Eldos author pens first book
The dialogue saw authors take part in a panel session where they shared what inspired them to become writers and the inspiration behind their books.
Celebrating Books and Authors held its sixth annual Authors’ Dialogue at Protea Glen on October 1, bringing together local authors, readers and literary professionals to promote a culture of reading and share knowledge.
The event featured a panel session where authors discussed their inspiration for writing and the stories behind their books, providing a platform for questions, ideas and opinions between writers and attendees.
Celebrating Books and Authors coordinator Lunga Madonsela said the dialogue was aimed at encouraging reading and writing while inspiring aspiring authors to pursue their passion.
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He said literature is often overlooked in black communities and that initiatives like the Authors’ Dialogue aim to encourage a stronger culture of reading and writing.
“As black people, we have a low culture of reading, and as a result, we often find authors with hundreds or even thousands of copies of their books sitting unsold,” Madonsela said.
“That is disheartening and discouraging, and it remains one of the biggest challenges faced by local black authors.”
Madonsela stressed the importance of supporting local authors, noting that their success contributes to community transformation and development.
“It is not about what we do for the authors, but about seeing our communities succeed,” he said.
Author Petros Khoza explained that his passion for writing began in his youth as a way to express his feelings.
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Khoza, who has published four books, wrote his best-selling debut, Learning to Love Myself Through Tears, after battling depression.
He said local authors face numerous challenges, including difficulty finding skilled editors within local communities and a lack of funding.
Beyond production and publishing challenges, Khoza noted that local authors struggle to find readers and buyers within their own communities.
“The reason we are here today is because we are happy to be part of this initiative. We need more of these platforms where we can interact with others, exchange books and hear from fellow authors,” he said.
“As an author, you face many challenges, but when we come together, it becomes easier to share those challenges and learn from one another.”
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Author Boitumelo Kgasi, whose book Letters Meant for You But Never Sent explores the journey from girlhood to young womanhood, said growing up as a quiet child inspired her to express herself through writing.
“This initiative today is very beautiful,” Kgasi said. “I have always supported it from the first day I saw it, and that is because as local authors, we are not very free, we are hiding, and we are not out there. So, for me, this initiative is saying go out there and rise up because surely there is someone out there to help you.”
