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.