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Storymoja Blog & Kenyan Conversations 5 & 6

Storymoja — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 18:02:06 +0000

People keep asking me how I handle writer’s block. I tell them I don’t. Because I never get writer’s block. I get a massive wall standing between me and that article that’s supposed to be at the editor’s desk first thing in the morning.

Now I am afraid of heights, so scaling a wall is quite a feat. But when I was in my teens, my brother kept telling me that there is no other way to beat your fears, except facing them head on. That would explain the two or three times we jumped off the cliff at the Mtwana Cove, into sea water that was murky with sea weed. The first time I nearly drowned.

No, I am not saying that you should go jump off a high rise building to beat your writer’s block. But the plain truth is, writer’s block does not indicate an empty creative reservoir. It only means that fear is holding your creative energy hostage; fear that your article/novel/book will not be good enough for your readers, that that bitchy editor won’t like it and will send you back to the writing board (insert other fear related to writing here).

So how to beat that fear. Again, don’t jump off high points unless you really like the thrill, and have a parachute or glider. Even then, get some lessons first. In the meantime, try this:

1. Take a walk. Move away from your writing for a while. Sitting in that chair all night will not help. Trust me, I know. I’ve had a few of those nights myself. Yes. DEADLINE!!! But sitting there writing one letter every hour won’t help you get past the wall.

2. Read. Find books with topics close to the one you are writing about. You know how you get so excited about a new release, so you out and buy it, then come home and find it is so not what you expected. Take that book, try seeing what you would have done different had you been a writer. If it helps, put on a pair of glasses just like the one your editor looks over at you in that haughty, ‘I am so much better than you’ way.

3. Ask for help. Call a friend, not neccesarily a writing buddy, just someone intelligent who does not have a grudge against you. Bounce ideas of them. Listen to what they say. It helps when you look at things from someone else’s perspective. And have fun while you are at it.

4. Try re-reading your work. That is, if you had actually written something and gotten stuck in the middle. If not, skip this part. Looking at your work in new light gives you a chance to re-think the direction you are taking. Don’t let the fear of re-writing stop you. After all, as a writer, you always want your work to reflect excellence all the time. So give it that time.

5. Lighten up. I know, number 4 probably didn’t work and it sent you right down to murky sea water levels. So get some comic relief. Watch a funny movie, or sitcom. Read a funny book. Anything to raise your spirits so can go on to number 6 below.

6. Use your imagination. Put your pen down, shut off your computer. Lean back in that chair. Close your eyes and visualise those scenes. If you are not the type that has a developed daydream ability, trust me, writing will always be tough. So let your ‘imagination’ run wild for a few minutes.

7. Write another section of the story/article. I always partition my writing into parts. It helps me see the whole picture. I even have this board, where I put the sections up, and then try to synchronise them in mind and on paper. Sometimes, when I am stuck in one scene, I go ahead and write a scene that is far ahead. I find that is a great way to stimulate those creative juices. Of course, you must go back and double check on continuity. Otherwise, a character you killed off in section 5 might walk in when you are in section 12.

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8. In line with no 7, Work your Outline. If you are like many writers, you have probably already made your outline or sketch of the entire story. Looking at it again or tweaking it can spark your creativity again. I once went back to my writing and reviewed some of the things that I still needed to write about and began to work towards them. It got me over the wall and made me take several of the big steps I needed to take to move the plot along.

9. Plan things: Let’s say for example, one of the scenes in your story involves a funeral, where the real killer shows up, and reveals something that leads the police to arrest him. Plan that funeral. Planning helps you to create realistic scenes. As you plan, you will likely be able to see exactly which point the revelation should come. Planning also helps you to make those scenes as realistic as possible. Better still it unleashes your creative juice, that adrenaline you need to scale that wall.

10. I know, I know, this is the number one tip for writer’s block, but IT WORKS! Sitting down and writing SOMETHING can really get the juices pumping and get you ready to move on. So sit down and start writing.

Now that we have painted the wall a nice soothing colour, let us turn to the Kenyan Conversations.

