Dear Reader  

The transition from November to December is always significant for me. People start smiling, traffic eases (considerably) and there's a tingling atmosphere of holiday cheer in the extra-fresh air. I think we're all looking forward to some much-needed downtime.  

Now I don't mean to crush your Christmas spirit, but let me remind you that after December comes January - and everything starts all over again. I've been thinking a lot about this endless cycle: As humans I think we've become accustomed to treating most of the year as a great trek to the top of the mountain. We do the same with weekends. Our boots get heavier as the end of a weekend approaches. We believe Mondays must always be grim and that life only gets shinier after "Humpday" (Wednesday) - because there are only two more sleeps till TGIF.

My point is: this is no way to live.

I want this happier, sunnier and positive December feeling to continue throughout 2012 - rain or shine, weekday or weekend. I don't only want to enjoy two-sevenths of a year; I want to love what I do every day.

I know that writing for a living can be hard at times; even if it's a hobby it's sometimes difficult to keep on keeping on. But I'm determined to remind myself that I love to write, and that I need to be writing daily for no other reason but that. I don't want to spend my life looking forward to the next period of downtime; what's the point of that anyway? Live it and love it. This is my New Year's resolution, and all my best wishes go out to you, fellow writers, to be inspired to do the same. 

As Confucious says: If you enjoy what you do you'll never need to work another day in your life.  

Write that down.

Sam

SAMANTHA MOOLMAN (Editor of The Writers' College News,  fellow writer, blogger and part-time journalism lecturer)

Message from the Principal

It's been a fabulous year at The Writers' College.

With almost 500 students, 294 high-achieving graduates and more than 30 articles and stories published by our students and past students, 2011 was a year marked by successes. We believe that the consistent hard work of our tutors, and our students, and the continual changes we make to improve our courses and websites, have paid off.

THANK YOU

A huge thank you to all the companies and individuals who have supported us this year. We so appreciate your interest and positive energy that you have brought to our writing college.

As always, a heartfelt thank you to our superb writing tutors. Your feedback is as glowing as ever. You are wonderful.

Thank you to Koos Turenhout - our administrator - for answering hundreds and hundreds of queries, and looking after all our students so well. Whitney Geary did an excellent job of organizing certificates for our graduates, and Natasja Atherton got our forum up and running. Karen Lotter, our web guru, has done a great job with our social media and our blog. A huge thank you to Samantha Moolman for taking up the role of newsletter editor. You do a superb job Sam. Zeald - the company responsible for creating and maintaining our websites - has ensured we had a zero-hassle year on the technical front.  Thank you for your input.

NEW COURSES FOR 2012

For 2012, we are opening three exciting new courses: Scriptwriting for Video Games and Digital Media, as well as a Personal Coaching Course based on the work of Julia Cameron, author of The Artist's Way and The Artists's Way at Work. We are also working on an Editing and Proof-reading Course. See more on these in the College News Section.

To round off 2011, we celebrate our top of everything: top student achievements, top courses, articles and tutor awards. Enjoy the read.

 CLOSING TIMES

We are closed from 18 December, and reopen the college on Wednesday 6 January 2012. Have a wonderful, restful festive season. Gather your courage for some break-through writing feats in 2012; we'll see you on the other side.

Happy Writing!

Nichola (Principal of The Writers' College)

CONTACT US:

Principal: NICHOLA MEYER  E-mail Nichola  

Student queries and applications: KOOS TURENHOUT  E-mail Koos   

"First of all, Don Pinnock was fantastic. There were moments when I was ready to throw in the towel, but his honest critiques and gentle encouragement kept me going. He is a marvellous man! It was no walk in the park, very challenging and enlightening. Would love to do it all over again." 

Janine Grobler, Travel Writing Course, November 2011

"I really enjoyed the course. It was fun, challenging and critical. Usually online courses aren't very personal and lack quality feedback, but this was not the case with the Writers' College. I received expert advice and guidelines. It was a quick and effective way to learn everything I needed to in order to realise my dream and become more confident. I'd recommend it to anyone and would do a different course in the future, too. I knew every second that I was in good hands and working under someone extremely talented and experienced. I also appreciated the bluntness and humour of my tutor. I know that he is a very busy man and I often thought that he might get a bit annoyed at my naivety, but he always got back to me immediately, after every assignment, with thorough advice. In only five months, you've helped me realise my dream and made it attainable." 

Roelien Steenkamp, Travel Writing Course, November 2011

"I found the course very informative and relevant. It covered every aspect of travel writing and provided extra reading and tips that helped me. I spent many hours reading articles in the library and that gave me extra information that enhanced the course. I thoroughly enjoyed doing the course, and will recommend it to all. Yvonne van Dongen far exceeded the expectations I had of a tutor. Her feedback was prompt, and always honest. She was strict but her comments made sense. She always encouraged me to do better and strive for more. She is a tutor that excels at her job, and it was a privilege for me to benefit from her vast knowledge of travel writing. I want to add that I think the calibre of all your tutors is excellent. It is a very worthwhile course and expanded my knowledge vastly. I would love to do another course."

Christine Jeffery, Travel Writing Course, September 2011

"It has been a fabulous experience working with Don. I appreciate the time he took, the comments, criticisms and most of all, the encouragement. This is a course focused on giving the basic, industry-related information, without wasting time on irrelevant information." 

Bianca Preusker, Travel Writing Course, August 2011

"It really was great fun, and very stimulating. Took me back to varsity days and theological college with the pressure of deadlines for submission! Ginny was great! May well do another course! She was mature and sensitive, with a wonderful sense of humour! Amazingly prompt with her feedback and knows her course extremely well! A very worthwhile experience, pitched at a very practical level, not too academic, and extremely stimulating. Strongly recommended." 

Ray Horocks, Short Story Writing Course, November 2011

"I really enjoyed the course and found it challenging. At times it was hard to motivate myself but having regular assignments kept me focused and up to speed. I really enjoyed working with my tutor, Paul Smith. His guidance was inspiring for me and he always came back with constructive criticism and/or encouraging feedback. I found the course easily accessible, the notes were clear and I feel like I have some really useful tools in my belt with the course notes and tutor feedback I have received."

