Hi All

There’s a well-known adage that some folks are just “Born Story Tellers”. I’m not sure, though, that this statement is completely true. After all, everyone has a story to tell: Exhibitionists like to stand on a soapbox in places like London’s Hyde Park shouting out “hear ye, hear ye”; big drinkers relate their narrative down at the local pub –( “Have you heard the one about…”); yet others exaggerate the local scandal whilst sharing a coffee with close friends – (“Did you hear what….”). Since time immortal the best anecdotes have always been heard whilst sitting around the campfire with all the galaxies shining brightly in the heavens.

There is, however, far more satisfaction gained by an individual highlighting their tale in a play or a novel. This task, however, requires a long-term commitment and can generally only be done having spent many years reading a wide range of books of different genres.

So how does one become a good storyteller you might ask? It must start with dads reading to their young kids at bedtime. Then, maybe, giving children a chance to stand up in class and make up an impromptu tale for their fellow pupils. Important too for parents to introduce their progeny to the local library at an early age. I believe that we should all have pre-defined times or days when TVs and Cell phones are switched off so that we go out of our way to chat with partners or find that really good book.

Way back in my school days, I used to dread writing those compulsory essays that old McGeogh used to dish out to us once a week. Not only did we have to make up some interesting yarn, but we had to ensure that the grammar; placement of commas, and semicolons were done exactly as the likes of Shakespeare would have done. We were, unfortunately, never taught how to use descriptive adjectives and adverbs to enhance the readability of our essay. 

Have you ever thought about becoming an author? Compiling your autobiography or writing someone else’s biography? There are a few individuals that have had quite profound lives either by travelling the world or by being involved in their local communities – their interesting history often just follows them to the grave – forever forgotten and never repeated

I’ve always preferred reading an author’s collection of short stories as these convey the message more succinctly and can be fully savoured in just one sitting.

Regular readers of our Bambazonke Nhasi emails will have seen our recent flyers advertising for participants in our short story competition (See below for details). We have been pleasantly surprised by the great response with over 50 entries already been submitted. One of the good things about this sort of happening is that there is nothing to lose! – just put your thoughts down in an email and press send. You might turn out to be the next Wilbur Smith or Jeffrey Archer. 

Included in our panel of judges is well-known Zimbabwean playwright Rory Kilalea who has already praised a few of the submissions. Why not encourage someone in your family to enter – maybe even a joint effort? Just my thoughts. Mike G.