Bridging Nations Through Stories by Botho Bridget Tumaeletse

Participating in the African Writers Trust (AWT) short course in writing, editing, and publishing in Kampala, Uganda, was a profound experience that far exceeded my expectations. The week-long training, from October 15th to 20th, 2024, offered me invaluable lessons on storytelling, editing, and the intricacies of the publishing world. The scenic venue, Hotsprings Villas Hotel, brought together writers from different parts of Africa, creating an atmosphere filled with creativity, learning, and cultural exchange.

A Deep Dive into Storytelling: Crafting a Good Story

As a first-time writer, I was eager to learn the fundamentals of writing and how to transform my thoughts into powerful narratives. Otieno and Goretti, our experienced facilitators, provided us with a detailed and practical understanding of how to craft a story that resonates with readers. From plot development to character building and creating emotional depth, they guided us through each step, helping us refine our writing.

What stood out to me was the collaborative learning environment. I had the opportunity to engage with fellow writers from East Africa, an experience that broadened my perspective. As someone from Southern Africa, specifically Botswana, I found it fascinating seeing how our different cultural contexts shape the stories we tell.

The peer review sessions were challenging and inspiring. We exchanged feedback on each other’s excerpts. Being critiqued and providing feedback opened my eyes to the areas that I could improve and gave me a deep appreciation for the diversity of African stories.

The Art of Editing: Turning Raw Ideas into Polished Gems

Writing may start with inspiration, but editing is where the true magic happens. Under Otieno’s expert guidance, we delved into the editing process. For me, this was one of the most valuable parts of the training. Editing is about much more than fixing grammar. It’s about refining the text’s structure, flow, and meaning. I learned how to make hard decisions, cutting out parts that didn’t serve the story while ensuring the core message remained intact.

The editing skills I gained will be crucial as I continue to work on my manuscript. I will carry forward the ability to self-edit while also knowing when to seek external help in my writing journey.

The Business of Publishing: Opening New Doors

The course wasn’t just about the craft of writing; it also covered the business side of publishing, an area I had little knowledge of before. Crystal’s session on developing a marketing strategy for a book was an eye-opener. As writers, we often focus solely on creating, but knowing how to promote our work is just as important. Learning how to position my book in the market, build an audience, and make a brand around my work were lessons I never expected to be so integral.

Bieke’s insights into trading international rights and pitching to literary agents added another dimension to my understanding of the publishing world. I realized that the opportunity for my work to reach global audiences was not as distant as I had once thought. Knowing how to pitch my book and navigate the complexities of international publishing has given me the confidence to explore avenues I hadn’t previously considered.

Joel Billionaire’s session on understanding the book production process completed the picture. From the technical aspects of producing a book to choosing the right publishing house, Joel’s expertise provided us with a detailed roadmap to getting our stories into print.

Cultural Exchange: Bridging the Gap Between Southern and East Africa

One of the most enriching aspects of the course was the opportunity to meet and work with writers from various East African countries including Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, Sudan, and South Sudan. Coming from Botswana, it was a unique experience for me to engage with such a diverse group of African storytellers. We shared different perspectives on life, culture, and identity, inevitably influencing our writing styles.

There was an unspoken understanding between us that while we came from different parts of the continent, our stories were connected by shared themes of resilience, love, struggle, and triumph. The East African writers I met welcomed me with open arms, and we bonded over our passion for storytelling. The experience of connecting with them enriched my writing and opened my eyes to the potential of cross-regional collaborations.

What I’m Taking Home to Botswana

As I prepare to return to Botswana, I am filled with excitement and a renewed sense of purpose. The AWT training has given me the skills and confidence to continue pursuing my writing goals. The lessons on storytelling and editing will serve as the foundation for my future work. But beyond the technical skills, I am bringing back something even more valuable—a vision for building a more robust literary community in Botswana.

Botswana has many untold stories waiting to be shared with the world. The knowledge I’ve gained in the publishing business will be vital to helping aspiring writers in my home country understand how to take their work to the next level. Additionally, fostering connections between Southern African and East African writers could lead to exciting collaborations and exchanges that will enrich African literature.

Conclusion: A Transformative Journey with Endless Possibilities

My time at the AWT short course has been a transformative journey. I came to the course as a beginner, unsure where my writing path would take me. Now, I leave with newfound skills, a stronger voice as a writer, and a network of supportive peers and mentors across Africa. The facilitators Otieno, Goretti, Crystal, Bieke, and Joel each played a pivotal role in shaping my learning experience, and I am deeply grateful for their insights.

Going back to Botswana, I carry with me the knowledge of how to craft and edit a story and a deeper understanding of the business of writing and publishing. I am excited to apply these lessons to my work and to inspire and empower other writers in my community. This journey is just the beginning, and I am eager to see where it will take me next.

Botho Bridget Tumaeletse is a budding writer from Botswana and public health professional. Her stories are based on true events, exploring themes of love, endurance and personal growth.

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