Amanda Bidwell, Magazine Journalism Course, November 2011

"A very pleasant learning experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and am finding what I learned very useful. The course was well set-out and easy to fit in to my busy life. Overall, it made a very positive, good impression on me. I would recommend it to others. I really did appreciate Helen's positive encouragement. She inspired me to be a better writer. It was excellent. No negatives at all. Keep up the good work!"

 Jenny Lovemore, Basics of Creative Writing, November 2011

"Helen is a brilliant tutor who gave me the 'push' I needed to improve my writing. She sees a student's true potential, and knows just the right way to bring it to the fore. Thank you Helen! I thoroughly enjoyed the course, and have become a better writer for it. Having now completed two courses with the college, the reason I come back is for the manner in which the courses are taught, the excellent tutors and the comprehensive course material." 

Bronwyn Katzke, Basics of Creative Writing, November 2011

"The course was very easy to follow, enjoyable and, more importantly, it was fun. People see writing as boring; this course shows it is a whole new world and an adventure. Helen was lovely. Always full of encouragement and praise. She was also quick to point out any mistakes or weaknesses as well, but it was always done in an encouraging fashion, and then on top of that, she would tell you how to improve on it, or how to fix it. You cannot do anything but improve under this sort of tuition. I enjoyed this course immensely and will request Helen again as my tutor should I do another writing course. I will be back for more!" 

Michael Taylor, Basics of Creative Writing Course, October 2011

"When I started the course I was not very confident in my writing. I knew I loved to do it but wasn't sure if it was any good. With Helen's encouragement and the course material I now can see how my writing is stronger by using what I have learned. Many thanks. Helen was very helpful. I felt that I could contact her for any queries I had. Her response was always quick. When I had feedback from her I always felt encouraged to do better. Helen was always available and I especially liked the one-on-one interaction. I will be back for more. :)" 

Patty Donaldson, Basics of Creative Writing, October 2011

"I felt the course was set at the right level, and had exactly the right content for me. The notes and exercises flowed well and enabled me to progress. I felt my tutor's feedback was always right on the mark and focused on what was important. I have been impressed with all aspects of the Writers College. It's not always easy to know what you are getting with an online course, but I was very happy with my course. It appears to be very professionally staffed and run." 

Suzanne Main, Basics of Creative Writing, September 2011

"The course assisted me in polishing and improving my writing skills, to write in a more structured manner, to be more to-the-point and avoid unnecessary descriptions, words and sentences. I would definitely recommend the courses; training materials are professionally compiled and very relevant." 

Jenny Basson, Basiese Kreatiewe Skryfkursus, August 2011

"I loved the course! My tutor, Alex, was absolutely amazing, with her advice, encouragement and feedback. I did not expect such thorough feedback, so to say the least I was pleasantly surprised. I can highly recommend it and will advise any candidate to enrol and experience the care one gets." 

Deks Dekenah, Write a Novel, October 2011

"The course was presented very professionally. Each module was clearly explained and very informative. It literally seemed to cover the most important aspects of writing a novel, and some other aspects that I had never thought of. I was pleasantly surprised by the input of my tutor. I found her comments really helpful, and constructive. I feel that with the ongoing commentary from the tutor throughout each module, I was able to stay focused on the different aspects (character-building, scene-setting, etc). The module notes are a wonderful record which I can refer to at any time in the future as I continue to write. I am really glad that I took the plunge, and particularly that The Writers' College was the correct route to take. I have learnt a lot." 

Rosalynd Els, Write a Novel, Charlotte Randall, August 2011

"I have gained a lot from the course. There are so many mistakes [in our writing] that we normally take for granted and I have learnt from my mistakes. A very good college; I would recommend it to anyone." 

Ncikazi Ngqokwe, Basic Grammar Course, October 2011

"If I have to describe it in one word it would be 'WOW'! I had high expectations of the course, but as I worked my way through the modules, they went above and beyond anything I could have imagined. I learned more than I ever could have expected. So I have to say thank you. Ah! Alex, what a lecturer. She approached everything I did with so much positive feedback. It's been an absolute pleasure to study under her. Also having somebody who has written books guide me through the process meant so much more to me, especially because I'm going to write books too. You have a brilliant college. I've really been astounded by what you have to offer. It's been truly amazing for me. I'm absolutely looking forward to my next course with you." 

Omri Pieterse, Grammar Skills Course, August 2011

"The Writers' College provides an informative and quality course. Karen is an excellent tutor who is swift with her responses and provides objective, constructive criticism that helps steer you in the right direction. Karen offers a great course. Her notes are comprehensive and contain information about additional reading that allows one to explore the field in more depth. She has a professionally trained eye that points out where your script fails and succeeds. She is great tutor who is willing to be honest and answer any questions you have along the way. The Writers' College is a professional college that leads the field in writing courses. I would recommend writers from any field to invest in what they have to offer, in particular, the practical application of what you learn." 

Hannah Green, Scriptwriting Course, October 2011

"I've found the course very helpful in terms of my job as a communications officer. I feel more confident of my writing of press releases now. The positive feedback of the tutor helped me a lot and encouraged me to think outside the box. She created an atmosphere that was conducive for learning. This course is value for your money, excellent if you don't have the time to physically attend a course. Great online services." 

Laticia Pienaar, Press Release Writing Course, October 2011

"I was impressed with the amount of information about the industry and felt like I will now be able start my writing career. It is an excellent way to improve your writing skills in a way that suits your time and pocket." 

Claire Kivedo, Magazine Journalism Course, October 2011

"The course was challenging and enjoyable. My tutor was very motivating and encouraging. She was accommodating when I went through some personal setbacks. Without this encouragement, I would not have been able to finish the course. Studying with The Writers' College was great, and the practical element was challenging. The course really took me out of my comfort zone. I'm so glad I did this course and now I have a fantastic new lifelong skill!" 

Janice McKay, Magazine Journalism, August 2011

"I thoroughly enjoyed it and am actually signing up for the journalism course - which can only mean bigger and better things! Very professional and I loved this. Thanks. The professional way in which this course was managed was impressive and I am privileged to have completed this course through The Writers' College." 

