GAMWRITERS

By Amie Sillah on 18-05-11 on Foroyaa Newspaper

The Writers’ Association of the Gambia (WAG) has received a grant from the Gambia National Commission for UNESCO (NATCOM) to conduct a workshop on creative writing with emphasis on fiction writing. The workshop was conducted by Pearson Education Publishers UK from Monday May 9 to Friday May 13, 2011 at the Senegambia Beach hotel. Sally Howes, Watermark Publishing, publishing and project management was the lead facilitator of the workshop. About 30 participants attended among whom were published, unpublished, student writers and writers in the making. There was an opening session chaired by WAG President, Mr. Nana Grey-Johnson who started publishing since 1988 and had authored many books among which Max, the Cat is the latest in the Pipeline to be published soon. Mr. Nana Grey-Johnson called the workshop timely and a determination to venture into fiction writing, to bring out indigenous talent and make changes through collaborative efforts.  Officials present were Mr. Gabriel John Roberts referred to as the Doyen of Gambian Writers, Mr. Saad Yusuf, the representative of Pearson in Gambia said Pearson was launched in February in Gambia. Mr. Yusuf said without writing there would be no books but warned that publishers are very selective in a challenging market where only the fittest survive. He said it’s a great pleasure to have Sally in the Gambia to lead the workshop.  Mr. Yahya Jobe Principal NATCOM office represented the Secretary General, Mrs. Sukai Bojang on other official duties. He said NATCOM is part of WAG whose General Secretary is a staff member. He said the workshop is for capacity building of published prospective and student writers. Mr. Jobe said that UNESCO is delighted to be part of the process and their mandate is to support the Book chain from beginning to end and it believes the participatory approach as it supports knowledge production at all levels. He said writers have a responsibility to inspire, guide and promote peace in society. Mr. Gabriel Roberts opened the fiction workshop and said he associated himself with the previous remarks. He said writing skills have to be examined to impact upon future writing. He said Pearson welcomes high caliber writing which all writers should aim at. Mr. Roberts urged participants to seize the advantage. Roberts was doing literary work for over 50 years. His target was short stories, Novels and short plays. He is the first Gambian play write to be broadcast over the BBC. The workshop was opened for business. Mr. Johnson said he has also submitted a radio play ‘Hair and Tortoise to the B.B.C and it is being considered. Most Gambian Writers employ self publishing as publishing houses are yet to be established. Sally Howe, Watermark Publishing and project management encouraged Writers to continue with the ultimate intention to write good publishable materials for African and international markets. She said to be published; a writer must know and follow a publisher’s guide. A simple ceremony was held to bid farewell to Sally Howe, Watermark Publishing, publishing and project management. Songs were sung and poems read to show gratitude, deep emotion during the five days training.  The 5th day was run by WAG Mr. Aloa Ahmed Alota, a published author and WAG publicity officer presented a paper. On what makes fiction work His points: central character (view point), how the reader identifies with the character, something has to happen to character, threat, physical, emotions, dramatic action (story) dialogues, at what point to show, at what point to tell, how to resolve the conflict; how to portray living, vibrating human beings, identification, bond, empathy, the three dimensional character depicting physiology, psychology and sociology, physical features, thinking and social class of the characters are to be seen and felt. Uncle Gabbi gave his story at the closing ceremony. How his writing gave him trouble with the authorities and how he was rejected by his colleagues but he still stood steadfast as a writer. His words of wisdom were well appreciated by the young and old present. Many questions were asked to him. In a nutshell, what he emphasised is observation, organisational spirit and target readership. That fiction has to be blended with historical facts to arouse social awakening. Dr. Lenrie Peters name surfaced as a surgeon, prolific writer, poet of high standing caliber as Nana expanded on his poem Katchikally. Nana expounded on the topic reading for pleasure. He said the good writer produces the good reader. He read a portion of his novel, max, the cat vividly explaining the trial and tribulations of Kanyeleng women. It was very touching. Cherno Omar Barry, Academic/Experience in comparative literature gave his remarks. He said the comparative literature analyst reads many books and analyse their strengths and weaknesses. He advised that Authors should guard and not influence the characters.  He gave the example of the vulture experience at Senegambia where every participant wrote a different story about the vulture. Mr. Barry said that the literary critique looks at every aspect of the story; the style, space, standard but he/she might be right or wrong.  Swaebou Conateh, a journalist and Media Executive also read a portion of his writing and briefed participants about the Ndaanan’s newsletter triumphs and tribulations. Mr. Conateh said he has published many poems, short stories, drama and made many literary reviews. The closing ceremony was done by Mr. Yahya Jobe. He applauded the fiction writing workshop as first of its kind in the Gambia. He said he is also impressed by the enthusiasm and zeal shown by young, middle aged and old writers. Mr. Jobe said the skills, knowledge and experience gained will make writers better ambassadors of peace. Mr. Jobe commended Dr. Lenrie Peters and said he is being celebrated because of his literary works. He said experience and world history has shown that the pen is mighty and can make things happen. The workshop ended with the awarding of certificates of attendance to participants.  There was a great bond and friendship between the participants.