation for literature, and foster community-based collaborative learning.

“What is in me is stronger than I am”---Albert Camus

Writing Course/Apprenticeship

i. The Mortals’ Apprenticeship Programme is a unique opportunity for students ready to elevate their creative and editorial skills to a professional level. Tailored for aspiring editors, writers, and designers, this programme offers hands-on experience and direct mentorship, guiding participants through the intricate and rewarding process of publishing a literary magazine.

ii. Over the course of several weeks, apprentices are matched with seasoned mentors—ranging from editors and senior writers to alumni with real-world experience. These mentors provide one-on-one feedback, technical advice, and creative insight, helping students shape their own editorial identity and gain practical skills that go far beyond the classroom.

iii. From basic grammatical and writing lessons to experience sharing sessions and practical research tutoring, this process promises to bring participants to a level capable of becoming a potential editor, with meticulous reasonings to sophisticate crafting.

General Courses

6 module courses
10+ lectures
Tutor One-to-One feedback
Ultimate Editorial Training
For specific courses, review the files below
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What we hope to accomplish

Provide a comprehensive course with knowledge ranging from literary analysis to analytical edits Cultivate a new generation of student editors, designers, and creative leaders Provide authentic, hands-on publishing experience within collaboration Equip participants with skills applicable to both literary and multimedia contexts Construct lasting mentorship connections among Basis China network

Conclusion

Whether you’re refining your prose, building a portfolio, or exploring new genres, the Apprenticeship Programme is where emerging writers become confident creators. Come join us and become part of our editing team!

“Learn. Write. Grow.”

Writing Contests

Submit your Work | Commit your Creativity |Pledge your Passion

Annual Writing Contest

Welcome to the Mortals Annual Writing Contest—where creativity meets debate, and imagination finds its voice. This one-of-a-kind literary event invites students from across the BASIS China network to explore whimsical dilemmas, challenge their thinking, and transform their arguments into captivating written and spoken performances. With themes ranging from mythical creatures to surreal worlds, the contest combines sharp reasoning with artistic flair, offering participants a platform to express, compete, and be published.

Objectives

Aiming to evoke interest among our sophisticated writers, and intellectual thinkers, the Mortals annually hosts Writing Contests under specific debate topics. While participants found joy and competitiveness through individual writing and collaboration, they would also improve their logical reasoning and literary crafting as they navigated through the competition.

General Proces

The Preliminary round would consist of individual writing contests under certain debate topics, in which participants may choose from a topic they were interested in and took stances.
These works would be handed to the Mortals, and our Chief Editors would decide the actual promotion.
The Final round would be the ultimate debate, where participants advanced would be break into teams of three and compete with others through the form of debating.

Additional/prizes

Across 8 campus---100+ Submission
8+ Student & Teacher Judges
5+ Special Guests
3 different awards to winning teams!
Awards to Finalists with names published on the Mortals Magazine!!!

Conclusion

At the heart of the Mortals Annual Writing Contest lies a simple belief: that powerful ideas deserve a stage, and that writing, in all its quirky and compelling forms, can bring people together. Whether you’re here to write, to speak, or to listen, this is your invitation to think differently, argue brilliantly, and join a community where creativity thrives.