Yvette Farinha, Write Better Newsletters, October 2011

"The course content was very relevant and provided an excellent overview of all the different aspects of web writing. Karen was always prompt in replying to queries and provided sincere feedback. It was clear that she's an expert in the field. I would recommend the Writing for the Web course to anyone who is keen to explore the world of online writing, as it gives a good overview. The course content is relevant and up to date." 

Stephanie Laubscher, Writing for the Web Course, September 2011

"The course material was well designed, challenging and yet interesting. It was a full, satisfying course. Helen is very incisive in her evaluations, and assessments. She knew exactly when to put on the pressure or when to compliment. She turned my manuscript into a seamless story, honed and ready to print. It's a shame she won't be looking over my shoulder for the next one. An excellent, professional course that I would promote." 

Fred Robertson, Write a Children's Book Course, September 2011

"Just wanted to mention how fantastic the course material is! I have done other courses in the past and they are positively Mickey Mouse in comparison with yours.  I am benefitting so much from it - and from your feedback." Unsolicited feedback on the Write Your Memoir Course, August 2011  

LATEST STUDENT RESULTS

Congratulations to all our students who recently completed their course at The Writers' College. Here is a list of all the graduates in each course: 

Travel Writing Course graduates:

Nicholas  Durr with distinction

Janine Grobler with distinction

Claire Hearn with distinction

Christine Jeffrey with merit

Karen Joubert with distinction

Bianca Preusker with distinction

Linda Schonknecht with distinction

Roelien Steenkamp with distinction

Sonja van den Heever with distinction

Basics of Creative Writing Course graduates:

Daniel Berti with distinction

Vanessa Chambers with merit

Patricia Donaldson with distinction

Bronwyn Katze with distinction

Varsha Lalla with distinction

Karen Lightfoot with distinction

Jenny Louw with distinction

Jenny Lovemore with distinction

Suzanne Maine with distinction

Matthew Maybery

Annette Morris ompleted the Basics of Creative Writing Coursewith distinction

Charmaine Moore completed the Basics of Creative Writing Course with merit

Nqobile Nyathi with distinction

Atenai Saifiti

Elizma Strauss with merit

Michaek Taylor with distinctions

Lynn West with merit

Jessica Wulfse completed the Basics of Creative Writing Course with merit

Basiese Kreatiwe Skryfkuns gegradueerdes:

Hansie Cronje  met meriete

Alta Steyn met onderskeiding

Ilse van der Merwe met meriete

Advanced Creative Writing Course graduate:

Eleanor Talbot with distinction

Magazine Journalism Course graduates:

Glenn Ayo with merit

Amanda Bidwell with distinction

Tivania Gounden with distinction

Janice McKay  with distinction 

Trevor Oostuizen with distinction

Geoffrey Raven with distinction

Clarisha Kivedo with merit

Megan Whitehead with distinction

Tydskrifjoernalistieje Kursus gegradueerde:

Sonya de Beer met onderskeiding 

Write Better Newsletters Course graduate: 

Yvette Farinha with merit

Xoliswa Ntambam 

Gloria Toheriri with distinction  

Writing for the Web Course graduates:

Trevor Delaney with distinction

Greg Knowles with distinction

Stephanie Laubscher with distinction

Judy Winchester with distinctions

Business Writing Toolkit Course graduate: 

Julie Drysdale  with distinction 

Write a Novel Course graduates:

Rosalynd Else with merit

Deks Dekenah with distinction

Jane Parlane with merit

Lisa Ramos with distinction

Copywriting Course graduates:

Kerry Beetge 

Natasha Chandler Biagio with merit 

Fallon Finlayson 

Basic Grammar Skills Course graduates:

Annelize Cronje with merit

Ncikazi Ngqokwe with distinction

Advanced Grammar Course graduate:

Cecilia Lee with distinction

Short Story Course graduate:

Ray Horrocks  completed the Short Story Course with distinction

Write a Press Release Course graduates:

Laticia Pienaar with merit

Steve Young with merit

Write a Children's Book Course graduate:

Fred Robertson with merit

Scriptwriting Course graduate:

Hannah Green with distinction

Writing Coach Course graduate:

Tanja Vasiljevic with distinction

Short Story Writing Course graduate:

Andrea Stitson with distinction

TOP 5 COURSES THIS YEAR:

1. The Basics of Creative Writing
2. The Travel Writing Course
3. Magazine Journalism
4. Write a Novel
5. The Copywriting Course

Congratulations to our top students of 2011. These results are fantastic!

TOP JOURNALISM STUDENTS

Micharn Pollock- Magazine Journalism - 91%

Geoffrey Raven - Magazine Journalism - 89%

Everson Luckson Luhanga - Broadcast Journalism- 89%

Megan Whitehead - Magazine Journalism - 86 %

Angelique Noll - Magazine Journalism - 86%

Sonya de Beer - Tydskrifjoernalistieke kursus - 85%

TOP TRAVEL WRITING STUDENTS

Marcelle Balt - 97%

Nicholas Durr - 92%

Bernard Mackenzie - 92%

Janine Grobler - 90%

Dee During - 90%

Sonja van den Heever - 86%

Linda Schonknecht - 86%

Georgie Chennells - 86%

TOP BASICS OF CREATIVE WRITING STUDENTS

Janette Stratton - 92%

Eleanor Talbot - 89%

Suzanne Main - 88%

Jenny Bertelsen - 88%

Michael Taylor - 88%

Annette Morris -  87%

Nqobile Nyathi - 87%

Varsha Lalla -87%

Yvonne Erasmus - 87%

TOP CREATIVE WRITING STUDENTS

Marcio Goncalves - Write a Novel - 90%

Annabel Schoeman - Write a Novel - 90%

Yael Barham-Smith - Short Story Writing - 89%

Anna Guthrie - Poetry - 87%

Hannah Green - Scriptwriting - 85 %

Deks Dekenah - Write a Novel - 85 %

Petro van Rooyen - Write a Novel - 85%

Lisa Ramos - Write a Novel Course - 84%

TOP SPECIALIST WRITING STUDENTS

Minako Tokita - Grammar Skills - 98%

Wanda van der Wath - Writing Coach - 94%

Susan Botha - Grammar Skills - 92%

Ilse du Plessis - Writing Coach - 90%

Tanja Vasiljevic - Writing Coach - 90%

Greg Knowles - Writing for the Web - 89%

Caryn Ross - Social Media Writing - 89%

Bronwyn Williams - Writing for the Web - 88%

Ncikazi Ngqokwe - Grammar Skills - 87%

Judy Winchester - Writing for the Web - 87%

Fleur Thompson - Write a Great Press Release - 87%

Here are snippets from our top stories of 2011.

