Workshops at Pa Gya!

Workshops at Pa Gya!

As part of Pa Gya! A Literary Festival in Accra, we will be organising seven workshops (or "Master Classes"), offered free of charge to interested writers and bloggers. All the workshops will take place from 12.30 -- 4.30 PM on Friday, 19th October, 2018 at Goethe-Institut Ghana in Cantonments, Accra.

Space is limited, and applications will be received until Tuesday, 16th October, 2018, so do apply early if you want to participate. To apply, send an e-mail with a short bio (300 words) and a 2-page sample of your writing to pagyafestival@gmail.com and put "Workshop" in the subject line.

1. FICTION

This workshop will be facilitated by Nii Ayikwei Parkes and Dzekashu McViban. Do apply if you want to improve your craft, learn the tricks of the genre, and prepare your work for publication.

2. BLOGGING

This workshop is designed to help bloggers grow and market their blogs, and all are welcome to apply. Learn how to keep your blog active and grow your readership. Facilitators: Kirsty Osei-Bempong and Esther Naa Dzamah.

3. "WRITING AND RIOTING: Womens's Use of the Pen"

This workshop focuses on female scholarship and resistance. Balaraba Ramat Yakubu produced her own Hausa novellas in Islamic Northern Nigeria during 1980s, Nontsizi Mgqwetho wrote and performed poetry in Xhosa during 1920s South Africa, Nawal El Sadaawi prolifically wrote fiction and essays in Arabic during 1950s-1990s Egypt, and Bessie Head used the written form of storytelling in English during 1970s-1980s Botswana. This workshop examines fiction and nonfiction works. Facilitated by Marcelle Mateki Akita, Zaahida Nabagereka and Keren Lasme.

4. YOUNG ADULT FICTION

Writers in the genre of young adult fiction are encouraged to apply for this workshop. It has the added advantage that participants will be eligible to have their work published in an anthology in early 2019. Facilitator: Mamle Kabu.

5. SHORT FICTION

Facilitated by Billy Kahora and Chuma Nwokolo, this workshop will help writers understand what makes short fiction work, and to improve their skill in the genre.

6. POETRY

For writers and performers of poetry who want to improve their craft and reach greater heights, poets Efe Paul Azino and Nana Asaase will, in this interactive workshop, bring to participants the a deeper understanding of the craft, and open up a discussion on contemporary poetry as an art form.

7. "UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVE MIND IN WRITING"

With down-to-earth and practical guidance drawn from personal experiences, writers Mo Issa and Nesta Erskine will help participants understand ways of releasing their creative energies through writing, which will impact other aspects of life as well.