By Harry Bah
TheWriters’ Clinic has held its first session for the second cohort of its mentorship programme, with a training on basic steps in writing. The session was held at the Gambia College campus in Brikama.
Kalipha Jabbi, a facilitator and one of the founders of the association, began the session by making a brief introduction on the Writers’ Clinic.
He said the association seeks to create a platform that will take a lead role in nurturing the culture of reading and writing in the country.
He commended the Writers’ Clinic executives for choosing basic steps in writing as the first session.
Noting the importance of understanding the basic steps in writing, Mr Jabbi said these are abilities that help writers put their thoughts in words in a meaningful form, and to mentally interact with the message.
In his presentation, Jabbi took the audience through the importance of writing and the steps in writing processes. He stressed the usefulness of thinking, making research, drafting, revising, editing and proofing reading, and advised aspiring writers not to be in a haste to publish, just for cheap popularity.
Emphasising the power and importance of writing, Jabbi made reference to books such as, The Animal Farm and Magic Calabash, authored by George Orwell and Nana Grey-Johnson respectively.
He guided the mentees on how powerful and creative writers are developed.
The facilitator ended his presentation with a question and answer session, which gave the mentees the opportunity to clear their doubts and re-energise their passion for writing.
Mentees expressed how useful the session was, saying it has ignited their passion for writing.
“I have been inspired as an aspiring writer. I believe this mentorship programme will help me become a successful writer,” said Isatou Camara, a mentee.
Mr. Muhammed Kanyi in his quest to motivate the audience, shared a brief story about the importance of being patient and honest as a writer.
“When it is not good don’t say it’s good or better, be honest to yourself,” he advised.
