Category: Writing

Online Book Club Author Response and Signed Book Winner!

26 August 2015

Welcome to our second monthly online book club! August found us reading Nthikeng Mohlele’s Rusty Bell. Congratulations to Ian Riggins, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Ian’s name was drawn at random from questions received for August author, Nthikeng Mohlele. He will win a signed book from the author! Once again, great questions from readers of Rusty Bell, … More Online Book Club Author Response and Signed Book Winner!

One Day I Wrote Her Name Upon the Strand

13 August 2015

There is a poem, written in the 16th century, that I think of every time I go to the beach. I have my dear, departed grandfather to thank for knowing it. He passed on his love of classic poetry and literature to his children, and in turn I grew up a little conflicted on spelling, … More One Day I Wrote Her Name Upon the Strand

African literature reading

Heinemann African Writers Series and Nthikeng Mohlele

12 August 2015

I recently discovered a list of African literature I hadn’t previously known about. Have you ever heard of the Heinemann African Writers Series? Click on the name to link to the Wikipedia site with the full description. In short, I have a lot more reading to do. Thanks, Lungile Mtshiliba, for introducing me to this … More Heinemann African Writers Series and Nthikeng Mohlele

travel Ethiopia

Arat Kilo Monument in Addis Ababa

10 August 2015

Today’s photo is from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I’ve been writing about our too-short visit to that city, combined with a few small pieces I’ve written about colonialism during my African travels. It weaves colonization, religious fanaticism, and folklore. It is certainly too long already, though not altogether boring. But some days I write all day … More Arat Kilo Monument in Addis Ababa

Rusty Bell, or Small Things?

5 August 2015

I’m excited to get messages that you’re busy reading one or both of the August books by author Nthikeng Mohlele. Rusty Bell is his newest release, while Small Things is still receiving acclaim since its release in 2013. Please finish reading one or both of these by next Wednesday. They are not long reads, so … More Rusty Bell, or Small Things?

South Africa map rainbow

Photo Prompts for Writing

3 August 2015

I often review a series of photos before writing a travel essay, putting myself more quickly back into the place, time or event I want to query. For me, stimulating one sense (sight) usually creates a chain reaction, and I hear, smell, and feel what it was like to take that photograph

African Literature online book club

Online Book Club Author Response and Winner!

30 July 2015

Our first online book club reading went well! I’m really happy with the questions you submitted for July’s author, Futhi Ntshingila. I put the names of all who submitted questions into a bag, and the winner of a signed copy of Do Not Go Gentle is Melanie Hooks, of Los Angeles, California, USA. Congratulations, Melanie! … More Online Book Club Author Response and Winner!

African literature reading

What Would You Say to an Author?

15 July 2015

You guys are the best. I have been getting your questions and comments for our first author, Futhi Ntshingila, and I am really proud to send them to her. You guys really read and think like pros! If you haven’t submitted your questions, you can still get them to me by midnight tonight. I’m sending … More What Would You Say to an Author?

African literature reading

Welcome to the New Book Club!

8 July 2015

The new Book Club page on my website is now up and running. You will find it in the Menu Bar of the website. I’m excited to have so many readers joining the online book club. Welcome, and enjoy! So many people have asked me what African literature I recommend, and what books I’m reading … More Welcome to the New Book Club!