Cassava Republic Press is inviting African women writers to delve into the realm of taboo subjects. Through a 10-day residential workshop in Johannesburg this July, aspiring non-fiction authors will have the chance to refine their craft under the guidance of a distinguished Black female author.
Applications are now open until May 31st, 2024, welcoming submissions from all Black women over the age of 18 who live in Africa.
Interested writers are encouraged to submit a pitch letter outlining their ideas and a draft essay on the theme of taboo via Submittable.
“Coupled with our Global Black Women’s Non-Fiction Prize, this project is part of our mission to nurture and encourage more Black women to write critical, thoughtful and inspiring works of non-fiction by providing them with a sanctuary for their creative expression and intellectual exploration,” says a statement by the publisher.
The workshop provides a platform for creative expression and offers the opportunity to have essays published in Cassava Republic Press’s anthology, titled “Taboo.”
With the workshop’s theme centred around “Taboo,” participants are encouraged to explore forbidden topics from diverse perspectives, whether through historical, theoretical, journalistic, or personal lenses. From dissecting the origins of taboos to navigating personal experiences, the anthology aims to provoke discourse and unveil fresh insights into the forbidden.
Thanks to a generous grant from Open Society Africa and support from the Johannesburg Institute of Advanced Study, travel, accommodation and sustenance costs are covered for selected participants.
Cassava Republic Press continues its mission to foster a vibrant literary landscape by nurturing and amplifying the voices of African women writers. Final essays will be a minimum of 5,000 words and should be beautiful, thoughtful, rigorous and bring a fresh insight to the conversation.
