Award-winning author and filmmaker Sihle-isipho Nontshokweni decided to create a four-week online course for emerging writers after years of people asking her for guidance.
The Qonce-born author of award-winning children’s book Wanda the Brave said her “From Idea to Publication” course provided a thorough guide for writers.
The course entailed “crystallising story ideas and defining literary paths” to mastering storytelling, navigating the publishing and illustrator collaboration processes, as well as marketing and sales, with support from the University of Cape Town, she said.
“Over the years, many people have contacted me asking about my writing journey and how the story of Wanda evolved globally, with international rights, musical theatre, an annual Wanda World Festival, and multiple other exciting media forms.
“I’ve walked this path. I’ve guided others along it, and now I’m in a position where I can be a conduit and support others towards achieving their dream to write their first children’s book,” the 33-year-old said.
Nontshokweni said many emerging writers faced self-doubt and not trusting their own voice.
“Through hands-on coaching, content, and community, this course cultivates the soul of the emerging writer towards finding their creative footing.
“Additionally, the nature of the publishing world is often closed, and information on how to publish is often scanty and this course brings the possibility of achieving this dream closer,” she said.
Well-known authors also shared their knowledge with writers doing the course.
Idea coaches and peer support from other emerging writers also helped to encourage and guide participants.
Nontshokweni is also busy producing a television show titled The Storytellers Studio, in which she and renowned actress Lillian Dube will interview storytellers — from filmmakers to authors.
“Thirty years into democracy, a 79-year-old and 33-year-old are interviewing creatives through a fresh, fun, and inspiring lens, using the lives of creatives as potent mirrors to reflect the times and the changing democratic landscape of this country through creative culture,” Nontshokweni said.
She is also busy writing film scripts, translating books and preparing to independently publish through Wanda World and open up a distribution model for other independently published writers.
She described her passion and love for working with children as “clean soil”.
“Through their tenderness, they grasp with unfettered clarity that if we sow, water and cultivate right, we can have a good harvest.
“They also remind us of unencumbered creativity.”
Nontshokweni was listed in the Mail & Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans for 2022.
She is the holder of master’s degrees from UCT and Peking University in Beijing (summa cum laude).
“My creative endeavour began as a single story of Wanda and has since become a serialised storybook with international honours — Skipping Stones Honor Awards (Oregon, 2021) — for promoting an understanding of cultures, cultivating co-operation and encouraging a deeper awareness of diversity,” she said.
Wanda the Brave was also recognised as the Best Children’s Book of the Year in 2022 by the Bank Street College of Education in New York, for its literary quality and excellence of presentation, as well as its emotional impact on young readers.
She is also an inspiring force behind The Ultimate Book Show as the pioneering documentary series’ head of production.
In 2024, she received an award from the department of sports, recreation, arts & culture for her contribution to the Eastern Cape’s film industry.
She is extremely proud that one of her students who attended her Wanda World course has managed to get a publishing deal.
“After attending the Wanda World course, and receiving expert guidance and networking opportunities from Wanda World; we are proud to announce she has been offered a publishing deal with one of the leading publishing houses in SA, and will be publishing her own children’s book soon,” Nontshokweni said.
The course included guest appearances from experts in their respective fields, such as Prof Zakes Mda (award-winning artist and author), Carol Bloom (Jacana Media associate), Lynn Joffe (author, artist and digital entrepreneur), advocate Thato Moloto (intellectual property and copyright) and Mathabo Tlali (author, actress and curator).
DispatchLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.