Excerpt from 'Sweet sixteen and what next?' - by Micharn Pollock (Magazine Journalism Final Assignment)

Bieber fever broke out before Justin's pimples did, eight-year-old Romeo Beckham's sunglasses designs puts us in the shade and teenage fashion fundi Tavi Gevinson is teaching Vogue about vogue.

Friedrich Nietzsche once said "He who would learn to fly one day must first learn to stand and walk and run and climb and dance; one cannot fly into flying."  This does not seem to be true today. Jaden Christopher Syre Smith, son of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith is an American child actor, dancer, rapper, songwriter (breathe!) and hit fame at only eight years old. Gevinson began her fashion blog at age eleven and a year later she partnered with the London-based Borders & Frontiers to design and sell her own t-shirt.

Most people work their whole lives towards moments like those. Everything has been fast forwarded and it's no wonder we are turning into a group of middle-aged adults who feel like failures if we haven't yet paid cash for that loft in New York.

"No one wants to be average, so everyone is trying to outdo each other. People are speaking about their business plans and I'm like hell, I haven't even finished first year," says Gabbi, an eighteen-year-old student.

Excerpt from 'Eat on the Street: a taste of Italian culture' - by Megan Whitehead (Magazine Journalism Final Assignment)

The chilly autumn air is warmed by the aroma of wood-oven baked focaccia, fragranced with the scent of rosemary and salted by the tang of anchovies. Rosy-cheeked people hungrily elbow their way through the crowded piazza. A dozen or so stalls frame the courtyard, each adorned with tacky decorations and barely-legible chalkboard menus. Artisan vendors hand out paper plates collapsing beneath the weight of generous portions of food. The eating-sharing-tasting-smiling atmosphere brings together an unusual tapestry of people with one common thread - a deep love for real, simple, uncomplicated food.

For a few days in October the industrial city of Turin, in the North-West Piedmont province of Italy, welcomes over 200,000 visitors to the Salone del Gusto. Directly translated as "Hall of Flavours", this biennial festival is a celebration of Italian cuisine and culture. Exhibitors range from producers of the finest Prosciutto di Parma, to small-scale farmers boasting their sweetest rosa tomatoes. Emphasis is on regional differentiation, and the relationship between food and place is expressed in a tangible manner.

Since the times of ancient Rome, eating food served from pavement kiosks has been common practice for the Italian lower classes. Several regions have their own specialities that bring together tradition, freshness and seasonality, and tasting these dishes is an essential part of experiencing the diversity of Italy.

Tossing a coin over your shoulder into the sparkling Trevi Fountain may hold the romantic promise of a return visit. But to experience Rome as the Romans do, amble through the cobbled streets of the eclectic Roman Ghetto and pause for a bite to eat. The Carciofi Alla Giudia (Jewish-style fried artichoke)with its delicately golden sunflower leaves and crisp nutty flavour will bring you back to the city for sure.

Excerpt from 'Let Them Drink Fog - by Angelique Noll (Magazine Journalism Final Assignment)

In fifteen years, South Africa's freshwater supplies will be depleted. The CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) also warns that the country's available water reserves could dwindle sooner if we are faced with a prolonged drought or continue polluting the water. Confronted with the threat of such a severe water crisis, scientists are urgently seeking alternative water provisions that are economical and safe for human consumption.

Fortunately, the one resource that South Africa does not lack is good scientific researchers. Prof. Jana Olivier, a retired climatologist from the University of South Africa, as well as Prof. Johan Van Heerden, Emeritus Professor at the University of Pretoria, turned their research to the skies and perfected a process which enables people to literally drink fog. According to Prof. Olivier, "Fog is an underestimated supply of water, even though it is the major source for many desert plants and animals."

The design

One community that is already relying on fog as its main water source is the Tshanowa Junior Primary school in Limpopo. Here, in the cool early morning mist, children collect water from a storage tank next to the school. The water is fresh fog, blown in by the moist air from the Indian Ocean. Before the erection of the fog harvester, children used to walk 2 km to the nearest non-perennial spring. Now the school children and the surrounding community have between 150 and 250 litres of fresh, clean fog water per day.

An excerpt from 'Sutherland: SALT of the earth' - by Jolene du Plessis (Final Assignment Magazine Journalism)

The winding road from Matjiesfontein to Sutherland draws me into a scenic Karoo backdrop. As I drive slowly around the bends, the blue and grey colours of the koppies play with my eyes, emerging left and right as I pass. Gradually ascending Verlatenkloof pass, the flat-faced rocks frame the view and in the dusty horizon Sutherland appears. The last ten kilometres feel like a dash to the finish line - the white church tower a beacon for the town's centre. A yellow sign 'welcomes you to Sutherland'.

At first glance, Sutherland seems less than ordinary: no Checkers, Kwikspar or Pick'n Pay in sight. Only a few unfamiliar business buildings line the main road - an art deco 'Sutherland Ko-op', a white-washed, flat-roofed building called 'Zellies se Winkel' and a stone building with red and green letters that reads 'Roggeveld Handelaars'. The dust and the wind provide a constant reminder of the Karoo. In the distance the sign to the big telescope, Sutherland's main attraction, is overshadowed by the majestic stone church, where Sutherland began.

Though Sutherland is famous for its large telescope and cold winters, it was founded in 1858 to serve as a church and a market for the district's sheep farming community. The town owes its name to Dominee Henry Sutherland, who oversaw the religious wellbeing of the community. Sutherland is situated in the Roggeveld district, part of the Karoo, at 1450 metres above sea level, making it ideal for stargazing with its clear skies. This also explains the sporadic snow in winter. There are a few telescopes on a large koppie just outside Sutherland, but the big one, the Southern Africa Large Telescope (SALT), is the only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere - so it is understandable that it is the main draw-card for visitors. I dare say that before SALT, it was as if Sutherland did not exist in the world of modern tourism.