The Stories below were entered into the Storymoja/Generation Kenya – Kenyan Conversations Contest last week. Please read them, and vote on them to choose the story that will be entered into the Kenyan Conversations Final Judging Round.

Imminent Freedom by Chiira Maina: “Well, the ball is now in your court,” Joseph shrugged and was about to turn when he decided that a last attempt at making his cousin change mind would not hurt at all.

The Mysterious Visitor by Beth Nduta: The previous night everything was normal and no one had even the slightest idea that such a hideous event could take place. I remember we were at home slowly taking our breakfast when the sirens of the police car and ambulance shattered the peaceful atmosphere.

The Monster by Beatrice Wainaina: My room stinks. It reeks of my mistakes. I should not have left her. My husband is a monster . . . was I mean? I came home from the dairy to find him on her. He was ploughing her like a farmer would the earth in dry season; hard and with determination. She was five.

The Gentleman’s Club by Clifton Anthony Gashagua: They come here everyday like stray dogs leaving the comfort of their kennels at home to play in the cul-de-sac. Tole is the oldest. A retired soldier with a mind like an imaginarium, he claims to have met Queen Victoria and fought in the East African Campaign against von Lettow-Vorbeck’s forces.

Remember, when you see the photos up, you can comment on the blog under the picture on the Storymoja Blog orSend in a story or dialogue that is not more than 500 words long to blogs@storymojaafrica.co.ke. Clearly mark in the subject Contemporary/Kenyan Conversations (Insert Number indicated)

The prize details are as follows:

1st Prize: 2000/-, 2 Storymoja books and 1 complimentary day pass to the Storymoja Hay Festival

2nd Prize: 1500/-, 1 Storymoja book, and 1 Complimentary day pass to the Storymoja Hay Festival

3rd Prize: 1000/-, and 1 complimentary Day Pass to the Storymoja Hay Festival

3 complimentary day passes for best comments on the pictures.

Be Part of the Kenyan Conversation! For more details, write to juliet@storymojaafrica.co.ke

Click on this banner to see the Generation Kenya Website

The Second Storymoja Writing for Children Workshop: Sat July 31st – Saturday Sept 11th

Storymoja — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 10:56:33 +0000

Congratulations to the following participants of our last workshop whose books are to be published: Edwin Nyakundi, Reeves Kibet, Faith Gatimi, Joan Kabugu and Doreen Baingana. Their books will be launched at the Storymoja Hay Festival which runs from 1st – 3rd October, 2010.

Our Second Storymoja Writing for Children Workshop will start on 31st July, 2010. We will meet for 3 hours on Saturdays, 10am-1pm, and for 2 hours on Mondays from 6pm – 8pm. Although the skill acquired will apply to all fiction-writing, the workshop will concentrate on developing series-books for the 10-14 year age range.

The objectives of the workshop:

· To help interested writers learn critical craft skills to improve their fiction writing

· To encourage writers with the potential of developing engaging stories for children to aim for publication

· To publish at least six books written by participants as an outcome of the workshop

The workshop leader is Muthoni Garland.

The cost of attending the workshop is Ksh 12,000. We will offer partial to full scholarships to those unable to pay the full amount but show great promise. Please submit a sample of your work for consideration to densu@storymojaafrica.co.ke.

If we accept the work you develop during the workshop for publication, Storymoja will work with you to edit your work to international quality, offer standard author royalties and aggressively market your book.

Apply now!

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Launch of Pepe Minambo’s second book ‘Inspired for Greatness’

Storymoja — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 10:39:57 +0000

His book will be available during the launch at Kshs 500/-

Pepe Minambo cordially invites you to the launch of second book ‘Inspired for Greatness’ on 29th July, 2010 10 at KICC Ampitheatre from 5.30pm.

“Pepe Minambo has a unique and inspiring way of communicating with readers. He is one of the most outstanding authors I have met in the recent past, his books are thought-provoking and life-changing! His first book has sold over 14, 000 copies in 10 months. I highly recommend his new book.” – Daniel Wabala, CEO Flame Keepers Publishing Company.

