Have you ever read a book so good you wished you could meet the author? Did you ever wonder what it would be like to meet them and what sorts of questions you would ask them?
I have had the privilege of meeting some of my favourite writers. I used to think that when you meet a writer whose book you have read, you should ask them smart questions about their work. On my first meeting with one of my favourite writers, whom I had appointed as my mentor and writing guru, I had prepared a list of questions and even dreamed about the responses the night before. I thought I had to have a ‘decent talk’ with this person lest they regret wasting their time meeting me. I was wrong.
My first interactions with various writers led me to realize that writers, despite their extraordinary gift for painting stories with words, are also human beings, and they appreciate a casual CONVERSATION.
Yes, writers like to talk to their readers in a normal, yet meaningful way, without the pressure to sound 'smart', 'intelligent', or 'profound'. There is no doubt that a writer appreciates it when a reader walks up to them and says, "Hey, I read your book," and commends their work. Yet they also want to relax and use the daily, spoken language instead of being 'scholarly' and giving answers to everything under the sun.
With its 'Conversations With The Author' initiative, The South State Theatre is hoping to accomplish this goal, bringing together authors and readers, as well as aspiring writers, and having them engage and share their stories, and ideas, as well as open up a platform for expressing their appreciation for literature and art in general while encouraging and promoting the culture of reading.
Having been to many book launches, most of which take place in a library or coffee shop, I must admit that the 'Conversations With The Author' are done in a way I have never seen done by other institutions. Plus, the events take place in Africa's largest theatre, which is already home to artists and the arts.
Moderator Tebogo Ditinti is a writer, arts and culture critic, and judge for the Naledi Theatre Awards. I spoke to her about the work she does.
"I have read every single book whose author I have had to host in these engagements," Ditinti says.
"I take lessons from every book and every conversation."
Ditinti describes the experience of being a part of such an important task as incredible. She also credits Mr Aubrey Sekhabi, the artistic director at the institution, and the entire team of decision-makers.
She states: "Mr Sekhabi believes that writers create art, as every form of art, be it a dance piece, a drama play, a musical or a poem, starts with a written text.". Someone has to put words on paper for someone to further create something out of it. So it is necessary to honour writers by creating a space for them and their readers”.
Since its founding in November 2021, Conversations With The Author has launched 10 books from different authors and Ditinti says each encounter has been a learning experience in its own right. Her recent engagement on June 11 was one of the most intimate celebrations she has ever hosted. Having attended the said event myself, I was also deeply affected by the experience.
The launch was for Niq Mhlongo's new book, 'For You I Would Steal A Goat'. What a title!
Mhlongo is charismatic on paper and in person. Whether you interact with him in person or read his vivid and engaging stories, you always learn something new. Those in attendance could attest to this.
There was a young man who introduced himself as Ngwako, an aspiring writer who also enjoys Mhlongo's literature.
The unmistakable hunger for success of this young man touched me. I heard it in his voice and saw it in his eyes. Later, when I met him, I could see he was full of confidence. He had been assured by Mhlongo. This also conveys the feeling that the gatherings are accomplishing their purpose.
Sello Maake kaNcube, Nthikeng Mohlele, Bhekisisa Mncube and Dr Siphiwo Mahala graced the launch.
It's amazing to see the brotherhood that exists between Mhlongo and Dr Mahala. In the most hilarious ways, they described how they met, travelled the world together, and were inspired by each other's work.
The first thing I noticed about Dr Mahala, who also launched his new book, Can Themba - The Making And Breaking Of An Intellectual Tsotsi, in the same space last month, was the respect and humility he displayed.
He sat with his elbows atop his knees and, except when he spoke or gestured, his hands together, leaning forward a bit. According to African culture, this posture is meant to show respect and to say, "Today you are the host and I am your guest".
Rather than focusing on a specific genre of book, Ditinti states the initiative is looking for stories that people can relate to, stories that establish dialogue on different issues in communities and because it is both an educational and an informative platform, inspiring and well-researched topics should be encouraged.
We want to encourage writers to bring their work," Ditinti says with a smile.
"Let's talk about your stories and we'd like to invite the reading community into the space".
“I will be doing interviews with community radio stations and getting the word out to the communities so that they can get involved,” she says excitedly.
At the end of our conversation, I asked if there was a specific author she would like to host before the year ends, and her face lit up as she said, "Yes, Jackie Phamotse". She considers Phamotse to be one of the country's most influential women.
But she also emphasizes that this body of work may not be looking to host only big names in the writing industry, but also undiscovered and upcoming writers.
Discussions with the Author are held monthly at the South African State Theatre, Pretoria, and they are free of charge. You can follow the State Theatre's social media pages and Tebogo Ditinti's Facebook page for updates.