An Excerpt from 'Pregnancy: Standing on the Job' by Janice McKay (Final Assignment Magazine Journalism)

Rochelle Te Tuhi (26) from Hamilton loved being a checkout supervisor. But when she was pregnant, the constant standing gave her a throbbing backache and feet so sore, they almost felt numb. Rochelle didn't want to let anyone down so she carried on looking after her staff and customers at full speed, 45 hours a week. By her third trimester, pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure) had set in and caused her to faint. It wasn't till the second time she collapsed at work that she finally cut down her hours.

Like Rochelle, many pregnant women stand all day at work. Many are feeling pressured to keep cash coming in as long as possible, before they begin maternity leave. Others simply want to prove that they are tough enough. Instead of burning out, there are steps women can take to balance the demands of their pregnancy with the demands of standing on the job.

1. Talk to Your Boss

The 'New and Expectant Mothers at Work' guideline from the Department of Labour encourages open communication. This is because comfortable workers can lead to an increase in productivity. The report advocates that employers should accommodate their pregnant workers by, 'adapting the job's physical demands'.

An excerpt from 'We blog therefore we are: the importance of thinking before posting' - by Amanda Bidwell (Final Assignment Magazine Journalism)

Remember that shabby diary you used to stash in your undies drawer years ago? You know the one. Filled with confessions of lust for Marcus from English class, then Scotty from Biology and Leonardo Di Caprio - naturally. Now imagine the contents published online for all to see. Makes you cringe more than spotting a man wearing socks and sandals right? Funnily enough though, these days it seems to be the norm. Rather than bury their most intimate thoughts in an underwear drawer, many moody teenagers choose to blog publicly about them instead. And they might just be on to something.

"Blogging is a great way for people to show off and hone their skills, express themselves, and share information," says Clinical Psychologist Dr Alice Boyes, once a Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Sussex who now operates a private practice in Christchurch. A blogger herself, Dr Boyes believes that there is therapeutic value in opening up online. As the saying goes, 'a problem shared is a problem halved' and blogging is doing just that for many people the world over. A Kiwi woman who can vouch for that is Jane Yee...

Plan your December getaway with destination ideas from our travel writers. Their stories are always sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

Gillian Gilbride's intro for a different take on Dubai titled - 'Modern City, Ancient Art'

Mohammed sits cross-legged. Poised in one hand is his reed pen dripping black ink. Pressed under his other hand is a camel-skin leather parchment. He wipes his brow, cautious that the sweat on his forehead does not stain the page before his pen does. His hand is steady though, sturdy with the knowledge of his masters. Years of practice culminates as the black ink pools at the tip of his pen. The proportion and line of the stroke must be exact, or else the parchment is ruined.

Who is this Mohammed? Is he real? And does he exist in Dubai?

Dubai is a city renowned for its skyscrapers and seven-star opulence. I'm curious to find out if, with all the glitz and glamour, there are still Emiratis delicately penning calligraphic scrolls in Dubai's desert dunes.

An excerpt from Bianca Preusker from her article 'Karoo by Donkey Cart'

"Hut hut hai. Stap, Lea, stap, Harry." Eight improbably long, furry ears turn back to hear Dean's voice, which keeps the donkeys moving forward at a gentle walk. The crunch of wheels on the gravel road and a slight squeak from the brakes are the only other sounds on this crisp Karoo morning. I lean back in my comfortably upholstered seat and stare over an endless expanse of bushes, interspersed with an amazing variety of flowers. This is the pace for travel here, seeing, smelling, hearing everything around. And certainly the unique suspension on this luxurious conveyance makes the ride a lot smoother than in an older, more traditional cart.

 The donkey (Equus africanus asinus), a descendant of the African Wild Ass (Equus africanus) has been domesticated for around 3 000 years. You can beat a horse and command an ox, but with a donkey it is necessary to negotiate. And this negotiation is an art that Dean Loff has mastered. The donkeys patently adore him and do almost anything he asks of them.

On this particular Tuesday morning he is asking them to take us 35 kilometres from Beaufort West to Olive Grove guest farm. It's a six-hour trip, allowing for various coffee, tea, lunch and photo breaks. But we're in no hurry. The winter sun is bright in a clear blue sky and warm blankets ward off the chilly wind as we clatter slowly through the streets of Beaufort West, trailing a gaggle of waving children.    

Soon the donkeys are ambling along a gravel road. This used to be the main road to Oudtshoorn, before the existence of what is now the N12. "Too much traffic here!" grumbles Ayanda. My city-scarred eyes linger on the dust cloud left by only the fifth car to pass us in two hours.

"Traffic?" I try to keep the incredulity out of my voice. "Exactly," he confirms, but hastens to placate me, explaining that we would soon turn off the 'busy' gravel road and head into the bush.

Excerpt about a Reebeeck East country bazaar from 'Boere, Brits and Bazaar Battles' by Bernard Mackenzie

The Boere gave the Brits a rough time in the Anglo-Boer War and a visit to the NG Kerk Bazaar in Riebeeck East showed us why. The orderly, patiently queuing English buitelanders were no match for the locals' guerrilla tactics learned from their shrewd and adaptable ancestors.

Extended Boer family units had split into smaller commandos and scouted out the bazaar venue earlier, peeping through windows and identifying key areas of assault. Information was gathered, analysed over beer and curry-bunny and battle plans were formulated.

The front line was breached at 13:30 as a mass of people burst into the hall, each on a carefully planned assault with a specific objective in mind. To the Ingelsmanne it seemed chaotic and their regimented queues were simply overpowered. The Afrikaners moved with watchful purpose, not allowing their focus to slip, but keeping a careful eye on the movement of others, ready to shift tactics if the veggie stall seemed too heavily under siege. Each person knew their mission, their target, their preferred flavour of fudge.

