08 Dec 2016

 Maun- based poet and author Legodile Seganabeng has appreciated the International Writing Programme (IWP) he recently attended at Iowa, in the USA.

In an interview with BOPA, Seganabeng commonly known as Dredd X in the arts cycles said the three months IWP granted him platform to indulge deeply into his writings and offered interaction with writers from other countries.

 IWP, he said was a unique programme for the world’s literatures that connects seasoned writers from around the globe; it has started in 1967 and remains the world’s oldest writing residency.  

Seganabeng said he was among 35 writers from different countries who took part in the programme. The programme was from August to November.

The primary objective of the residency programme is to give writers time, space and resources to produce literary works.

He however said there were several daily programme for the entire three months duration in which writers took part which included public readings, university classes, panel discussions, visits to colleges, theatre and dance collaborations, and several others.

Seganabeng who is a senior school art teacher by profession and an author of two books; Josie and the Moon has eyes said the IWP was the ultimate experience for every writer.

“Apart from having given me time to write, there was a lot of cultural exchange and sharing of ideas. I have learnt not just the craft of writing, but also about the writing and publishing industry - the mechanics involved in the processes,” he said.

Although he is a published writer, Seganabeng said the IWP was a hub for writers therefore made him appreciate the feeling of what being a writer is and what writing means.

Seganabeng who is the Poetavango spoken word organisation co-founder said he used the IWP opportunity to benchmark and learn from advanced and more experienced festivals and organisations.

He said he has gained more knowledge and skills to help make positive advancements for the arts in Botswana.   

“I have two published books so far and recorded a poetry album. If all goes well, I’m hoping to publish another book in the coming year,” he said.

He said he used the IWP to work on his award-winning short story ‘The Moon Has Eyes’ and short stoies, expanding it into a full length novel due to popular demand.

“The manuscript is not yet complete, but I’m hoping that in the next few months, I’ll wrap up the first draft. My readers are still awaiting in bated breath, the official release of my debut novel Josie which is currently limited to the University of Botswana libraries and readers who can purchase from Amazon” he said.

He observed that the City of Iowa was UNESCO’s only City of Literature in North America.

“It is abundant with literary activities, even the walkways are inscribed with passages from books. The reading culture here is very high, and a large percentage of the residents are writers,” he said. ENDS