That's Write Selwyn Milborrow

Ek deel my herinneringe aan my antie, Annelie Botes. Jare gelede vra ek haar: “My antie. Hoe maak ek wanneer doemprofete in die diepste nag in my oor kom fluister en die heilige hoekies van my hart wil beset?” Haar advies was: “My broer, dis altyd makliker om die seer in ink te laat uitvloei as om met gestolde dinge te lewe. Skryf, skryf, skryf...” (Terloops, uit daardie advies is ’n gedig gebore). Een ding van my antie sal my altyd bybly: Sy’t haar vingerafdrukke agtergelaat in my. Rus sag, my antie. Rus sag.

My 7-step book planning strategy is to help aspirant and published writers to strategise to publish a book. I may sound difficult, but with clear planning steps anyone can do it.

In this episode I talk to Don Beukes, originally from Cape Town, South Africa. He was born, raised and educated in the Western Cape during the last two decades of apartheid. He moved to the UK to teach English. He is now a retired English and Geography teacher, residing as a French citizen. He has been weaving words since his childhood years. He writes about global issues affecting our global village and trying to adjust our moral compass. His poetry has appears in Indiana Voice Journal, Prachya Review, Tuck Magazine, Dissident Voice, The Voices Project, and GloMag. He has been published in three Anthologies by Creative Talents Unleashed; 'Shades of the Same Skin' and 'Poetic Melodies', 'Selfhood' anthology by Transcendent Zero Press and a South African anthology 'In Pursuit of Poetic Perfection'.

His South African publication debut of fourteen exclusive poems was published by Libbo Publishers in August 2018 with three other prominent SA authors Bevan Boggenpoel, Leroy Abrahams and Selwyn Milborrow in a unique anthology 'In Pursuit of Poetic Perfection', which upon release went to number 1 in 'African Literature' on Amazon Kindle.

This episode is part of my series on self-limiting beliefs. We all like to think and say we want to write a book, but we don't have time. In this episode I share a few thoughts on how we are procrastinating or making excuses. I give advice on how to get over our excuses and become writers.

Leroy Abrahams got involved with drugs and gangsterism in his teens. He was a rebel and then became homeless. He lived under a bridge in Gqeberha's infamous northern areas. He knew he had a calling to become a poet and motivational speaker, but could not overcome his addiction until one day when he gave his heart and life to God. In this interview, Abrahams shares his experiences. He received a poet of the year award the year after publishing his debut poetry collection.

Self-limiting belief systems to be aware of today. In this episode I am making aspirant artists and writers aware of how self-limiting beliefs can stop them from achieving their goals and destiny.

I wrote this poem on the day of Luca, my grandson’s birth.

Poem for Luca Daniel Milborrow

16 August's cradle holds a treasure so dear,

Luca Milborrow, a grandchild, a radiant light and clear.

A great-grandchild, a fresh beginning's embrace,

His life's canvas painted with Ma Eva’s smile and grace.

May wisdom's gentle streams guide his way,

Luca's gifts and talents twinkle like stars above,

And his heart brimming with boundless love.

Luca’s life, a blessing with laughter's sweet embrace,

His name whispered in the world's ear,

A melody of hope, tender and sincere.

With each dawn's rise, his purpose will unfold,

A beacon of hope, a tale to be told.

Blessed be Luca to bring light to each day,

And his parents’ love, a guide to a brighter day.

© 2023 Selwyn Milborrow

My granddaughter, Willow Liberty's first song recorded, 8 May 2023

Barend van Vuuren was a poet introduced to me by his cousin, Nadan Naidoo. Barend was welcomed into my MasterClass Writers group and quickly became a popular character. He was sensitive, intelligent and a great human being. The recordings were aired by fellow poet, Don Beukes on his podcast a week after Barend's passing. I would like to pay tribute to Barend with this episode. A big thank you to Don Beukes for giving me permission to air these last recordings of Barend.