Author speaks at writers meeting

“Writing is a passion that becomes a discipline.”

These are the words of author Ms Leanne Hunt, who addressed members at the Writers 2000 meeting on Saturday, November 1.

Ms Hunt, an Honours English graduate and mother of two daughters, is the author of Jozi Gold and has almost completed her second novel.

She has an interest in the rejuvenation of Johannesburg and has recently invested in a property venture to this end.

She has also taken part in productions of the amateur theatre group, EADS.

Ms Hunt suffered from macular degeneration in her teen years and is partially sighted. She has been declared legally blind.

Being diagnosed in her teens with a disease that normally affects people in their later years, she realised that she would need a home-based career.

Having a love for, and being good at English, directed her towards writing.

After receiving her degree, she worked as a journalist before marrying and having children.

Writing called again and she spent time honing her craft by completing writing courses and online research.

“I wanted to be able to write really believable characters,” she said.

From the extract of the book read at the meeting, she seems to have achieved that.

Jozi Gold is about a love triangle and is set in the run-up to the 2010 Soccer World Cup, evoking many memories of that exciting time.

“For many years, I thought I was content with my life. But at 45 I went through a traumatic period when I realised I was reluctant to be dependent on people. I was becoming a hermit. I realised I needed an audit of my life,” she added.

She hired a driver to give her more independence and became involved in things that took her out of her home and her comfort zone.

“I really had to rely on my strong faith to get me through that time, but I came through it much stronger and more confident,” said Ms Hunt.

So what drives her to write?

“One reason is that writing is a vicarious experience, which allows you to experience things you wouldn’t normally do and your characters can be far braver than you,” she said.

Ms Hunt said she enjoys writing about things outside her normal realm of experience, such as soccer. This, according to Ms Hunt, is a way for her to be free – imagining the things she cannot see.

“Through my writing I have met people who have helped me overcome my fears. I believe it is really important for writers to be part of a group such as Writers 2000, as it is good to encounter other people who understand what drives you.”

When asked if she uses Braille in her work, Ms Hunt shared that she had first attended a normal school and university, but had later taken time to learn Braille.

She explained that with technology such as voice activated software being available to her, she does not find it necessary to use Braille.

And how have her children coped with having a mother with a disability?

“I think children of disabled parents grow up more independent than other children. For example, my daughters would have to complete the forms in places like doctor’s rooms as I am unable to. My girls are strong and capable young women, and I am proud of them,” she said.

The next meeting of Writers 2000 will be the year-end meeting and AGM of the group. It will take place in the Inyoni Creek Clubhouse, at the Rand Aid Complex, on the corner of Wordsworth and Modderfontein Roads in Lyndhurst. The meeting will start at 12-noon for 12.30pm on Saturday, November 29.

Members and guests are reminded to bring a plate of eats and a gift.

Contact the chairman, Mr Jake van der Wilden, on 082 223 9353, 011 616-0305 or email anjo@internext.co.za for more information.

A Writers 2000 date to remember for 2015 is the All about writing workshop on Saturday, February 28, from 10am to 12.30pm in the same venue.

The internationally published author Ms Joanne Richards and award-winning script writer, Mr Richard Beynon, will present a workshop on aspects of fiction writing.