By Jasmaine Payne

“BEWARE of hubris; do not let excessive pride get to your head.” These were the first thoughts that Subraj Singh cemented in his mind immediately after being announced as the winner of the Best First Book of Fiction in the 2014 Guyana Prize for Literature.
Yet, it is hard to ignore exactly what he achieved: At 23, he is the second youngest recipient of the prestigious award, after Ruel Johnson, who was awarded the Prize in the same category in 2002.
Johnson was 22 at the time. In the local Arts industry, this is something to brag about. Yet, for fear of losing the true meaning of his art, Subraj prefers to remain grounded: “I’m terrified of becoming one of those persons,” he said. “So it has reached the point that I don’t even remember until somebody brings it up. I think it’s good to remain humble.”
Humble as he may be, however, it is hard for even Subraj to deny the increased attention he has received following his win; but he knows that his work has only just begun.
As such, the young writer is now seeking to get his award-winning manuscript, Rebelle & other stories, out into the world of print by approaching established publishers.
As he anxiously awaits word from the esteemed Peepal Tree Press Ltd, he is still comforted by the fact that some of his short stories will be published in upcoming works by the Guyana Annual and the Walter Rodney Foundation.

‘REBELLE’
In putting together his manuscript, Subraj admits that he drew inspiration from popular themes in Guyanese literature such as race relations and politics, but also added a new perspective on other themes. “The collection also reflects the mentality of a Guyanese millennial, by focusing on things like sexuality and where we are going in terms of the future and religion and other important themes,” he said.
Subraj says he aspired to the Guyana Prize for Literature, having viewed it as the height of achievement for a Guyanese Writer.
“It’s something I wanted to go after, but I also felt that winning the Prize would give my writing exposure,” he said.
“I think I have important things to say, and the Prize was going to give me an opportunity to get it out there; to get people more interested in reading,” he added.

WORD OF ADVICE
Asked about whether he’d like to see more young writers aspire to the Guyana Prize, his answer was obvious.
Noting that the current lack of young writers has more to do with the general apathy as regards Literature and the Arts in Guyana, Subraj said,
“I think people need to understand or remember how important literature can be; it can be used as a tool for change. Only when they understand that this is how it can be used, then can they really get back to writing.”
He also warned local writers about their tendency to be influenced largely by western culture, and writing about places and experiences that they are not familiar with. “We have our own stories here; our own language. There’s nothing wrong with it; there is nothing wrong with writing ‘Guyanese’; writing about our issues and our problems, and helping to solve those problems…
“I think we need to get back on what’s ours and focus on how to fix that.” He also spoke of the need for writers to be open to criticism, which he says is a key means to improving one’s craft.
Said he: “I like to lock myself away and write for hours, then let the work simmer for a while, then hand it over to get feedback and critique.
“I’ve come across many writers who are very touchy about criticism, but it is so important … Writers should have a body of people who they can share their work with and get critical feedback.”
Apart from winning awards, the young writer can also be found on stage, participating in various productions on the local theatre scene. Ultimately, his dream is to write full-ime, but he knows that at the moment, that may not be possible.
Until then, Subraj is content working as a lecturer at the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama, while continuing his dream of writing on the side.