“Writing is not easy”, a friend once lamented and I must admit the past few months have not been easy for me when it comes to that front. Like a traveler lost in the desert I’ve been seeking my oasis – the source from which I might gain inspiration to write again – but the journey has not been easy. The heat from the sun seems to grow in intensity every day and even though I find myself hallucinating of greener pastures; even these visions have not found their way from my head to the tip of my fingers that I may type away some words for your eyes to savor and your mind to be nourished.
Despite the pressure, from the writer’s block, hanging over my head like dark clouds in a July afternoon there have been a few bursts of sunshine. One of these is the news that some of my work will finally be published in a book. The Fifth Draft.
A collection of poems and short stories, The Fifth Draft is the culmination of months of drafts and re-drafts by literature participants in the Art Against Poverty project run by CEFA Kenya. Under the guidance of Kenyan based South African journalist and novelist, Zukiswa Wanner, we’ve been able to continuously work to improve on our writing skills and the book serves as an icing to the cake.
The writers featured include Mwangi Gituro, Rayhab Gachango, Mwende Ngao, Maimouna Jallow, Atandi Anyona, Kelvin Kaesa, Mtheto, Kadoka Hara and Powell Omolo. Their different inspired writings, acting as ingredients to the anthology, have mixed in well to serve up a dish that will nourish the readers and inspire their minds.
The book is set launch on the evening of December 10, 2015, from 5.30 to 8 pm at Goethe Institut auditorium. I hope to see you there 🙂
I will definitely be there