Our elders show us the way

I attended the South African Book Fair at Museum Africa this weekend. This was nothing short of an incredibly inspiring and stimulating event with bright minds and thought-provoking discussions. For an aspiring writer like me, it was heart-warming to realise that there is a culture of reading and writing so alive and vibrant in this country; to recognise that all writers – new or experienced – are committed to their calling; and to acknowledge that I am part of a community stimulating conversations that engage with, challenge and possibly change our reality.

 

I am inspired by giants of literature like Zakes Mda, Sindiwe Magona, Achmat Dangor and Deon Meyer who were part of the Sunday morning session, facilitated by Kopano Matlwa, herself a talented young writer with four published novels under her belt. These stalwarts, all of whom have day jobs as well, have been celebrated the world over – collectively they have as many as eighty awards. They freely shared their inspirations, writing habits, opinions and advice we, the audience hung onto every word.

 

We were reminded that the best training is to read, read and read some more. Deon Meyer explains that it is essential to ‘expose and educate the writer in you.’

 

Sindiwe Magona stands testament to the saying, ‘dynamite comes in small packages.’ What a powerhouse, with a charming sense of humour, and dedication to her craft and herself as priorities. She has more than 180 titles published. One hundred and eighty. Respect, ma’am. This was possible only because she did not let ‘obstacles,’ like being uneducated, growing up in apartheid South Africa, working as a domestic worker who slept on a floor in her madam’s garage or being a poor single mum to three children, stand in her way. ‘We all have the same twenty-four hours in a day. Command yourself to use these as efficiently and as effectively as possible.’ I paraphrase, but you get the gist.

 

Achmat Dangor reminded us that we need to write what is on our hearts and minds, as simply as possible. Another scared rule – to write for ourselves and what we know so our voices will be authentic. How else does one make a real connection to ones’ readers?

 

Personally, the writing is probably the most rewarding or fun part. But the business side of publishing, distribution and marketing are probably going to be more challenging. Zakes Mda drove this home. He congratulated self-publishers and others like Niq Mhlongo, who, although not self-published, will market and sell books from the boot of his car. Bra Zakes likened Niq to the early kwaito stars who were solely responsible for getting their music heard by distributing their CDs personally.

 

My time at SABF was well spent. I came away inspired, hopeful and with a bag full of new books. If you don’t hear from me for a while, I apologise. I’ll be busy reading or writing.

 

 

Raashida Khan is a poet and writer, who will be published this year. Follow her on www.raashisreflections.com 

 

 

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