This book is your license to greatness. Read it, internalise it, and see your life soar to greater heights.” This book will be available during the launch at Kshs 500/-

Story of the Week – Kenyan Conversations 3 & 4

Storymoja — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 18:17:57 +0000

You have voted! Carlos the Jackal by Chrispus Kimaru is this week’s chosen story. You can read it after the Kenyan Conversations reminder. Congratulations Alex!

Kenyan Conversations continues. As announced earlier that we will be posting two photos a week on Tuesday and Thursday.

Comment under the picture on the Storymoja Blog or Send in a story or dialogue that is not more than 500 words long. Send in your story or dialogue to blogs@storymojaafrica.co.ke. Clearly mark in the subject Contemporary/Kenyan Conversations (insert number indicated)

The prize details are as follows:

1st Prize: 2000/-, 2 Storymoja books and 1 complimentary day pass to the Storymoja Hay Festival

2nd Prize: 1500/-, 1 Storymoja book, and 1 Complimentary day pass to the Storymoja Hay Festival

3rd Prize: 1000/-, and 1 complimentary Day Pass to the Storymoja Hay Festival

3 complimentary day passes for best comments on the pictures.

Although we will not be accepting any more story/dialogues based on the photos posted on Tuesday 20th July and Thursday 22nd July, you can still comment on the photographs and stand the chance to win Kshs 2000/-, Storymoja Books and tickets to the Storymoja Hay Festival coming up soon. Be on the lookout for the photographs that will go online this week, comment on them and send in your story dialogues to participate in the contest.

Have a look at the contest guidelines here before you send in your piece.

May the best writer win!

This contest is ran in partnership with Generation Kenya.

Carlos the Jackal by Chrispus Kimaru

Photo by Jerry Riley. Click on image or Visit http://www.jerryriley.com/blog to see more pictures of kenya

“No, it can’t be, this can’t be me, not again, please Lord,” his self-pity was engulfing him. Kanga was seated in the empty Kampala coaches’ lobby. The usual hub of activity was no more; everyone was out in the streets drinking in the rumours. The sirens outside were at pitch high like angry chirrups. A well of tears threatened to gush out as he felt his helplessness. More bodies were being pulled out of the hotels and a lump of bile started burning up his throat.

***

The advert had asked for energetic, graduates to serve as messengers. Having tarmacked unsuccessfully, he had applied and funny enough, was called for an interview and clinched the job. The company explained that it dealt in security apparatus and the information was very sensitive. Being desperate as he was, he saw nothing sinister in handing in his authentic national documents and working under a new name entirely. The old Simon Karuma was gone and in came Carlos Kanga. He happily delivered the first package to a popular hotel in the outskirts of Nairobi little did he know that it was in fact his induction into a deadly odyssey.

***

“Kanga, we need to emphasize your utmost confidentiality at every point in your job. We pay you well and so, we don’t want you talking about your job out of these walls, is that understood?” the manager of Spec International had been emphatic when he requested to sign contractual documents. The change of didn’t strike him as odd. He however smelt something fishy and the horror of drug cartels manipulating jobless youths started trickling in. When he submitted his resignation letter a few weeks later, Bako’s reaction was swift and cool. He calmly threw a newspaper article on a grenade explosion at the hotel he had delivered a package to a month back,

“Does this look familiar? You happen to have delivered something there and later…boom! Three people died by the way,” the weight of realization hit the young man like a pungent gust from a sewer,

“Sir, what are you saying? You made me…kill innocent people? Why, why? I have to report this” he was frantic and his heart was almost stopping.

“Kanga, I told you, this is a job for strong, get my drift? You and I are now joined at the waist and if you try anything silly…you might be looking at the electric chair!” Bako had a wry smile but the evil beneath was obvious.

“And now, I have some packages which you are to deliver to Kampala Uganda, such a good town, are you watching the final game by any chance?”

