Two African Writers Among the 8 Winners of the 2023 RSL Literature Matters Award's

Two African writers are among the the 2023 RSL Literature Matters Awards, just announced yesterday by the Royal Society of Literature (RSL). Kenyan writer Wanja Kimani and Sierra Leonean-Irish writer Helen Thomas are the lucky winners.The Royal Society of Literature (RSL) celebrates and supports...

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Bookstore launches online platform for school books

Van Schaik Bookstore, SA's largest brick and mortar textbook retailer, has launched a new service on its website for parents to buy print and digital textbooks online.Schoolbooks Direct is an easy to use e-commerce service for parents, providing institutions' book lists as a reference, and offering...

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Stand the chance to #win one of five Exclusive Books vouchers and “slip between the covers” this festive season with a good book…

Compliments of the season: Stand the chance to win one of five Exclusive Books vouchers and "slip between the covers" this festive season with a good book… A book is the only present you can open twice: First peeling back the gift wrapping to reveal a cover and then opening the magic inside…between...

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Book Review: Newly single businessman’s perspective on the modern dating world

In his 50s, a successful businessman finds himself divorced after four decades of marriage and re-entering the world of dating. Little did he know what awaited him. Now, under the pseudonym Mr. X, he shares his escapades in great detail in his tell-all narrative, Sex and the Sixty Something Guy:...

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Step into the enchanting world of words with the Afro Poetry Times December 2023 issue. This poetic masterpiece is a Christmas dream come true for all lovers of #poetry and short stories

Step into the enchanting world of words with the Afro Poetry Times December 2023 issue. This poetic masterpiece is a Christmas dream come true for all lovers of poetry and short stories. Bursting with festive season cheer and merriment, this issue is a treasure trove of holiday magic.Immerse yourself...

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Benjamin Zephaniah tribute: A voice which echoed poetic melodies

Benjamin Zephaniah, one of Britain's best known and cherished poets, has sadly passed away at the age of 65. He was one of The Poetry Society's Vice Presidents.Dr Benjamin Obadiah Iqbal Zephaniah was born in 1958 in Birmingham and first performed poetry in a church at the age of 10. He was often classified...

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The Afro Poetry Times November 2023 issue is the perfect tonic for that ultimate #Springboks celebration

The November 2023 edition of Afro Poetry Times is a must-have for poetry enthusiasts looking to ignite their festive spirit. This captivating issue showcases the incredible journey of South African poets who have seized an opportunity and are now bound for Ireland. Additionally,...

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South African poet Koleka Putuma bounces back after 7 years

South African poet Koleka Putuma is set to release her second poetry collection titled "We Have Everything We Need to Start Again" in summer 2024. The collection will be published by Hot Key Books and will feature illustrations by Adriana Bellet. The book will address a wide range...

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Renowned Poet Dr Lawrence Hoo Leads Movement for Global Equality, Puts Africa at the Forefront

Acclaimed poet and activist, Dr Lawrence Hoo, is set to deliver a powerful poem that calls for fairness, respect, and recognition of Africa's contributions to global knowledge and research. The poem, titled A Journey Of Discovery, will be read at an event on October 31st, aimed at raising...

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An ode to the Springboks - Poem goes viral! Read the full transcript

Steve Hall, a passionate Springbok supporter and renowned motivational speaker, has once again showcased his talent with a remarkable tribute to the Springboks titled "To Find a Way." This heartfelt ode comes in the wake of the Bokke's awe-inspiring achievement of winning three consecutive...

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Meta unveils #EbaSafeOnline Comic Book in SA for parents and children

Meta, in partnership with Ethnikids Publishers, has launched its first youth and safety comic book, #EbaSafeOnline, to promote online safety. The comic book aims to empower parents and teens on how to navigate social media safely.The comic book, available in all eleven languages except sign...

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Author Mariana Zapata gets over a Quarter BILLION views on TikTok

Mariana Zapata is a former indie author who recently signed a trade deal for her latest best-selling novel, The Wall of Winnipeg and Me. She also has an excellent handle on TikTok — at last check, she had over a quarter billion views! Mariana lives in a small town in Colorado with her...

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New book gives you an energetic guide to landing your ideal job in any market

In his coaching manual for job applicants, author Parker delivers an energetic, helpful, and thought-provoking guide to improving job-applying skills. The book offers a methodical strategy for success in the job search process, from assessing marketability to mastering the interview.One...

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Book Review: The Quiet Tenant is an addictive intense thriller

THE QUIET TENANT By CLÉMENCE MICHALLON LITTLE, BROWN Aidan Thomas lives near a small town. He’s an upstanding family man who's always willing to go out of his way to help others. On top of that, he’s very attractive. But Aidan has a dark secret – he’s a kidnapper and serial killer...

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Romantic suspense features Mafia families, kidnapping and unexpected alliances

Her Rebellion by Quinn Marlowe is a thrilling and captivating addition to the New York Rogues: Rossi series. This romantic suspense novel takes readers on a wild ride through the dangerous world of warring Italian crime families in New York.The story revolves around Dante Rossi, the...

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Check out the shortlist for the 2023 South African Literary Awards!

The shortlist for the 2023 edition of the South African Literary Awards (SALA) is out. Out of the 219 submissions received, 30 titles made it to the shortlist.Founded by the wRite associates in partnership with the national Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) in 2005, the aim of SALA is...

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Nigerian actress Damilare Kuku's debut novel explores a woman's desire to renew herself with a butt lift

Nigerian actress and author Damilare Kuku is set to release her debut novel, Only Big Bumbum Matters Tomorrow, in 2024. The novel follows a strong and confident female protagonist who decides to reinvent herself through a Brazilian butt lift and a move to Lagos.The announcement of the main...

