PETLWANA JOURNAL FOR CREATIVE WRITING IN BOTSWANA
The third edition of Petlwana Journal for Creative Writing in Botswana, published by Petlo Literary Trust, is now out.
The journal, which was published in December 2020, contains works of poetry and short stories by both established and upcoming writers from Botswana. The writers included in the latest edition are: BP Modirwa, Cheryl Ntumy, Tshegofatso Mokopane, Neo Samu, Betty Keletso Knight, Keletso Thobega, Lauri Kubuitsile, One Scotch, Chawada Makolobane, Bontsi Morewane, Omphile Sharon Molefhe, Cynthia Thanda, Dabilo Mokobi and Justus Hofmeyr.
Editor of Petlwana, Barolong Seboni said the project serves as an important documentation of literary talent in Botswana. He noted that creative journals are critical for the growth and development of a national literature. “Not only do they serve as outlets of creativity but they are also nurturers of the literature. It is a truism to state that if you want to have your pulse on the literature of a nation, you must read their journals. There you will encounter literature in its various forms and guises. You will also be able to determine the most popular genres, the dominant themes, the current styles and the extent to which the writers are willing to experiment,” he said.
Seboni further noted that there is still a vast interest in writing and a general appreciation of literature in Botswana. “Going by the sheer numbers of submissions we can safely pronounce that Batswana are still very keen on expressing themselves through the art and craft of writing. Furthermore, short stories and poetry still dominate as the most popular genres,” he said. Seboni confirmed that submissions for the fourth edition of Petlwana, which will be out later this year, are now open.
He encouraged submissions across genres, in both English and Setswana.
To get yourself a copy of Petlwana journal, please call 75028222.