Authors and Book Signings

It is always a joy to meet authors, especially when they are South African and there is some connection however tenuous.

I have read and enjoyed Marguerite Poland's books for many years and when possible try to be at her book signings and talks.

Her newest book, 'Taken Captive by Birds' is a 'coffee table' book filled with reminisces of her childhood which includes tales of Port Elizabeth. With fine detailed drawings by Greg Ivor, the book is a delight of evocative memories which could be sentimental but are not.

She has also written several children's stories and adult novels. One of them 'The Boy in You', is about boys at St Andrew's College Grahamstown, the school that David went to. So you can see the connection developing.

While I was chatting to her during the book signing (David had me buy one for each child and one for ourselves - for Christmas, of course) she told me that for one miserable term she went to St Andrew's School in Bedfordview, the same school my sister and I went to. So now you can see we are nearly related.

A few years ago Marguerite wrote her doctorate on the Nguni herds and co-authored a book based on the subject 'The Abundant Herds: A Celebration of the Nguni Cattle of the Zulu People'. (Another 'coffee table' book and certainly worth owning).

I am reading 'Recessional for Grace' which is a riveting and rewarding read.I t allows insights into a world past and enjoyment of lyrical writing.

I enjoy following an author's progress. Marguerite Poland's stories allow the reader to delve into their own South African heritage and dredge up times of childhood and memories that should not be forgotten.

It's a treat to read such an author and a South African one at that.

Kaleidoscope

Writing is an exciting past time, especially when a writing partner is part of the journey.

My friend Sam and I write together over mail and occasional writing workshops.We share books, quotes and blogs. Writing sites, poems and mentors.

At the moment we are reading 'radical' stories of women mystics like Hildegaard and Julian of Norwich. Sam gave me the new Mary Sharatt novel Illuminations, which is historically accurate, well written and - dare I say this - illuminating.

Mixed into this pot-puorrie of stories are some tarot cards, David Whytte and of course John O'Donahue. To make our path more exciting we have drawings, meditations and rote learning to add spice to our work. All to open up our 'mystical' side, which in the modern world of iPhones and iPads is often well hidden.

Our time together is precious and we hold each other together through e-mail, an occasional coffee and even more occasional call.

This Saturday we work together with Dorian on a collage of intent. I look forward to the quiet and to seeing what we produce.

No doubt our journey will be long with a few lush oasis stops as a reward along the way which will be re-created in a kaleidoscope of words and images.

Writing is what I have been doing over the past few months. Working through the GerSmarter distance learning has been a fascinating experience. However, I find critiquing and' chatting' to strangers in the course of the weeks very stressful.

Peer-crits are sometimes not-thought-through, become personal and are at times invalid. While I do not expect glowing reports each module I do expect and appreciate considered remarks and suggestions.

To counter the participants remarks my tutor, author Mike Nicol was exceptional in his dealing with the writers and their submissions. Clear-thinking and considerate he was a fine editor/tutor. So much so that he has structured a master class for 2013 for which I have been accepted.

Here is part of the brief so far:

Just so you know what you’re facing, we’ve based the manuscript length on 300 words a day, seven days a week. Now that might sound daunting but once you’re into the routine it should be easy to manage – okay, not easy but at least doable. At that rate you’re looking at 2000 words a week, or 8000 words a month. You do the arithmetic: seven months down the line you’re at almost 60000 words.

Now doesn't that sound like a great new year challenge?

In the meantime study the following image and imagine it is the first time you have seen a baobab. Describe your impressions. How did you get there, what was the weather like, why were you there?

Till next time.

Writing Courses

I signed up for a writing course in May and have been writing, reading and researching ever since. I love the 'challenge' of finding the right word and finding out when to stop and when to edit.

The Get Smarter non-fiction course has stimulated me into finding my story which although very simple, is keeping me digging and delving.

As I travel to Namibia for ten days, I've had to complete writing projects and upload them to fulfill my writing commitments. We also have to 'crit' other students work. While I am a teacher and used to commenting on work and having my own work commented on, some of the crits leveled at my work made me want to slit my wrist at worst and simply not engage in the 'buddy-buddy' exchanges at best. It seems that others need to thrust hard and sharp at other people's work without any constructive suggestions. Not my idea of fun.

Fortunately there is a very sensible IT boff who assists my limited confidence in uploading work to the site. He suggested that I focus on our mentor Mike Nichol, who is sensitive and objective in his comments and forget the snide unproductive remarks from others less qualified. As that was what I decided after the initial shock I have settled well into the challenge of writing the required assignments.

There is another 2000 word assignment waiting on my return, but with Namibia's open skies and Desert Elephants pending, hopefully creativity will bubble and words will pour onto keys on my return.

Desert Elephants - Demaraland

New Writing Course

I am always on the look out for new and creative writing courses. When I received an e-mail from Exclusive Books about the Random House non-fiction writing course AND giving a discount for Fanatics card holders, I thought this was an ideal opportunity to apply.

The moment my deposit had been made I received a phone call to welcome me to the course, an sms to say that my money had been received and an email to confirm my participation. No going back now I thought!

My paints, paper and pen have been working hard recently and I shall set them aside and with my new 'Paris Review' never-let-you-down fountain pen I aim to write, write and write some more. I look forward to updating from time to time.

I leave you with this beautiful autumn image from David Moore. What do the colours invoke in you?

Autumn Skies, Golden Trees