LOCAL writers continue to brave the challenges in this crass and precarious world of book publishing in order to get their work to the consumer. Local writers continue to brave the challenges in this crass and precarious world of book publishing in order to share their work, more often sharing out (giving away) their work without due and just compensation. One of the ways local writers are using to get their works out is self-publishing. Most of their efforts at self-publishing are, however, heart wrenching tales. (Please note the use of the word ‘work’ – that’s a sad story, perhaps for another article.)

Let it suffice for now that I’ve brought to your attention some recent local publications, hoping you would support these writings and sterling efforts at self-publishing.  (Please note that the mentioned books crossed my desk; there may be others that did not come to my attention.)

‘True-True Stories’ Vol. 1 by Stephanie Bowry is a collection of short stories that the writer claims to be true. From the writer’s desk, Bowry claims “All of them are the experiences of real people and real places. I merely changed some names and dressed the facts in imagination so that they would not be naked.” She exhorts the reader to “[e]njoy them, costume and all, and ask for more.” Most of the tales are of a gruesome nature, and ought to make good reading material this Halloween.

Other self-published books by Bowry include ‘Esteem’ and ‘A Splendid Dozen’.

‘The Break of Dawn’ by R. Janet John-Dorie is a collection of poems and articles, the purpose of which is “to share with people of like minds in providing insight into the need for self transformation [sic] at this particular time in the world history.”  The book is divided into two sections, the first of which consists of nineteen poems. The second consists of five articles. The poems and articles carry substantial moral messages. Of interest is that Janet John-Dorie is a cricketer who played the game at the international level.

‘Teachers and Students’ by Madan M Gopal is a collection of short stories. This book is for general reading, and is suitable for use at the secondary school level, “where there is a dearth of suitable local materials for teaching.”  The book consists of eighteen well-written short stories, and “it should be of special interest to those who teach the short story as well as those who are learning to write it.”

Other books of imaginative literature by Gopal include ‘School Days in the Colony’ and ‘Stories from India for Children’. His other books are ‘Politics, Race and Youth in Guyana’ and ‘Notes on Race and Psychology’.

‘Story Time: A Collection of Children Stories’ by Maureen Rampertab will colour the imagination of the child (and the adult) with stories from around the world, written with a local twist. Foreign-sounding stories like ‘A T-Rex in my backyard’, ‘A Pocahontas Story’, and ‘The Magic Carpet’ are skillfully connected to local landmarks and settings.

Rampertab’s other publication, ‘Butterflies in Paradise’ is described as a “book of short stories on the life and times of the people who crossed the Kala Pani.”

This trend of self-publishing will continue, because there are tons and tons of writing awaiting publication, and there are scores and scores of writers who would not abdicate their role in society.

(To respond to this author, either call him on (592) 226-0065 or send him an email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com)

What’s Happening:

•    The current issue of The Guyana Annual magazine will be dedicated to Braithwaite, author of ‘To Sir with Love’. Tributes, reviews of his publications, and related articles are invited for possible inclusion in the magazine. You may also submit poems, short stories and articles of interest. For further information, please contact me at the above telephone number or/and email address.

•    My book, ‘The Balgobin Saga’, was used in the production of a fourteen-minute docudrama, ‘The Legend of Balgobin’. This docudrama was produced by the Centre for Communication Studies, University of Guyana. Copies of the film are available at the Centre.