Greetings
readers from sunny Elmina, Ghana.
Well
this is my first blog and I must say I'm quite excited about it even
though I don't know where to begin. I've been writing ever since I
can remember. I kept journals, diaries and notebooks full of
thoughts, poems etc. However, my compositions remained hidden from
others because I was not confident in my ability as a writer. In the
end I had to tell myself to be courageous, rely on myself and just
write even if it was just for me.
Relocating
from England to live in Ghana was the starting point that I needed to
be confident enough to let others see what I had to offer and to call
myself a writer. One of my friends from the U.S.A. Seestah IMAHKUS
Njinga Okofu, also living in Elmina, approached me and asked if I
could write a chapter for an anthology she was compiling about
repatriated Africans from the Diaspora and our experiences living in
Ghana. At this point I had already started writing my life story and
with her encouragement I submitted extracts from 'In Search of
Destiny' to the book entitled "Ababio" which means 'He/She
who has returned.' But I was yet to complete my own book.
During a
visit to London in 2012, I saw an advert from
www.bispublishingcourses.co.uk
for a workshop for budding writers entitled a 1 Day Intensive Course
For African / African Caribbean Writers Who Want To Self Publish
Successfully, I was intrigued. Would this course help me to finish my
book? The course was taking place on the same day I was due to fly
back to Ghana but I really wanted to attend. What to do? I booked
myself onto the course anyway. I would just have to get organised. My
suitcases were packed and last minute arrangements taken care of the
day before my departure. I attend the course and made it to the
airport with time to spare. I'm so happy I did that because
attending the course and meeting Michael and Cindy was a blessing, I
found renewed inspiration. From that point on Michael kept in touch
with me on a regular basis, asking how far I had got with the book
and encouraging me not to give up. It has been a long journey but now
the book is complete.
'In
Search of Destiny: Returning To Mother' was written because I wanted
to leave a legacy for my children and future generations about
certain events in my life and what made me decide to relocate to live
in Ghana. Repatriation is a life changing experience and needs to be
told from the prospective of the people who have made that journey
and not left for others tell our story for us. I hope my book will
inspire those who have a dream to live it and believe that all things
are possible. As for you budding writers out there, we all have a
story to tell so go ahead and write about whatever touches your
spirit.
My blog
will appear once a month and will speak about my life experiences
here in Ghana, activities and events at the Almond Tree Guest House
and whatever else that inspires me.
May
Mother/Father Divine Creator continue to bless you all and light your
path.
Sonia
Aum Shring Lye-Fook
THURSDAY 18TH MARCH 2014
