35

Or, A rose by any other name

Reader,

Some personal news: at the tender age of [redacted], I finally acquired a bookshelf. I’m not crazy about it (story for another day) and will more likely than not rehome it in the (near) future but it’ll do for now. Sent a friend a photo and they’re convinced I have more books but no, I’m a library power user who barely buys books (as these things go); we’re real, we exist. I love that there are quite a number of colourful books, that it reflects my love of second hand books, and that I can tell stories about the places I’ve been by looking at it - as is the case with so many objects. So a good addition to my humble abode, on the whole.

Last week, a person in the literary scene decided to push The Comps Agenda and the conversation continues apace this week. As a person who only just started understanding the parlance of the literary world (especially the language of publishing), it’s been interesting watching it play out. I wish it was as simple as a couple of “They’re eating this person up in the QTs, and deservedly so” moments; as with all things, there are levels. I was one of those people who liked the thread when it initially came down my timeline (just as I often do threads about being agented and so on) and this felt like another place to go to for advice on the business of books. The pushback the thread has received has been quite illuminating, especially in light of editors putting out stories by authors not traditionally sought out by the (white, cis, het) publishing establighment… but only until a certain point. This thread by Patrice Caldwell is one I’ll be thinking about for a while and I hope these literary conversations (cyclical as they may be) continue to happen, if only to expand our ideas of what the work of bringing books to the world can be.

And speaking of expanding ideas — I attended a workshop led by the wonderful Lutivini Majanja last week that has me listening differently (context: we were listening to some Sound of Nairobi entries) and thinking about what it means to show up for oneself as a creative. It’s always such a joy to be surrounded by people who make art, those who shepherd it into the world, and those who draw our attention to it; which is to say, the people in that room. I found myself singing the praises of audiobooks as company as one works and being encouraged (as always) by the reminder that one can always abandon a book, a story.

A reminder that we’re having another reading this month for Gatwiri’s birthday and we’ll be reading Idza Luhumyo award-winning short story that’s been shortlisted for the Caine Prize this year (the prize winner hasn’t been announced as I write this). As always, it’ll happen on Jitsi and the reading and collaborative playlist link will be sent in advance. If you’re keen, sign up here.

Speaking of the Caine Prize (not for the last time, I imagine) — I put out a video discussing this year’s shortlist over on my channel. It was almost 20 minutes of vibes, as one does, and I had quite the time making it (second time’s the charm &c!). Please write back to me and tell me what books you’re reading or looking forward to reading this week— it’s always a great time talking books.

Enjoy the rest of the week and have a lovely time reading. Talk to you soon!