I swear, this year just keeps getting better.
I was recently invited to take part in SeaWords Bahamas – the country’s first literary festival. Me! I swear, I could win an Oscar, Golden Globe and Emmy and I would still be surprised that someone wants me on their panel.
My plan was to attend the darn thing, then lo and behold. I get an invitation to present. The organizers say it’s an opportunity for me to “lend my support to a national contribution.” I’m sold.
The event, which takes place November 9-11th at the Atlantis Paradise Island, will assemble a panel of incredibly creative Bahamians who will display their talent before a national and international audience.
Poet Laureate of the UK, Carol Ann Duffy, who is also an author, will be in attendance.
The panel will contain a lot of respectable writers and creatives, including filmmakers, Kareem Mortimer and Helen Klonaris, Dr. Nicolette Bethel, Dr. Christopher Curry, Michelle Malcolm, Orchid Burnside and Marie Sairsingh, who, by the way, taught me English in high school. I love her! The list goes on. I am in great company.
I’ve been asked to present on Print Media: Writing & Editing. It’s most appropriate given my journalism background. I haven’t quite thought of the angle I want to take yet, but I will be as interesting and informative as possible. Nothing I hate more than a dull presentation.
I will sit on that panel with Erica Wells-Cox, a solid news editor who actually trained me during my days at The Tribune and later worked with me at The Nassau Guardian.
I respect writers so much. It is a tough business to be in, particularly in The Bahamas. But, if you’re creative, you can’t help but share your craft with the world. Even if it is a tough industry.
I can’t wait for November! Wish me luck.