***

“Why me, lord? What to do? Wait for another delivery and shed more blood? Mahutini Hotel, Uhuru Park and now this?”As Kanga thought of Bako waiting for him back in Nairobi, he wished he had died in the blasts instead of killing innocent football fans.

©Chrispus Kimaru

If you would like this piece to be the Story of the Week, please vote below on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being weak, and 10 being excellent. The numbers will be tallied on Friday and the story with the highest figure shall be Crowned Story of the Week. Be sure to fill in your name and verifiable email. You can include your critique/comment after the vote.

Storymoja Hay Festival Poetry Competition

Storymoja — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:13:35 +0000

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Pay Attention, Serious Writer – Kenyan Conversations

Storymoja — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 16:11:07 +0000

You are done with your novel. You are excited, and anticipate seeing your book in print. After all the hard work, you just can’t wait!

So where should you submit your novel, the work of your hands, this creation that you sweated blood over? Go through the list of publishers… Hm, Storymoja looks like a good bet. Send in the novel. No, your work is a short story for a magazine or an annual anthology? Send it in to your magazine or publisher of choice! You should be published by next month, right?

Whoa. Hold up. If you are a serious writer, it’s time to sit up and pay attention: editors will not read your work if you have not followed the guidelines. There is no, “the rules don’t apply to me.”

Small publications average 300 + pieces of mail a week. Larger publications can sometimes reach into the thousands. Editors simply don’t have time to think twice about your work if you have not bothered to follow guidelines they so carefully set up.

The first thing an editor will look at is word count - if you have even bothered to include it. Anyone who has been at this a long time can tell immediately by weight whether it’s too long or not, so dodging or omitting the word count will not earn you friends. It will certainly influence editors, just not the way you wanted.

If you’ve managed to keep within their word count, they will then look at the manuscript. If it is single-spaced or handwritten, that’s as far as you’ll ever get. It goes immediately into the slush pile to receive the standard, “Not for us” form letter or email.

Thank goodness. You’ve passed both of those. The editor will then proceed to read your work. If you have ignored the publisher’s guidelines, your baby is going out. Oh yeah, the dreaded rejection letter.

Example: Your work is a cozy mystery but the magazine you send it to prints only hardboiled crime fiction. Or it is asci-fi thriller and you sent to a publisher that publishes fantasies. This one is quite a common – your short story contains graphic sexual and violent content, and you send it to a family magazine.

All of the above applies to contests as well. Guidelines get ignored; writer is disqualified. If you are a serious writer, and you want to see your work in print, then don’t ignore a magazine or publishing house’s guidelines. Editors look at it this way: you’re not serious about following guidelines, you are playing at being a writer and there are hundreds of manuscripts by serious writers who pay attention and do it right waiting in the mailbox on a daily basis. Those writers will get the publication that should have been yours had you simply followed the rules.

Stop spinning your wheels and wasting editors’ time (not to mention your own) and follow the guidelines to the smallest detail. When you do that, you can rest assured the editor will read your submission and your acceptance letters may surpass your rejection letters. That is unless you are aiming at getting Guinness book record rejections.

The Stories below were entered into the Storymoja/Generation Kenya – Kenyan Conversations Contest last week. Please read them, and vote on them to choose the story that will be entered into the Kenyan Conversations Final Judging Round.

Feelers by Mwangi Ichungwa: After crushing the large cockroach underfoot, he stepped outside his shack to take a gander at the evening light, radiance he could not get inside his smoky, dingy dwelling and looked…

If the Wind could Tell by Elizabeth Ombati: Shhh; don’t answer darling. Such a nuisance Mama Nyaguthii is. She doesn’t know you go to school? By the way, how is Form 1?

Carlos the Jackal: The advert had asked for energetic, graduates to serve as messengers. Having tarmacked unsuccessfully, he had applied and funny enough, was called for an interview and clinched the job.

