I'm a 43-year-old woman working at an animal welfare non-profit. I discovered writing relatively late in life, but I was always daydreaming and dreaming up big stories in my head. It simply never occurred to me that I could put it on paper.
My Story
Growing up in a poor, brown community, I was always told it was more important to be looking for a job or career that would provide financial stability, a roof over my head and food on the table.
But as soon as I finally started writing, it felt like coming home. Now I write as if I am being chased, as if I am running out of time. My fingers are not moving fast enough over the keyboard, hence a million typos, because my hands cannot keep up with the ideas whizzing in my brain.
Now I want to write authentic South African stories. I want to see our people reflected in my pages. I want to read about Table Mountain and Koesisters, and 'awe, my bru.' I want stories about love, magic, and front teeth. There is more to us than our shared trauma and pain brought about by apartheid.
When I joined the Wordsmiths writing group, I had no idea I would find a safe space, friendship and community. I now feel braver to share my words with the world.
