"IN THE COMPANY OF WORDS"

I thought I'd take a moment to share, with you, why I started this blog.

I am in the midst of trying to put a book together of short stories related to my early life where I grew up on a farm. These are personal, autobiographical stories which are intended as a legacy for my children. These stories will not appear on this blog, but ideas around them most certainly will. I have never been a great literary artist, but I love writing and I love books. I know that if I am going to succeed in my farm stories (under the banner of "A SILVER SPOON FOR AN AFRICAN WHITE CHILD"), then I am going to have to improve my writing. This blog is my "practice" place; the place where I can toy with self expression and various ideas.

My real introduction into language and all its possibilities arrived two years ago when I enrolled for an English course in creative writing. Not only did the course challenge me to start putting my own thoughts on paper, but it introduced me to some incredible African authors. All my life I had been under the mistaken impression that substantial authors have always emerged from the western world. I am embarrassed at my own naivete, since this is totally untrue. There are many truly amazing authors who hail from this continent and who are of the same calibre as the classic greats.

Some of the authors which impress me immensely are Zakes Mda, Gcina Mhlophe, Wilf Nussey and Kobie Kruger. I am inspired by Ms Gcina Mhophe and had the wonderful privelege, some time ago, to watch her perform her personal poem: "In the company of words". Her perfomance and poem spoke to me like no other. The poem describes her own love of language and its infinite possibilities and this echoes my own. Those of you who know all these authors will also know that their genres differ immensely. Nevertheless, they are the authors who are busy shaping me in my own style. I acknowledge them all and thank them for their inspiration. I am truly in awe of them. What I like most about them is their honesty in their writing. They don't beat about the bush, but say what they mean and use an amazing command of language.

So, back to this blog? My intention here is to practice my writing, within the confines of 'positivity'. This is not an easy task. We all have bad days and there are times when we just don't feel like being positive. But this goal challenges me at a deep, personal level and I truly believe that there is a channel to direct one's negative thoughts into an area of growth, enrichment and ultimate positivity.

In summary, this blog is my own personal challenge: The goal of creating something beautiful on a literary level, something inspiring to my readers and a forum where I can get feedback.

I really would like to encourage my readers to walk this path with me. I would LOVE your feedback - feel free to comment and put your own thoughts down and take time with me on this journey. Thank you, in anticipation, Caryl