(CMR) Caymanian writers got the chance to learn more about writing and self-publishing recently in a first-of-its-kind literary event held by the Cayman Islands Public Library Service (CIPLS) in collaboration with the Cayman Arts Festival (CAF).
CIPLS Director Paul Robinson described the event as the CIPLS' method of assisting local authors.
“This event was aimed at supporting Caymanian writers. By condensing and simplifying the publishing process, we were able to give our writers some of the tools to ensure that more of their books are on our shelves in the near future,” Robinson remarked.
At the event held at the George Town Public Library, local authors Sam Oakley and Graham Morse shared with a captive audience about their experiences in writing and self-publishing during a session dubbed, ‘How to Write the Book You've got Inside You.'
During the event’s first segment, Oakley conversed with Morse about his experiences writing his most recent novel, Fatal Fix.
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This was followed by a discussion with Karen Chin of the local publishing house, Christian Lifestyle Magazine (CLM) Publishing. The event's final segment allowed members of the audience, which comprised mostly of potential or published authors, to pose questions to the three speakers.
CAF Executive Director Marius Gaina expressed his pleasure to partner with the CIPLS on this event.
“When CAF decided to launch its literary programs as part of the 2021 Cayman Arts Festival, partnering with CIPLS was the most natural choice given the topic at hand and the success of our previous collaborations, and we were not disappointed. With CIPLS on board, we were able to effectively work together to deliver this amazing event. It is a great honor to work with such amazing professionals, and we thank them for hosting our event and their continued support,” Gaina said.
Featured author Graham Morse lauded the CIPLS and the CAF for hosting the event and inviting him to participate.
“I am delighted to participate in this inaugural literary event and share my experience of the process of writing and publishing my novel, Fatal Fix. I have felt for some time that literature has been underrepresented in the Cayman Islands.
“Music has reached a wide audience and recognized local talent, local artists have been exhibited and developed a loyal following, but writers remain largely unknown. I hope this event has encouraged those who came to ‘write the book inside them,' and that the library and the Cayman Arts Festival will continue to foster this dream,” Morse said.
Audience member Tom Peterman also had high praises for the event.
“The fringe event held on 10 February at the Georgetown Public Library was a warm and welcoming, intimate setting. What I liked best about the evening was to see the personality of Graham Morse unfolding throughout the interview, much like a character developing in a novel. Learning about the discipline of writing and the creative process was fascinating! The hard work involved gave me a new appreciation of authors everywhere. Who knew that so much was discarded during the editing process? Getting technical advice is always helpful, but experiencing the author in person and seeing him “fleshed out” was especially rewarding. I am quite grateful to the Cayman Islands Public Library Service for hosting this worthwhile event,” said Peterman.
To learn more about the Cayman Islands Public Library Service programs and activities, call 949-5159 or email [email protected].
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