Learning by Claire Githu: I should be in class. I should be out there trying to grab the world by the balls. Try to better myself. Be better than these conniving leeches who thrive on the sweat of their…

Suicide Note by Julius Muriungi: He had met her three years back when she was sweet sixteen, and with a few nice shoes and niceties he had won her cheap love. With his tender care she blossomed into a beaut…

The prize details are as follows:

1st Prize: 2000/-, 2 Storymoja books and 1 complimentary day pass to the Storymoja Hay Festival

2nd Prize: 1500/-, 1 Storymoja book, and 1 Complimentary day pass to the Storymoja Hay Festival

3rd Prize: 1000/-, and 1 complimentary Day Pass to the Storymoja Hay Festival

3 complimentary day passes for best comments on the pictures.

Be Part of the Kenyan Conversation! For more details, write to juliet@storymojaafrica.co.ke

Click on this banner to see the Generation Kenya Website

Story of the Week – Kenyan Conversations 1 & 2

Storymoja — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:36:41 +0000

You have voted! Illicit by Alex Mutua is this week’s chosen story. Congratulations Alex! You can read the winning story below after the reminder on the contest.

Kenyan Conversations continues. As announced earlier that we will be posting two photos a week on Tuesday and Thursday.

The prize details are as follows:

1st Prize: 2000/-, 2 Storymoja books and 1 complimentary day pass to the Storymoja Hay Festival

2nd Prize: 1500/-, 1 Storymoja book, and 1 Complimentary day pass to the Storymoja Hay Festival

3rd Prize: 1000/-, and 1 complimentary Day Pass to the Storymoja Hay Festival

3 complimentary day passes for best comments on the pictures.

Although we will not be accepting any more story/dialogues based on the photos posted on Tuesday 13th July and Thursday 15th July, you can still comment on the photographs and stand the chance to win Kshs 2000/-, Storymoja Books and tickets to the Storymoja Hay Festival coming up soon. Be on the lookout for the photographs that will go online this week, comment on them and send in your story dialogues to participate in the contest.

Have a look at the contest guidelines here before you send in your piece.

May the best writer win!

This contest is ran in partnership with Generation Kenya.

Illicit by Alex Mutua

Photo by Jerry Riley. Visit http://www.jerryriley.com/blog to see more pictures of kenya

(Mr. Njogu the mechanic read it. He is sited at watching the sky. His boss, Luke Markarius sees him.)

Njogu: (whispering to himself) Mundu, Ngai fafa, what are these clowns up to.

Markarius: Njogu what is it? You are not working and you are talking to yourself.

Njogu: Gatheti, boss, MPs are on it again, millioni imwe, tax free! Rehe gatheti iyo!

Markarius: We are used to that we business men…it is one of the old clichés!

Njogu: Crichi ni nduu, do you know the burden we are carrying? Mkenya mdharendo?

Markarius: I know, I know. (Looks at the paper.)

Njogu: Dhukuru are being closed, thigari are asking for more, na university want more bread.

Markarius: Wait we see, treasury can not allow that to happen (thoughtful).

Njogu: Mani…Anything can happen ia, kwari, maize scandal, na anglo leasing. Na mwabatha – porti. Yaani guku, anything can happen, si they bought Ocampo na bia cia Kenya, where is he?

Markarius: Njogu, you know so much, where do you get all that?

Njogu: Media cia ghetto and they want too to control redio too…aguruki, MPs are mad…me ndiui! But in my life time I might not make a million…

Markarius: Its time to vote with conscious and conscience …for the draft Njogu.

Njogu: (laughing) ha! Ha! Ha! Boss… I am thinking twice this time, see what happen last time we voted.

Markarius: I’m proud to be a Kenyan…

Njogu: Eh! Good for you…Na we are now citizen ma East Africa…

Markarius: Yah that reminds me, we need to extend our wings, there is hope.

Njogu: Then you err… increase my Salo…boss. Maisha hii ya Kenya has sky rocketed.

Markarius: What…but I increased your salary last month to 12000bob!

Njogu: Mwathani! Ksh12, 000 versus ksh1, 000, 000. Tell me, can’t you see some weirdness, boss?

Markarius: Me. Luke Markarius. Add you more money! The budget doesn’t even recognize small time traders, Njogu.

