Let us know what you think about books?
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Competition...Great Prize!
Tell us about your book chat, and win £1000 plus
two tickets to the Orange Prize for Fiction Awards Ceremony
on 3rd June 2009 (including travel expenses).
We want to know a very short history of everything; who you are, what you do,
when you started, where you 'meet' (on or offline?), how you stimulate discussion,
how many people you are talking to and why you love to talk about books. You might
have started a group on Facebook, run a book group at work or in college or maintain
a bookish blog.
Whatever it is that you do to get people talking about reading, we want to know so
And the person who can convince the judges that they've done the most to make reading social wins the grand prize.
Good luck!Sunday, April 12, 2009
Events To Be At!
Cultural Festival: Grand finale of the Anioma Cultural Festival. Asaba Arcade, Asaba, Delta State. April 13
Book Presentation: Public presentation of Toni Kan's Nights of the Creaking Bed and Songs of Absence and Despair. Terra Kulture, Tiamiyu Savage, Victoria Island. 2pm. April 18
Anatomy of a Woman: Theatre@Terra's presentation of Wole Oguntokun's play. Terra Kulture, Tiamiyu Savage, Victoria Island. 3pm & 6pm, Sundays in April.
Beyond the Obvious: An exhibition of paintings by Ade Odunfa, Ogaga Tuodeinye and Sylvester Aigbogun. Terra Kulture, Tiamiyu Savage, Victoria Island. 5pm. April 17 to 23.
ANA Meeting: Monthly meeting of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) will hold at the Aina Onabolu Complex, National Gallery of Arts, Iganmu, Lagos. 4pm. April 25.
The World is Flat: An exhibition by Danish curator, Johanne Loegstroup. Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA), 9 McEwen Street,Yaba, Lagos.Until May 3.
Ejire: An experimental work on Soyinka's Childe Internationale by Bode Alao. Amphitheatre (Behind new car park) University of Ibadan. 7pm daily. April 22 to May 3.
The Engagement: Femi Osofisan's play by Oracle Repertory Theatre. Amphitheatre (Behind new car park) University of Ibadan, April 22 to May 3. 7.00pm daily
Book Presentation: Public presentation of Toni Kan's Nights of the Creaking Bed and Songs of Absence and Despair. Terra Kulture, Tiamiyu Savage, Victoria Island. 2pm. April 18
Anatomy of a Woman: Theatre@Terra's presentation of Wole Oguntokun's play. Terra Kulture, Tiamiyu Savage, Victoria Island. 3pm & 6pm, Sundays in April.
Beyond the Obvious: An exhibition of paintings by Ade Odunfa, Ogaga Tuodeinye and Sylvester Aigbogun. Terra Kulture, Tiamiyu Savage, Victoria Island. 5pm. April 17 to 23.
ANA Meeting: Monthly meeting of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) will hold at the Aina Onabolu Complex, National Gallery of Arts, Iganmu, Lagos. 4pm. April 25.
The World is Flat: An exhibition by Danish curator, Johanne Loegstroup. Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA), 9 McEwen Street,Yaba, Lagos.Until May 3.
Ejire: An experimental work on Soyinka's Childe Internationale by Bode Alao. Amphitheatre (Behind new car park) University of Ibadan. 7pm daily. April 22 to May 3.
The Engagement: Femi Osofisan's play by Oracle Repertory Theatre. Amphitheatre (Behind new car park) University of Ibadan, April 22 to May 3. 7.00pm daily
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Writers' Market:Inspirational
We’re looking for contributors in a number of areas.
The first is as a reoccurring blogger. Blogs should be about 250 words each adding good pictures (that you have permission to use) always helps.
Two, Web articles of about 500 words (again we like great photography and art).
Third, video blogs and video pieces. 60 seconds to 2 minutes.These can be you talking into the camera, singing original songs and music, interviews, skits, animation and whatever else you can dream and create with video. You shoot it, we like it, we’ll post it.
Another way to get involved is in our text messaging devotionals. They are limited to 144 characters (that includes spaces and punctuation, just separate your sentences by a dash and don’t use any spaces or other punctuation). We’re always looking for great photos. If you’re a budding photographer or a full blown pro submit your photos and we’ll get them up as fast as possible. All submission posted will credit the author. If you have a webpage and/or an email address you want included in your byline let us know. This could be a great opportunity for your portfolio.
If you have more questions email us here at KOR Ministries at “shout@korkast.com” Can’t wait for your submissions.
Brio and Breakaway are for 13-16 year old girls and boys and Brio & Beyond is for 17-23 year old young women. The KOR Kast is for both genders 23 and older. Send in all submissions and/or questions to “shout@korkast.com” Look forward to hearing from all of you.
The first is as a reoccurring blogger. Blogs should be about 250 words each adding good pictures (that you have permission to use) always helps.
Two, Web articles of about 500 words (again we like great photography and art).
Third, video blogs and video pieces. 60 seconds to 2 minutes.These can be you talking into the camera, singing original songs and music, interviews, skits, animation and whatever else you can dream and create with video. You shoot it, we like it, we’ll post it.