There was pushing and some customers even broke into a run, but no fatalities were recorded. One tannie nearly lost an eye in a scuffle at the salami stand and another bought a pair of gloves but lost her hat during the retreat. My wife, Helen, got away virtually unhurt with a box of peaches (she'd learnt from an unsuccessful and chaotic previous visit), but carried a haunted look in her eyes for the rest of the day. I escaped with a lemon-meringue pie and a slight limp.

'A butcher's hook around London's East End' by Janet Kleyn

In an effort to get off the tourist track, Janet Kleyn took a walking tour of London's East End which has been battling an image problem since Jack the Ripper launched into the headlines in the 1880s. Behind the graffiti she was surprised to discover a culturally interesting and vibrant area.

"Some people become cops because they want to make the world a better place. Some people become vandals because they want to make the world a better looking place," says an anonymous urban street artist, who sprays/paints/goes under the pseudonym of Banksy.

Banksy, a celebrated graffiti artist, has plied his trade repeatedly in London's East End. Some of his pieces have sold for more than £500,000 and he has a Hollywood following, which includes Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. Despite this, no one knows his real identity, probably because most of his work is illegal and considered vandalism.

Love them or hate them, urban street artists are entrenched in London's East End. Behind the graffiti, which showcases the area's cutting edge and creative side, lies an area abundant in history and culture.

While creative writing itself is quite a daunting prospect for some, writing a memoir doesn't allow for the author to hide behind his or her characters.

Read the extracts below of our own memoir writers who were brave enough to share their thoughts, dreams and personal experiences with others.

By Gail Zizzamia (Write Your Memoir Course graduate)

The 'villa' in any town in Italy is a communal garden with paths for walking on and running. In Salandra, the villa is adjacent to the piazza and has winding walkways crowded with flirting teenagers and entwined couples on benches. This is the training ground for piazza pacing. Graduation to the piazza happens after marriage when the girls move inside to play house and their husbands onto the piazza.

...

I didn't go to the piazza during men-hours very often, not out of obedience but because I found it monotonous to meet up with the same faces pacing up and down the same paving every single night, speaking about the same things. Antonio's peers, like he, had lived their entire lives in this isolated small town, the products of illiterate parents and carriers of archaic social attitudes. Even today, I still see the identical people walking in the piazza with each other, sagging and aged now, missing teeth and overweight . Their conversations have changed as they have settled into a domestic rut and I am still uninspired to hear what they have to say. I look at Antonio, still good looking, lean and with so much more to offer.

By Amanda Botha (Write Your Memoir Course graduate)

The extensive grounds consisted of a tennis court, swimming pool, bowling green as well as a meet-house. At the furthest point of the grounds, where the lawns joined the outer fence, there was a dip, providing a sweet retreat from the hospital's windows. It was here that I and my closest girlfriends from the Ward would lie for hours, drenched in cooking oil (which we'd sneaked out the kitchen) to speed up the tanning process. Even now, when I hear 'Silly Love Songs' by Paul McCartney or 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart' by Elton John, it takes me back those heady summer days, lying under the relentless sun, listening to the Top of the Pops on a tinny transistor radio, feeling total contentment in my insanity and secure in the acceptance of me by my hospital peers.

There were dozens of great pieces to choose from, so we closed our eyes and selected random excerpts from our list of favorites. Enjoy!

Extract from The Tenth Wave by Corlette Grobler (Write a Novel Course)

He was not ready to return to the dungeons and he was certainly done with 'the rack' which seldom stood idle in the cages below.

It was usually placed near their entrance, where the light was most and men could see the suffering. Dirty hands would stretch out toward the victim to bid him God's peace while long, mournful wails witnessed his strapping - supine - to the frame. Then, as soon as the wretched man's wrists and ankles were fastened, the notary would proceed with the questions to which the answers were desired.

Edward was put to the rack in this way but his frame proved too tall for the carnivorous beast of the Vatican dungeons. A day later, an older, sturdier rack was rolled in. It was soiled with blood and excrement when they strapped him to it and the notary bared a callous smile while he cleared a rotting limb from the ropes. He tossed it, jaded, down the dark corridor behind him.

'You will like this one,' he taunted, 'this one comes from the tower.'

It was an older, sturdier model indeed. But it was different too. On this rack was no bed. Consequently, Edward was strapped to ropes on the floor amid the rotting smells of decay, excrement, blood and vomit that had been washed from their dungeon the day before. They hoisted him by pulling at his ankles and wrists, winding the rope around the crossbars at his head and feet. The pain was agony. He gasped for breath and swore he heard loud popping noises of snapping cartilage. They were sounds the men in the dungeon knew well - sounds they had often heard when the first victims were stretched.

A sudden jerk of the wooden handle yanked the ropes around his arms and ankles even tauter: ' - you heard the king say that he wanted riddance of his meddlesome priest?'

Silence deafened him while the ropes pulled dastardly on his arms. Pain shot through his breast, belly, arms and hands and he was almost certain that all the blood in his body had burst out at his fingers' ends. Then the ropes relaxed and his blood rushed back. A distant voice urged him to answer. He nodded 'yes' while his senses returned. He could hear again.

'- speak up Edward.'

'Yes!' he yelled, 'yes!'

Excerpt from Janette Stratton's final assignment (Basics of Creative Writing Course)

Professor Lambton followed Teri as closely as he dared. He could see her wonderful hair moving in time with his breath and smell her shampoo. Murmuring "Behold, thou art fair," to himself, he leaned even closer. Too close. He knocked her backpack and she staggered. He tried to catch her by the elbows, but she was already out of reach, flowing down the stairs in a fluid, loose-limbed rush that he couldn't hope to emulate. He fancied himself in good shape but he had never been an athletic man, preferring intellectual pursuits to sporting ones. He persevered though, drawn on by her hair and the glimpses he caught of her hips swinging down the stairs.

By the time they reached the ground floor he was blowing hard and could feel runnels of sweat on his cheeks and neck. He was wearing one of his good shirts, the one with the snaking blue paisley pattern, and he hoped the colours would conceal any clammy patches. Teri hurried on outside, forcing him to rush after her. "Teri, wait. I just want to talk to you about your last essay. You make some fascinating points about Shakespeare's sexuality and I thought we might discuss them over coffee at my place. It'll be warmer there."