Njogu: Al-shaabab are employing Kenyan bothi…see! I have an option.

Markarius: What are you saying, Njogu? (angry voice)

Njogu: Weeh! Si hata gava na kanitha wali intermarry na Mugiki… see boss ino ni Kenya njeru.

Markarius: Wait, this is not funny.

Njogu: Tunatesana, tunauana, tunapendana na kura…tuna vote…that’s funny boss.

Markarius: That your head is bloody heavy, aren’t you afraid of dying of burden?

Njogu: I have a seven year old politician son and a four year old daughter who want to be a sexy model.

Markarius: Oh my gosh, Njogu!

Njogu: She said that to me, kartuni…cuando seas mia soaps…this TV is killing a young minds.

Markarius: Then ban the machine from your house. (Throwing hands up.)

Njogu: Have tried but my wife deprived me my conjugal err… rights boss.

Markarius: Ha ! Ha! Ha!

Njogu: Bothi. Mwathani…what is funny?

Markarius: Your wife…what is she?

Njogu: She calls herself the liberated ‘woman’ (laughing) and freed by the constitution rights.

Markarius: Go back to work; equality is knocking the door.

Njogu: But I punched her a little, muruthi wa nyumba it’s me! That African law stands!

Markarius: Haiya!

©Alex Mutua 2010

Song of Victims of Xenophobia in South Africa by Nixon Mateulah

Storymoja — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 06:47:14 +0000

he emerges out

surveys far and wide

like a bird from its nest

new bright day before him

alas! retreat back

amidst plucked

flying feathers.

taut traps stretched by the feeds

invisible stares and nets

hidden for me

I rather starve or fly away

and have a modicum

of peace

their footpath I travel not

nor in my world can live

invented himself a gun

and a catapult for me

to reach at my

zenith nest.

why now they encircle us

with burning tyres?

pelt us as we fly by

defecating on their heads

our natural gesture of goodwill.

then knives criss-crosses our necks

our funerals celebrated with wine

yet our sister hen warns us not

yet lives among them

deserters of path of virtue.

In the light of rumours that South Africans are preparing to stage yet another barbaric campaign of Xenophobic Violence soon after the World Cup 2010, Nixon Mateulah condemns this acts in this poem and asks Kenyans: writers, poets, philanthropists, human rights activists to join in condemning such violence.

Free training for film & TV art directors/ production designers

Storymoja — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 05:41:16 +0000

FilmAfrica has had a fairly good response to our invitation to the FilmAfrica workshops in all departments – except Production Design. This particular department is in danger of being cancelled unless we get more applications…. and we know training is needed and wanted out there for those of you who work in art department.

The tutor leading this 2 week workshop worked on The International (Clive Owen/Naomi Watts) and Perfume (Dustin Hoffman). This workshop could make the difference for you to move from being stand by props person or wardrobe assistant to a fully fledged Production Designer. The training you will get in two weeks would be worth months even years on set.

Producers & Directors – if you are find well trained art department / production designers in short supply – please prompt those you know with talent and experience in art department to apply for the workshop. This is of benefit to the whole industry here.

This is open to folks from all over and for those outside Nairobi, transport / accommodation will be provided.

Still taking applications for all seven departments – which are

1. Directing

2. Producing

3. Scriptwriting

4. Editing

5. Sound

6. Production Design

7. Cinematography

Go to www.film-africa.org to apply. (Don’t forget the hyphen)

21st September to 1st October

We will pay travel and accom costs for those coming from outside NBO

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Storymoja Blog – Writing Conversations

Storymoja — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 23:16:43 +0000

The following tips are borrowed from About.com. I have just mentioned the points in brief so be sure to go online and read up on the tips to great dialogues.

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Writing dialogue — realistic dialogue, anyway — does not come easily to everyone. Done well, dialogue advances the story and fleshes out the characters while providing a break from straight exposition.

However, just as realistic dialogue is one of the most powerful tools at a writer’s disposal, nothing pulls the reader out of a story faster than bad dialogue. It takes time to develop a good ear, but noting these simple rules and obvious pitfalls can make a huge difference.

