My writing journey began when I was eight years old. My mom had bought me a journal as a Christmas present, in which I wrote almost every day. My first entries mostly began with the phrase, “Today was fun” until my writing skills became more sophisticated and I could spell more difficult words. I filled many more journals over the years, mostly with teenage dilemmas, followed by the new-found freedom and adventures of university, and my working-holiday in Edinburgh, Scotland.
I also grew fond of writing poetry around the age of twelve, and was praised for my creative writing abilities by English teachers. I developed my writing skills further while studying journalism and hosting creative writing workshops on behalf of the University of Pretoria’s Literary Society, The Inklings.
During my early twenties, I dabbled in freelance writing and editing until I became a part-time publishing assistant at BK Publishing. I am now the editor of a bi-monthly general interest children’s magazine, Supernova, the mag for curious kids, to which I also contribute. I also edit self-published manuscripts for the publisher.
My real passion, however, still lies in creative writing. I strive to finish the final draft of a young adults’ fantasy novel which I began in my second year of studies, but only sat down in earnest to write during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) in 2013. I reached the goal of 50 000 words in 31 days, and had the first draft of a story that had gathered dust in the recesses of my mind for years.
I also strive to write more short stories, and enter as many challenges and competitions as possible to motivate me and hone my skills.
This site is dedicated to those goals. Here, you will find the struggles and the triumphs of a passionate writer. You will also find tips and motivation for your own writing along the way.
The writing process may indeed seem to be a lonely journey, but I believe that it is only lonely if you shut yourself off from the world around you. I am inviting you in to share my world. It is beyond words…
Beyond Words 