On writing and reading culture

R

ecently, the Royal Norwegian Embassy hosted a launch of three books that won the Peer Gynt Award jointly organised by the embassy and Malawi Writers Union (Mawu).

In attendance were Shadreck Chikoti whose Azotus, The Kingdom won first prize and Jonathan Mbuna whose Pilgrims Together was third. Ananiya Ponje, the author of the second-placed Assignment, was absent.

The books were edited by Pam Thornley and judged by esteemed Malawian writers Dr James Ng’ombe and Professor Jack Mapanje as well as award-winning Zambian writer Ellen Banda Aaku.

I bought all the winning titles at the function.

Reading them has inspired me to write this article on the state of Malawian writing.

Recently, there has been debate over a dying reading culture in the country.

People read just for exams, some commentators say.

Local writers have been blamed for not writing quality literary works to stimulate the interest of literate Malawians.

With the three books, readers can no longer say local writers are no longer writing well.

Mawu and our good friends from Norway have delivered three great reads and book enthusiasts must show appreciation by buying them.

 Chikoti’s Azotus, the Kingdom is epic. Reading the thriller, I was left dazed by the talent of the 38-year-old who has the best writing years ahead of him.

His is a futuristic novel on Africa 500 years from now. It revolves around Kamoto, a citizen of Azotus Kingdom whose growing awareness of his basic human needs – for love, physical connection and freedom – unravel the future of governance and technology as a means of control.

Chikoti is leading a young generation of writers who are delving into uncommon themes just like Muthi Nhlema’s Ta’OReva, another futuristic short story that was recently voted number three in a global competition.

The future of creative writing is bright and Chikoti’s kind gives literature enthusiasts hope that Malawi can hold its own against the world.

In his 40s, Stanley Kenani was twice shortlisted for the prestigious Caine Prize.

The Chikotis, Muthis and other young men around them are surely the future of creative writing.

Creative writers need to raise the standards instead of settling for mediocrity.

Creative writing is not easy, but it requires investment in reading from the masters and being mentored by the best.

I rue the pitiable state of short stories we see in weekly newspapers these days.

Many writers are giving readers a raw deal.

There is virtually no mentorship.

It pays to subscribe to creative writing schools.

We had the late Professor Steve Chimombo’s Wasi and Desmond Dudwa Phiri’s Aggrey Memorial School.

Nowadays, there are many online schools offering lessons in creative writing-notwithstanding Mzuzu University and University of Malawi’s Chancellor College.

Apart from these, aspiring and established writers need to take personal initiatives to learn a trick or two from those that have gone ahead and succeeded in the trade.

I personally have learnt a great deal from being mentored by Chimombo, Kenani and filmmaker Shemu Joyah.

I recommend aspiring writers to read Joya’s literary works, including Madam Diseh, Abiti Saidi and Against the Howling Winds, to learn how to weave good short stories.

The ball is in writers’ hands to improve the way we write.

Thumbs up Chikoti, Mbuna and Ponje for books well written.

Theirs are valuable additions to Malawi’s literary wealth.

For fellow writers, especially aspiring ones, do not stop writing.

Write continually. There  is so much to be told. But do not write just for its own sake. The catchword is ‘quality’. That is what the world is dying for. n