Another way to get involved is in our text messaging devotionals. They are limited to 144 characters (that includes spaces and punctuation, just separate your sentences by a dash and don’t use any spaces or other punctuation). We’re always looking for great photos. If you’re a budding photographer or a full blown pro submit your photos and we’ll get them up as fast as possible. All submission posted will credit the author. If you have a webpage and/or an email address you want included in your byline let us know. This could be a great opportunity for your portfolio.
If you have more questions email us here at KOR Ministries at “shout@korkast.com” Can’t wait for your submissions.
Brio and Breakaway are for 13-16 year old girls and boys and Brio & Beyond is for 17-23 year old young women. The KOR Kast is for both genders 23 and older. Send in all submissions and/or questions to “shout@korkast.com” Look forward to hearing from all of you.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Tales of a bookaholic...
In my bid to get people reading again and resurrect the ‘dying' literary culture, I started presenting Bookaholic with Bella (BWB) on Silverbird Television. BWB in a nutshell: "We discuss everything books from a fun but intelligent perspective" - that's my opening line. With ten episodes in the pipeline I have covered literary novels, a children's book, a poetry collection, a How-To business manual, collections of short stories and expository writing. In future episodes I hope to take on plays, graphic novels and anything good from budding authors.
I always encourage feedback on the show: send in your texts, emails, check out the blog and facebook pages. Now everyone is 'tweeting', so I'll soon be making that addition. The first text message I got in response to BWB, went like this:
"I really liked your review this morning. How do I get a copy of the book?"
I thought: wow! Someone was actually watching; and two, the person wanted the book. A double for me... or so I thought? Until I started getting other feedback... more text messages, phone calls, emails and a very special visit.
Text
"Bella you look beautiful this morning. Write a book about yourself". Okay I'm flattered, but really - what did you think about the books or even my presentation minus the looks?
"Bella, have you ever tried contacts? Then you will become a beautyholic!" Dr... from (name of practice). Now that's what I call shamelessly uncreative (he stole my ‘holic' from Bookaholic) plugging. Sorry, my glasses suit me fine. In fact I might even get new frames, ha! No free ad for you Doc!
Phone Calls
One phone call from a certain man from MTN went like this
MTN Guy: I really would like to meet you in person.
Me: (feigning naivety) But why? You can get the books online.
MTN Guy: Okay, well I need some advice, I work in MTN but I have an offer from a Bank.
Me: Well you need to identify your passion, long, mid and short term goals. You also have to think about the opportunity cost.
Seeing that I was talking, MTN Guy tried his luck again.
MTN Guy: Yes that's why I really would like to meet you. Okay where do you work? Please can we see today?
Me: Sorry but I really have to get back to work.
MTN Guy: Where do you work?
Me: I really have to go.
MTN Guy: I will call you.
Me: It's okay. Just send an email. I can direct you on how to get the books.
We said our goodbyes. But true to his word he kept calling and then came out one day and said something along the lines on starting a relationship. ‘TAKEN' was the Close Sesame for this Ali Baba.
Mr Persistent
Another special caller was Mr. Persistent. Mr. Persistent had a great idea for a literary invention and required sponsorship. We discussed a bit on phone, with me telling him to send an email with his proposal. I got three or four lines in text language on why he couldn't reveal the secret of his invention.
Well, with no secret, no money, I told him. So the next day he sent me still in text language a sketchy idea of his project, regarding which I promptly advised him to do more research on the product, market research that is demand and supply; and contact the big dogs as I couldn't help monetarily.
Mr. Persistent started to disturb me for contacts in STV. I told him I would have to contact the people before divulging their personal details. He wouldn't hear any of it and resorted to calling me morning, afternoon, evening, night, midnight and dawn - ultimately wearing my battery down. When I eventually charged my phone after a long restful weekend, I saw 38 missed calls. I knew I was in trouble!
Mr. Persistent called me with different numbers, withheld I.D and the occasional flashes for good measure. In the end, he accused me of not providing the contacts, which he claimed he had anyway. When I asked which contacts exactly he had, he was speechless - or perhaps his credit finished!
Finish reading Tales of a bookaholic by Isabella E.C. Akinseye by clicking here.
I always encourage feedback on the show: send in your texts, emails, check out the blog and facebook pages. Now everyone is 'tweeting', so I'll soon be making that addition. The first text message I got in response to BWB, went like this:
"I really liked your review this morning. How do I get a copy of the book?"
I thought: wow! Someone was actually watching; and two, the person wanted the book. A double for me... or so I thought? Until I started getting other feedback... more text messages, phone calls, emails and a very special visit.
Text
"Bella you look beautiful this morning. Write a book about yourself". Okay I'm flattered, but really - what did you think about the books or even my presentation minus the looks?
"Bella, have you ever tried contacts? Then you will become a beautyholic!" Dr... from (name of practice). Now that's what I call shamelessly uncreative (he stole my ‘holic' from Bookaholic) plugging. Sorry, my glasses suit me fine. In fact I might even get new frames, ha! No free ad for you Doc!
Phone Calls
One phone call from a certain man from MTN went like this
MTN Guy: I really would like to meet you in person.