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Check Out the Beautiful Cover for South African Model Shudufhadzo Musida's New Children's Book!

South African model Shudufhadzo Musida is coming out with another children’s picture book this October titled I Am Shudu: Finding my Voice, Knowing my Strength. The book is published by Jacana Media and is an empowering coming-of-age tale inspiring children to follow their dreams.The...

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Book Review: The First Woman is an intoxicating mix from a prize-winning Ugandan novelist

In "The First Woman," Jennifer Makumbi delivers a powerful and enchanting tale that seamlessly weaves together elements of Ugandan folklore and contemporary feminism. This second novel from the acclaimed author is a captivating and thought-provoking read that resonates long after the...

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16-year-old Limpopo poet already cashing in by performing at parties, churches, weddings and funerals

Lulama Andrecia Shiviti, also known as N’wa-Xiyakana The Poet, is a talented poet from Thomo village outside Giyani. Growing up, she developed a love for poetry, initially reading English poems. However, her perspective changed when she witnessed Limpopo poets performing in their home...

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Cleo Wade Asks Us to Extend Grace To Ourselves in New Poetry Collection 'Remember Love'

Remember Love is author, artist and poet Cleo Wade’s latest collection of poetry. But before it was available to the masses, it was a mantra she repeated to herself. Wade needed the reminder as she navigated the changes motherhood invited into her life and while she navigated postpartum...

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Celebrating poetry with words, music, prizes and warmth in Warnham

Paul G Terry and the Freedom Ensemble introduced the musical element of the programme with a performance of Rise Like Lions, Paul’s own composition inspired by Percy Bysshe Shelley’s great radial poem The Masque of Anarchy. The performance began with a reading of the final lines of...

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Three Eastern Cape teenage writers scoop cash prizes ranging from R3,500 to R500 in the Vrij and Karuna Harry Young Writers’ Competition

Three talented writers have been announced as the winners of the Vrij and Karuna Harry Young Writers’ Competition. Holly Webb from Merrifield College won the first prize of R3,500 for her poems, That Girl, Nonexistent Soulmate and You Weren’t Love. Canzi...

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Senegalese writers who are also a married couple, Mame Bougouma Diene and Woppa Diallo, win 2023 Caine Prize

The Senegalese married couple based in Pretoria, Mame Bougouma Diene and Woppa Diallo, have made history by winning the 2023 Caine Prize for African Writing with their exceptional short story, “A Soul of Small Places.” The story, published in TorDotCom in 2022, explores the urgent issues...

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Hot Key Books acquires 'groundbreaking' poetry collection from Koleka Putuma

Hot Key Books, a publishing company, has acquired the rights to a "groundbreaking" poetry collection for young people from South African poet and playwright Koleka Putuma. The collection, titled "We Have Everything We Need to Start Again," will be published on June 20, 2024, with an...

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Lethu Nkwanyana claims the 2023 Poetry Slam Jam crown

The 24th Poetry Africa Festival concluded on a high note after 17 days of captivating performances and thought-provoking discussions. The festival, which took place in Durban, Joburg, Bloemfontein, Cape Town, and online, featured a range of activities including performances, workshops, master...

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Meet the poetic who never shies away from silence, pain or fear

Louise Glück, the renowned poet, was known for her reticence and careful choice of words. She had a distant demeanor, as if her true life existed in dreams, memories, and her solitary moments. As a teacher, she sometimes advised her students to embrace silence, to not write at...

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Morland Writing Scholarships 2023 shortlists announced

The shortlists for the Morland Writing Scholarships 2023 were announced on Thursday, October 12, 2023.The Morland Writing Scholarships for African Writers, popularly referred to as the Morland Writing Scholarship, is an opportunity to allow writers to finish a manuscript. Scholars writing...

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Writing Tips: How to Write Poems on Sensitive Content

Writing poems on sensitive topics can be a challenging but rewarding endeavor. These topics often touch on deeply personal and/or societal issues that evoke strong emotions. Whether you want to address topics like grief, mental health, love, or social injustice, there are a few techniques...

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Madonna: A Rebel Life - The book which has the world talking

The title of this book suggests something comprehensive: it is eight hundred and eighty pages.Light on author interviews and other new source material, the biography is a towering work of assemblage, a guided tour through the origins and the creative life of ‘the enigma called Madonna,’...

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South African Diver Zandile Ndhlovu Publishes Children's Book About Mermaids and Oceanic Lessons

South African diver Zandile Ndhlovu is publishing her debut children’ book titled Zandi’s Song in spring 2024. Illustrated by Katlego Keokgale, the book explores the story of a girl who longs of the ocean despite not knowing how to swim and will published by Amazon Crossing Kids.According...

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Afro Poetry Times October 2023 issue is pure honey linking crafters of poetry who are making their mark at the Rugby World Cup. More unpublished poetry and lots more

In the realm where words dance and emotions bloom,Lies the enchanting world of poetry, a timeless tomb.An art form that transcends the mundane,It weaves tales of love, loss, and pain.With each line, a melody is born,Whispering secrets, untangling thorns.It paints vivid pictures with strokes...

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Booker Prize shortlist has two debut novels

The six titles shortlisted for the prestigious Booker Prize were announced on Thursday.First awarded in 1969, the Booker Prize is regarded as the leading award for high-quality literary fiction written in English.This year marks a first for all six scribes who made the shortlist, which...

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Sihle Nontshokweni and her mother don matching outfits to launch uNobuntu at Open Book Festival 2023

Sihle Nontshokweni and her mother Nombeko Nontshokweni stunned crowds at the 2023 Open Book Festival with matching orange outfits. The duo launched Nombeko’s book and documentary uNobuntu at the festival.uNobuntu is Sihle’s mother’s book, a collection of poetry on life and grief. The book...

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