I get a lot of writers, especially from Botswana, calling and sending emails asking about publishing and how to go about it. After over six years of being in this writing business, I have had some successes, made my share of mistakes, and learned a lot along the way. Last year I got the idea that maybe I could convince one of the national newspapers to carry a column about publishing, writing and books; a practical column that helps Batswana writers and shines a bit of light on their accomplishments.
I put together a proposal and sent it out to Mmegi, Midweek Sun and Guardian and waited. And waited. Yes, they were interested but "these things take time". And waited yet again. In the meanwhile thanks to Facebook I met Beata Kasale, one of the owners of The Voice newspaper. I first met her in cyberspace and then in real life. I found her so interesting and we hit it off straight away. Though at first I didn't think The Voice was the right paper for such a column, I liked Beata so much and she was so enthusiastic about my idea ,I changed my mind. Now after a meeting last week and more thought I think The Voice is going to be a perfect home. It is the most read paper in the country and the whole point of the column is to get the information out there. The plan is to talk about publishing and how to go about it, but also to include snippets of publishing and book news. The column will start the first week of April.
Hi Lauri. Well done! I look forward to reading it - I don't usually read The Voice at all, but will now have more of a reason!
ReplyDeleteI've been away so long from the blogosphere, and have been really enjoying catching up on your blog - interesting post on Louis Nchindo, and I loved your walk with the dogs, and of course That Tea-set!!
This is fantastic! Plus it will have the added benefit of getting people to recognize your name which should sell more books. You're a wonder! So happy for you!
ReplyDeletecongratulations! what a fabulous idea. I shall certainly look out for your column. is it daily/weekly?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! That is terrific. Will we be able to see it online, those of us across the pond?
ReplyDeleteKaren- Thanks. I'll let you know when it starts, supposed to be the first week of April. Glad you liked the tea set. My husband bought it at Kwa Nokeng (not your river- the Limpopo) at the Martin's Drift border.
ReplyDeleteSue- You're right though lately I'm feeling a bit exposed. I have a friend who writes for Mmegi and though I know I need publicity I sometimes feel I'm out there a bit too much. Mostly because most of our writers don't get covered by the media. That is going to change if I have my way.
Val- it will be weekly. Daily would kill me, I'm a little shakey with weekly with my current level of indiscipline, but too that has a lot to do with no deadlines breathing down my neck. I like deadlines.
Not Hannah- I'm not sure what the Voice puts on their website. If it's up I'll certinaly let you know.
Thanks everyone. I plan to include news about Botswana writers (everything an acceptance, a new book, how the book is selling, speaking engagements, etc) so let me know about it. Use lakubuitsile@gmail.com. I'll also include writing news of the rest of the continent too.
Really excited (as if it doesn't show). :)
Fab news Lauri. You go girl.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ayo, nice to see you around here. How's your writing going? Anything in the Caine this year?
ReplyDeleteAwesome news!
ReplyDeleteGood on you, Lauri. You continue to be an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI come around here often even though I don't always leave a comment. I did have a story submitted for the Caine, although I do not think it falls into the category they tend to have a bias towards. What about you? I know your One World story (The Rich People's School) should be in the running.
ReplyDeleteWhich category is that, Ayo? No I have nothing at the Caine. I'm hardly writing short stories right now, I'm finding I need the longer term buzz of a book. I want to live with my characters a bit longer than a few days.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your story.
I tried to win the book your side but saw Ivor was already there. I LOVE Ian McEwan!!