Me: (feigning naivety) But why? You can get the books online.
MTN Guy: Okay, well I need some advice, I work in MTN but I have an offer from a Bank.
Me: Well you need to identify your passion, long, mid and short term goals. You also have to think about the opportunity cost.
Seeing that I was talking, MTN Guy tried his luck again.
MTN Guy: Yes that's why I really would like to meet you. Okay where do you work? Please can we see today?
Me: Sorry but I really have to get back to work.
MTN Guy: Where do you work?
Me: I really have to go.
MTN Guy: I will call you.
Me: It's okay. Just send an email. I can direct you on how to get the books.
We said our goodbyes. But true to his word he kept calling and then came out one day and said something along the lines on starting a relationship. ‘TAKEN' was the Close Sesame for this Ali Baba.
Mr Persistent
Another special caller was Mr. Persistent. Mr. Persistent had a great idea for a literary invention and required sponsorship. We discussed a bit on phone, with me telling him to send an email with his proposal. I got three or four lines in text language on why he couldn't reveal the secret of his invention.
Well, with no secret, no money, I told him. So the next day he sent me still in text language a sketchy idea of his project, regarding which I promptly advised him to do more research on the product, market research that is demand and supply; and contact the big dogs as I couldn't help monetarily.
Mr. Persistent started to disturb me for contacts in STV. I told him I would have to contact the people before divulging their personal details. He wouldn't hear any of it and resorted to calling me morning, afternoon, evening, night, midnight and dawn - ultimately wearing my battery down. When I eventually charged my phone after a long restful weekend, I saw 38 missed calls. I knew I was in trouble!
Mr. Persistent called me with different numbers, withheld I.D and the occasional flashes for good measure. In the end, he accused me of not providing the contacts, which he claimed he had anyway. When I asked which contacts exactly he had, he was speechless - or perhaps his credit finished!
Finish reading Tales of a bookaholic by Isabella E.C. Akinseye by clicking here.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
V-Monologues: The Nigerian Story
(Photo credit: Isaac Emokpae)
I am not so sure Eve Ensler thought her play, The Vagina Monologues would go this far when she wrote it in 1996. Thirteen years on, the play has moved beyond the street it premiered: gone across continents; reached women from all walks of life; acted in over a hundred countries; and translated into forty-five languages and we are still counting.
The Vagina Monologues was in Nigeria in its concentration in 2006, for the first time thanks to Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND), an NGO based in Lagos. 2009, it has changed, name and content: it is now V-Monologues: the Nigerian Story and it was acted by ‘not-so-popular’ Nigerian artistes that will soon be because they did a great job to the play. I was kind of enchanted, I watched it three times; I could not help it: I had to go back again and again for more and more until there was no more to get. The issues raised are general day-to-day issues, but the way they were executed may find us screaming and move us almost to tears.
The thematic focus of the monologues is womanhood. There were three movements: women as victims; self awareness; women as warriors; and celebration of womanhood. The vital thing that the play achieved is initiating dialogues about the vagina, a body part that is under siege of patriarchal dominance for a long time. True or false?
The vagina (representing women) is more than a receiver, a birthplace, an agent of reclamation, a refuge, a voice that talks every time, whether or not we choose to be silent to it. We would like to hear from you: What does the vagina mean to you? Should it be talked about? Why are we so hypocritical about the place of women in the society? Are women deserving of any important place in the society? Or what is this noise about women having a place, isn't the man the head and as someone says, the woman, the feet? All the fuss about this freedom thing should stop; shouldn't it?
Here is one of the monologues (an excerpt from the book to be released soon) for your reading pleasure. Let us know what you think:
HE HITS ME
(Song ‘Never you marry Waka-about’ plays in the background)
He hits me when I argue
He hits me when we disagree.
He hits me when he’s sad
He hits me when he’s had a bad day
He hits me when he’s mad.
He hit me when I confronted him for cheating
He hit me because I had girls.
He hit me so hard after the caesarean that my wound re-opened
He hit me so hard I had a double file at the emergency
He hit me so hard the doctor knew I didn’t fall down the stairs.
He hits me when I dance with male friends at parties
He hits me when I hang out with people he thinks are bad influences
He hits me when I wear clothes he hasn’t seen
Because he thinks I’m frivolous or they’re from another man
He hits me because no one sees what he’s doing to me.
He hits me when I don’t give him everything I make
He hits me when I’m helpless
He hits me when I try to defend myself
He hits me because I have no one to protect me
He hits me when I’m wrong
He hits me when I’m right because that implies that he’s wrong
He hits me because I want to make things work and not leave him
He hits me because my family already loves him
He hits me because he knows I don’t want the kids to grow up without a father
He hits me because there’s never been a divorce in my family
and he knows I don’t want to be the first.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Orange Prize for New Writers: The Shorlist
The Orange Prize for New Writers was launched in 2005 in partnership with Arts Council England. The judges for this year were Mishal Husain (presenter, BBC World News), Louise Jury (Chief Arts Correspondent, Evening Standard) Diana Evans (author of novel 26a and winner of the inaugural Orange Award for New Writers)
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