"Thanks for the offer Professor, but I have to go. I'm meeting friends." Teri peered around her.

He wondered what she could find so interesting about the courtyard. All he saw was the concrete barbarism of the Arts building, the grey paving stones that some philistine of an architect had thought would enliven the courtyard, and a few benches that no one ever used because of the winds funnelling around the Arts building. Even the water feature was predominantly concrete.

Teri bumped up against the stone of the fountain's edge and paused. Lambton stepped towards her and patted her arm. "Teri," he said in the orotund voice he usually saved for reading poetry aloud, "I want to talk to you." It wasn't the place he would have chosen to make his declaration. It was too ugly, too exposed, too liable to interruption from some student or other. But he knew that he might not get a better opportunity.

By Kerryn Campion (Scriptwriting Course)

Beginning

Title fades to black

There is no visual yet, but the audio is that of a distant, jeering, and tauntingly eager crowd.

The black fades into the visual. The camera hovers over a massive symbol that is glowing through a marble floor. Two pairs of sandaled feet stand on either side of the symbol.

A throat is cleared high above one of the pairs of sandals: 

And whosoever bears this symbol shall end all suffering, shall end all strife and be the saviour to us all.

The visual fades to black again, the crowd continues with its jeers and taunts.

The foreground audio is that of a number of authoritative, echoing footsteps, a key is placed into a gate.

The black fades into the visual.

The camera is extremely low to the ground; a pair of boots enters through a heavy gate into a filthy cell. The camera zooms past the boots to three pairs of naked, dirty feet all connected to each other by heavy chains. The feet stand unsteadily and are led out the cell by the boots.

Switch to the feet of a running child, the camera pans slowly up his body, but only to his hands. There is a soiled envelope in his right hand.

Switch back the shuffling chained feet being led over muddy cobblestones by the menacing boots. The jeering is becoming increasingly louder.

Switch to the running child. His breathing is becoming ragged and is full of emotion. He pushes on through the long sharp grass.

The boots are now standing to attention along the front of the wooden platform as the six grubby feet shakily ascend the creaky wooden steps. Large stained boots move towards the first pair of feet, and then to the next, and then to the next, performing tasks above the view of the camera shot.

The child is running up a hill, his breathing full of fatigue and desperation, he pushes to the top of the hill. All the while the sounds of the mob increase as he nears the apex.

The stained boots come into view; a grunt of effort comes from their owner as they take the stance of exertion.

The dirty, naked feet fall through the platform. They twitch at first, but then just swing lifelessly.

A cry escapes the child as he drops to his knees.

Ending

Title fades to black

By Shelley Kirton (Short Story Writing Assignment)

The air in the hair salon is heavy with a perfumed, chemical smell. Sophia takes a seat, puts her handbag down then flips through the magazines. She has a choice; an out-of-date Woman's Weekly or Hairstyles for Today, dated six months prior; also somewhat tardy she thinks. She opts for the Woman's Weekly.

"Would you like a cup of tea? Coffee?" Angela, on reception, asks. She is wearing an odd assembly of short black garments one on top of the other and her hair is deeply black and silver-tipped.   Her slim legs are bare and her feet are sheathed in spike-heeled boots; Sophia wonders how she manages to trit-trot around all day in them. She is youthfully beautiful.

"No, thanks, I'm fine," she answers, hoping that whoever did Angela's hair is not going to do hers.

"OK then, Jenine won't be too long now." Angela resumes her position behind the reception desk.

Sophia reads, glances up at the stylists, sees snips of clients' hair falling in wispy swathes on the floor. Angela comes and sweeps an efficient broom-full of this debris behind a door that reveals glimpses of a table strewn with cups and the remnants of a birthday cake; several candles remain poised on a small slice that oozes cream.

Sophia continues reading: a grandmother announces her love for her grandson and they are having a baby. Really? She feels ill. Reaches for the Hairstyles magazine instead.  Sophia's hair is difficult and she has despaired of it, always. She's never had the sort of hair that swishes, and envies those who do. She wonders if Jenine will today bring about the miracle that will see her with swishable locks. Knows that she won't. Can't.

"Ready for you now". Angela flicks a midnight-blue and silver cape around Sophia's shoulders and secures it with a zippy Velcro flourish. "Jenine will be with you in a moment. Sure you don't want a cuppa? Water?"

"No, thank you". Sophia takes off her glasses and earrings, puts them on the shelf in front of her and next to the jars of shampoo and conditioner that are stacked neatly to her left and intended for her purchase. She remembers when she went to the hairdresser just for a haircut but now she is importuned to buy 'product' and additional 'services' and sundry 'treatments'.   Too many choices she thinks. She is tired of making choices, decisions. She is perhaps just tired. It's all been very difficult lately.

Jenine arrives in a twirl of black tulle and sequins. She looks as though she is going to the theatre rather than to do my hair, thinks Sophia. Why do hairdressers wear such extraordinary black clothing? All the same, she envies them their apparent carefree insouciance.

"How're you today"? enquires Jenine. "Colour and a trim, right?"

"Fine, yes, thank you". Sophia wears her hair in a tidy but undistinguished way. She is not a flamboyant woman.

Jenine looks at Sophia and again at her hair and wonders aloud if she couldn't just style it a little more this time, just to strengthen the line a little? And the colour, wouldn't Sophia like it just a little more daring? Just a little.

Sophia looks at herself in the mirror, sees that she looks tired, all over, not just her hair that has become too long for her face. She feels, well, a bit reckless, a bit giddy in the moment. Why not? Yes, she'll be daring. For a change.

