With the aim of equipping local writers and editors with technical skills needed to write creatively and assess quality writing, the University of Malawi’s Department of Literary Studies has organised a first-of-its-kind six-day interactive training in creative writing and editing.
The training will run from 18 to 23 August, 2024, in Zomba.
Associate Professor of Literary Studies at UNIMA and project leader for Malawi Writing Better Project, Dr Asante Mtenje, explained that the initiative follows a noticeable decline in the quality of writing produced by Malawian authors.
Dr Mtenje expressed hope that the forthcoming training will address the observation.
She added that 17 local fiction and creative nonfiction writers, along with three editors, have been selected to participate in the training.
Emanuel Chikuse, one of the country’s emerging writers selected for the programme, said that being chosen is a significant motivation for him. He hopes that the training will enhance his ability to produce high-quality and marketable work.
Christian Wanangwa Mwase, another budding creative writer, noted that the training offers a valuable opportunity to connect and network with fellow writers, which he believes will be an invaluable asset to his writing career.
By Alufisha Fischer