1. Listen to How People Talk: Having a sense of natural speech patterns is essential to good dialogue. Start to pay attention to the expressions that people use and the music of everyday conversation.

2. Not Exactly like Real Speech: A transcription of a conversation would be completely boring to read. Edit out the filler words and unessential dialogue — that is, the dialogue that doesn’t contribute to the plot in some way.

3. Don’t Provide Too Much Info at Once: It should not be obvious to the reader that they’re being fed important facts. Let the story unfold naturally.

4. Break Up Dialogue with Action: Remind your reader that your characters are physical human beings by grounding their dialogue in the physical world.

5. Don’t Overdo Dialogue Tags: Veering too much beyond “he said/she said” only draws attention to the tags — and you want the reader’s attention centered on your brilliant dialogue, not your ability to think of synonyms for “said.”

6. Stereotypes, Profanity, and Slang: Be aware of falling back on stereotypes, and use profanity and slang sparingly. All of these risk distracting or alienating your reader.

7. Read Widely: Pay attention to why things work or don’t work. Where are you taken out of the story’s action? Where did you stop believing in a character?

8. Punctuate Dialogue Correctly: The rules for punctuating dialogue can be confusing: many writers need help getting them right in the beginning. Take some time to learn the basics.

Speaking of conversations, The Kenyan Conversations Writing Contest is still on. As you may have noticed there is quite a bit of dialogue going on in the comments section under the photographs we posted last week.

Here are the stories/dialogues that have been accepted into the contest. The stories/dialogues will be published with the photos on which they are based. Please comment on the pieces, encourage and advice the author, and vote using our Storymoja Scale described under the pieces.

1. Illicict by Alex Mutua: Me. Luke Markarius. Add you more money! The budget doesn’t even recognize small time traders, Njogu.

2. Liquidation by Christine Yienya: ”You and I are the owners of this yard; we just pick one container put the debes in, lock it and keep the keys. Then after one week…..’

3. Not Easily Broken by Nyawira Njenga: I had heard of the sad news at my charcoal stall in the market. Nantondo, the village chief rumour monger had filled me in.

4. No More Shallow Graves by Julius Muriungi: On the other end, inside Snit-Tam transport company offices in industrial area, a heavily built man sat before a laptop with a mug of coffee in his left hand

5. Storm is Coming by Eddy Ngeta: Heavy gusts of wind sweep over the abandoned container depot hurling dust and sundry debris into the faces of the two men seated on an old, oil-plastered workman’s bench…

Although we will not be accepting any more story/dialogues based on the photos posted on Tuesday 6th July and Thursday 8th July, you can still comment on the photographs and stand the chance to win Kshs 2000/-, Storymoja Books and tickets to the Storymoja Hay Festival coming up soon. Be on the lookout for the photographs that will go online this week, comment on them and send in your story dialogues to participate in the contest.

We reiterate the contest rules below:

Twice a week, on Tuesday and on Thursday, we will post a photograph on the Storymoja Blog (www.storymojaafrica.wordpress.com) and on Generation Kenya (www.generationkenya.co.ke) website. These photographs will be of Kenyan People, in Kenyan Scenes, talking about Kenya.

You can do two things:

Comment on the picture, tell us what you think is going on in the picture, what the people in the photographs might be talking about. Keep it brief, and come back to see what others have said. If you find an issue that you care about has been brought up, please comment, and stay to have a conversation.

Send us a story or dialogue based on the photograph. Your story or dialogue, if chosen will be published on the Storymoja Blog as part of a combined Contemporary Kenya/Kenyan Conversations Campaign. Weekly winners will be announced every Friday.

Guidelines for Participation:

Comment on the blog under the picture on the Storymoja Blog.

Send in a story or dialogue that is not more than 500 words long.

Send in your story or dialogue to blogs@storymojaafrica.co.ke. Clearly mark in the subject Contemporary/Kenyan Conversations (include the number indicated on the photos).

Have a wonderful week!