STORYMOJA

The writer’s journey is a long one, and as a friend of mine puts it, read this with an accent from the ghetto, “Haina doo maze. Hata JK Rowling alihata kwanza.” There is no money in writing. JK Rowlings took a while before the pounds rolled in.

So what keeps us writing? Is it the obsessive compulsion? Is it the hope of the £, ¢, $, Kshs? Is it the need to voice your opinions? Is the the need to be the voice of reason for a society constantly in trouble?

Whatever your reasons and drives, there is one thing common for all writers. The need to grow in skill and presentation, no matter how long you have been writing. Goals, inspiration and compulsions might change, but to fulfill the role of a writer it is important to develop, evolve, grow into better heights. Otherwise our writing becomes static, stale, boring…

Remember this as you read the pieces for this week. Remember this as you write the comments to other people’s writing. Do not break, help to grow. Tomorrow it will be your space. You will need the same.

The story of the week comes from Dr. Lukoye Atwoli. Hanging the Past struck me as the making of a great serial killer thriller, beyond Patricia Cornwell, Tami Hoag, Elmore Leonard… set in this familiar country that we know, love and sometimes sigh for.

As she took her last step, she uttered a bloodcurdling shriek which was broken almost as soon as it started. There was a snapping sound, like a breaking twig, as she plunged into the gaping hole at the end of ‘the walk’. I turned to the doctor with a wry smile as he appeared from an adjoining room and with a hand washing motion, signaled to him that it was all over.

Then Sandra Mushi, our Tanzanian friend, send us into mama’s prayers of gratitude for the gifts she receive, some good, some not so good in Gifts for Mama.

Back to Killing, A time to kill or be killed, by Marvin K. Tumbo takes us back to the discussion board on the Oscar Foundation killings, and the ripples beyond.

Bling Bling Beggar by Faith Oneya is a funny description of not so funny landmarks in our city.

What I want you to know, by Wairimu Mukuria is the voice of a mother doing her best to explain an absentee father.

Here’s wishing you a pleasant reading and lots of growth in your writing!

P.S. Note that the actual dates for the rescheduled Cut off my Tongue Show are Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22, April 2009. We are sincerely sorry for the earlier miscommunication. For details and tickets booking please call 020 2089595 or email info@storymojaafrica.co.ke