THE LOVE OF WRITING

The love of writing

By Mpumelelo Mtjekelo (Mangaung)

Dear Diary

Writing is my second best friend. It is neither a he nor she, it’s not human yet it feels like it is a living thing (organism) that listens whenever I need to talk. Without any fear I share all my stories knowing it will only be known by me and my living organism. This organism is different compared to humans because it doesn’t judge me!

In writing unlike talking there is freedom, it gives me the chance to let it all out. Sometimes I share a story with a human but after telling the story to humans there are times when I’d regret saying what I said and other times I fear that he/she might expose my story. With my organism after sharing my story I am able to heal and trust it, and also the funny part in writing is that sometimes within writing I can find a solution to a problem that I had. If not, it gives me the ability to cry and let it all out.

Dear Diary, there was of course a time I thought “why not share this with the world?” It is not that I trust the world with my information but it also feels great having to hear people reading my stories saying hey, this has twisted my life in a good manner or this (article) is actually talking about me. Writing is a different world; it is relaxing and fun; other times it is an adventure. It is to just let your imagination run wild without anyone stopping you.

It can be done anywhere at any time because sometimes I am inspired by something around me to start writing. On the other side, it is often stated that humans (i.e we black people) don’t like reading and if you are to hide a lot of money or a treasure you should consider a book! It is very rare that one will be able to realize that there is something worthy in the book.

And so I write to you…
Dear Diary

* From her Dear Diary Column

OPERATION HLASELA AUGMENTS WRITER'S WORK!

By Flaxman Qoopane

Operation Hlasela donated R35 000 to Setshaba Marumo who published his motivational book- Be the best that you can.

Speaking at the launch of his book at the windmill casino and entertainment centre in Bloemfontein, said: “I would like to thank Ace Magashule the Premier of the Free State and the Operation Hlasela for donating R35 000 to me to publish my print book. Each person should be the best that you can be,”

Rosaline Raseboya Sebolao, a motivational speaker and author of Living a life that is pleasing to God, said; “When Marumo asked me to mentor him, I agreed. I saw so much potential in him. Be blessed as you enjoy his first book that he launched today,”

Fezile Wetes, HR consultant of SEDA said, “I have known Marumo for many years. I have seen him becoming what he is, and this is the most wonderful time for him to be alive. It takes a nation a lot of time to produce a hero. His passion for reading and writing enabled him to launch his first book,”

Captain Mosela Tshangela from Parkroad Police Station in Bloemfontein said; “On 20 August 2010, D.J Shaxe Khumalo from Motheo FM talked about Setsha’s book. I was inspired and I bought a copy and I wish everybody can have his or her copy,”

Aubrey Nappie [41] Human Resources Manager at the Windmill Casino and Entertainment Centre said; “The Corporate Social Investment arm of the windmill casino did a media release about the launch of the book. During the book launch we provided the venue catering to the event, and we bought several copies of the book.”

TEBOHO MASAKALA'S NOVEL

TEBOHO MASAKALA’s NOVEL

Book: Through it all
Author: Teboho Masakala
Publisher: Tam Books (Selosesha, Thaba Nchu)
ISBN: 978-0-620-49987-3

He is only 23 but Teboho Masakala is already the author of two books. Last year he published a book of short stories, and this week his first novel (actually technically a novella) came out, titled THROUGH IT ALL.

Masakala is now fulfilling the promise and potential the literary pundits saw in him a few years ago. The young man is very proud of his roots from Thaba ‘Nchu and in his own way he is putting the town on the map.

“I am what I am because of Thaba Nchu,” he told Free State News this week. “I am so pleased and proud that my first novel is out! I have always loved writing fiction. I now know that it is not something that anyone, not even all writers, can just do. It requires talent, discipline, imagination. A writer must have moral compass”

Teboho’s debut novel, Through it all focuses on a certain young woman and her vicissitudes. The protagonist is Monica Classen who is dragged through the mill! After the death of her parents, she is unfortunately raped by her own uncle, an exceedingly harrowing experience for her.

She decides to flee Thaba Nchu and start a new life in Bloemfontein, but her ordeal is not over; not by a long shot. More painful episodes await her till in the end, like a deus ex machina all is well with her, and her sorrows are behind her. Read this moving work and bask!

Excerpt from the book (exemplifying the sad metamorphosis of Monica): “Monica (who had been) fragile, kind-hearted, was now this weak, controlled drugs loving, money hungry Monica…the city of Bloemfontein had swallowed her and was not prepared to throw her up anytime soon as there was no way out…”

Get a copy!

- O Bolaji