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Showing posts from May, 2016

The Writer 2016 Week 2: Political Drama

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Source: Wikipedia Creative burnout is a real thing. I realised this is the first time I have had to create a new story so soon after finishing one. Usually I have time to rest mentally, bask, absorb other stories through reading or TV... But this time I had to keep going when the creative well was all but dried up. I had a bit of a panic session as the deadline drew closer, but got it done in the end!

The Writer 2016 Week 1: Romance!

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So, romance is not easy y'all. Translating the feeling of love into words that is supposed to again translate themselves into the reader's feelings? Yikes, I must say. Soooo much opportunity for corniness haha.  But I've given it my best shot! I had been brainstorming for awhile before I typed a single word, until I had a breakthrough at something like 2am. It was this strong feeling which overwhelmed me, and brought me to (happy) tears, and I knew I had something I could work with.  All the other story elements, plot, character, setting etc, were dressing which provided the framework for this emotion to come through. See if you can spot where that moment is... read my first swing of the bat:  The Chief's Daughter, The Warrior and the Grootslang . It's a story of survival on Mulanje Mountain [Link] and tribal prejudice, overcome by love. If you like it, vote. If you really like it, tell a friends to vote. If you love it, shout about it to your friends a

The Writer 2016 Week 1: Romance

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So, romance is not easy y'all. Translating the feeling of love into words that is supposed to again translate themselves into the reader's feelings? Yikes, I must say. Soooo much opportunity for corniness haha.  But I've given it my best shot! I had been brainstorming for awhile before I typed a single word, until I had a breakthrough at something like 2am. It was this strong feeling which overwhelmed me, and brought me to (happy) tears, and I knew I had something I could work with.  All the other story elements, plot, character, setting etc, were dressing which provided the framework for this emotion to come through. See if you can spot where that moment is... read my first swing of the bat:  The Chief's Daughter, The Warrior and the Grootslang . It's a story of survival on Mulanje Mountain [Link] and tribal prejudice, overcome by love. If you like it, vote. If you really like it, tell a friends to vote. If you love it, shout about it to your friends a

The Writer Competition 2016: I'm a Finalist!

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I love new challenges!  I get the chance to push myself, stretch my abilities and grow as a writer. I'm really excited to be selected as one of the 12 finalists on Season 4 of The Writer, an African reality-show styled online competition run by The Naked Convos (Nigeria based webzine). It is taking place over 4 weeks starting from the 12th of May. There were over 3000 submissions, so doing the maths, that's a 4 in 1000 chance of making it to the top twelve. I'm already deeply honoured by this opportunity. Each week, THREE writers will be eliminated from the pool until finally there are only three remaining to compete for 1st 2nd, and 3rd prize. It's going to be a thrill ride which I almost wish I was merely watching because yikes, the stakes! Heart medication close at hand... I'm going to be the only Malawian participating, so no pressure at all to represent Sub-Saharan Africa haha. I'm nervous, but more excited, because I get to be tested in a skill I