It's your right to write

WRITING is a passion I have courted since I was in primary school. A dream come true was when the erstwhile editor of this august publication, Mr Brijlall Ramguthee, invited me to submit a test column to appraise the possibility of my having a regular spot in the paper.

This was not a simple or rash decision on his part as anyone knowing the gentleman would attest the fact that he is thorough in everything he does. So, he had been watching my regular letters which I used to submit to the letters’ column and had approved many for publication.

My test column was a piece on the legendary watering hole of the past- the iconic Himalaya Hotel. Mr Ramguthee enjoyed it, especially the nostalgic touch and the rest is history. Or should I say MY story.

In keeping with the theme that I started in that initial column, the Editor aptly named the series to follow, “Down Memory Lane”.  Very soon, the column became highly popular and enjoyed a good, loyal following.

Ramguthee, ever the visionary, then devised a second column for me to helm. Slightly similar to the first one, he strategised a column that brought back articles from the past issues of this newspaper. This to be done in strict chronological order. It was not as easy as it sounds. Hard copies of past issues were rare, especially the golden years of the POST.

However, past copies are preserved on microfilm in certain libraries. Miniature photos of each page are on microfilm. These are run through a microfiche machine, reel by reel and it is magnified on to the screen. I would then select portions which I deemed fit to reproduce and send it to a photocopying machine to print as hard copy.

I would then sit with those and pen a column for each week and supplement it with a photo from the original article. It was arduous and time-consuming, but I thrived on it as it gave me a chance to write as well as teaching me to respect deadlines and to be disciplined in writing.

It definitely stood me in good stead as here I am now, after over 25 years and through the kindness of current editor, Yogas Nair, I am still realising my dream and enjoying my passion for writing. To go back, that second series of columns was entitled “Blast from the Past”, which ran weekly while “Down Memory Lane” was fortnightly.

Both enjoyed a great following and were anticipated with enthusiasm by readers. Four books followed and that was more dreams of mine fulfilled.What is the point of me telling you dear reader about all the above? I believe that many avid readers are closet wannabe writers. And why not? What is stopping you?Usually, as in most things, it is the fear of the unknown. Will it be a success? Or will it be an expensive exercise in futility?

These are normal fears, but if you really want to achieve your passion follow my advice as I outline them below. I have given several writing workshops on the subject, but this I will give you in precis writing form at no charge right here. Establish what it is that you would like to write about. Jot down points in a book. Hopefully you have a laptop. Open up a word document and save it to your drive as a file.

Give it a temporary name so that you can save it under that title and access it as needed. Start typing out your thoughts. Don’t worry about structure and sequence yet. Just put down your thoughts and don’t forget to SAVE, SAVE, SAVE.

It’s going to be a rough draft but save it all anyway. When you have finished, then it is time to review what you wrote and edit what you feel. Then contact a reputable book editor and negotiate with him to take on your project. It will be his job to knock it all into shape, correct grammar errors, etc. Do not underestimate the use of an independent editor.

You may try to cut costs by saying that you have a good grasp of the English language and you are happy with your output. However, understand that you are too close to your subject and your work. You may not be objective enough. An independent eye will not be prejudiced or partial and will make drastic or needed corrections or adjustments.

You will still have final control and say in the publishing of your completed manuscript, but don’t fear justified criticism. If you are self-publishing then your next step is to get a good designer for your publication. Obviously, I can’t cover all aspects in this column, so if you have queries or need advice, feel free to email me at the address given below.

One final point. Do not undertake the above without ensuring you have a budget to publish and print your book. Unless you are a Wilbur Smith or Sidney Sheldon, book publishers will not finance your publication. That’s a cost you have to meet. Don’t be discouraged. If your book is successful, you will recoup your cost and probably make a decent profit as well. So get started. It is your right to write. Happy writing. 

Ravi Govender is a former POST sub-editor and Lotus FM radio presenter. He is a published author, a freelance editor and film producer in training. He can be contacted at: [email protected]

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media. 

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