Tina Kitching unveils the thoughts of a pole dancer (Short Story Writing Assignment)

I see them at my feet. Howling - a pack of hungry wolves through the smoky mist, that is my stage. Every night. As I step into the spotlight. I lose sight as my eyeballs adjust to the brightness. I feel them drooling for my naked flesh. I meet their eyes, just as they're about to tear my costume to shreds: flashes of pink. Their claws paw into me as they make their deposits. But it is here that I become their master. It is here that I tame them, that I whip them with my leathery lingerie. It is here where I am in control, and my centre of gravity - a pole. The alpha she-wolf. If you look hard enough, you can see my reflection in the bloody Marys, sloshing around in their hungry open mouths. It's dirty. I drip from their teeth in the black of the back. Bleeding on the glass tables, drenched in their spit and fibres from their Armani-suits. Drop by drop, down their hairy chins. Every night is the same. I dance for the wolves. I strip for the wolves. I drag one to my cave in this forsaken oasis of my being.

Christie Williams reflects 'On Love and Loss' (Short Story Writing Assignment)

The bus rounds the corner of Glouston Street far too quickly. I brace myself with one arm against the seat in front of me. My stomach rumbles. I haven't eaten since yesterday, not since... I try not to think about last night as the images come flickering through in broken pieces. Each memory cuts me with its serrated edges and I wince in pain as I feel my heart begin to break all over again. Her voice begins to replay itself again for what feels like the hundredth time this morning.

I just don't love you anymore.

I take a deep breath in.

It's time to move on.

I try to distract myself with what's outside the window.

Francois is my future now.

It doesn't work.

Goodbye, Tom.

They met through me. Francois was the visiting French teacher at the private school up the hill. The kind of school so posh they could afford to fly in their language teachers for a more 'authentic experience'. Anna and I took him out to dinner one night. It was a favour to the said school's principal who was an old mate of mine. We ended up becoming close friends and Anna and I would catch up with him at the local pub a couple of days a week. Francois and I would share work stories and Anna would have us in stitches with some hilarious tale...

I catch a glimpse of my reflection in the window. I look half awake and the heavy bags under my eyes aren't doing me any favours. We were supposed to be getting married this summer. She even had the dress already picked out. First thing she did was buy that damn dress. I should've known then that she was more interested in the wedding than the actual marriage. I feel like a pimply sixteen year old getting his heart broken for the first time all over again.

The bus has come to a stop. It's raining and there's been an accident up ahead. The road is blocked. We wait for what seems like ages. I should have called in sick today. It's not too late to change my mind, I tell myself. Just get off and take another bus home. But I can't do that to my students. Final exams are approaching and they're already stressing over them. Up ahead the ambulance has arrived. A siren in the background is still screeching but I hardly notice. The driver gives up and we veer off into a detour. The more I think about the whole thing the more I begin to hate Anna. I sit there finding new things to despise about her: The way she flicks little bits of food onto the mirror when she's flossing; the way she laughs at nothing when she's had too much to drink; the way she flirts with everyone. I try to convince myself she wasn't that great after all.

An excerpt from a piece by Kay Wilson (Short Story Writing Assignment)

He looked up from his book. Jean's hair glowed. The late afternoon sun had struck the back of her head turning the thick auburn curls into a vibrant halo. Her dark eyes smiled at Dave. At first, that was all he could see, against the deepening orange brightness of the sun in his eyes. Dave stared at her. Something was different. Yes, the small face was very familiar, the pointy nose he knew well, the quirky painted-on eyebrows in their place, but, something was different. He looked more closely, then turned away so quickly that his body jerked and his book fell to the ground. "How dare she." he thought. "How dare she just come here without warning me. That's not fair." As he bent down to pick up the book he felt a quick burst of shame at his reaction.

Dave stood and looked down at Jean. She smiled at him again. 'It's a bit of a shock the first time," she said. Her wide smile twisted the misshapen side of her cheek. The taught and ragged new skin, that surrounded the edges of a scar, stood out raw and white. "I never was much of a looker anyway." Jean shrugged. "They're going to fix it you know. They're doing plastic surgery when this has healed a bit more."

Dave felt ill. He wanted to run. He wanted to be back in a place where there were no scars on brave faces.

"I didn't visit you," said Dave. "I tried but they wouldn't let me in." He hesitated, and then said bitterly. "They thought it was me. The police I mean. They came in to the library and took me in for questioning."

"I know." Jean shook her head. "I told them it wasn't you. He was taller and heavier. I couldn't see much to start with because he jumped me from behind. I fell down and rolled over and there he was, like a mad gorilla standing over me." She bent her head. "I can't forget his eyes... Dark eyes, glaring at me, like black holes in his face except he didn't have a face, just a scarf and a hoody and eyes." Jean spoke quietly. "The police are still looking for him you know. He's still out there, waiting for things to die down before he attacks someone else." 

Have a look at some of the work our Afrikaans writers have had to offer this year. Here is some info on Martin Strohm whose work will hopefully be lining the shelves very soon!

Martin Strohm het in Januarie 2011 die Skryf-'n-roman-kursus voltooi. Hy het besonder goed in die kursus gevaar en sy studieleier, Wilna Adriaanse het hom aangemoedig om sy manuskrip aan 'n uitgewer voor te lê. Die manuskrip is nie aanvaar nie, maar hy het so 'n positiewe keurverslag gekry dat ons gedink het om dit hier te noem. Van die kommentaar wat in die verslag gelewer word, is onder andere:

Inteendeel, hy het 'n baie onderhoudende, helder manier om homself uit te druk. Sy styl pas ook by dié genre (misdaad/polisieroman/proseduraal) aangesien dit 'n reguit benadering verg.

Die dialoog is knap gehanteer. Dit is oortuigend, want die karakters praat soos mense regtig praat. Die skrywer weet ook om "vertelstukke" weg te laat op kere as die blote aanbieding van karakters se spreekbeurte voldoende is.

Nou het ek 'n paar gebreke uitgewys; die skrywer kan dalk met sommiges saamstem en met ander nié. Maar dit wat dikwels die eerste groot probleem in 'n skrywer se pad is, naamlik doodeenvoudig 'n onvermoë om te kan skryf, is glad nie hier teenwoordig nie. Ek hoop hy gaan weer probeer.

Ons is bly om te sê hy het na al die raad en voorstelle geluister en die manuskrip geredigeer en is op die punt om dit weer in te dien. Ons hou saam met hom duimvas dat hy hierdie keer goeie nuus gaan kry. Sterkte, Martin!

Vir al die lesers wat hou van 'n stukkie naelbyt spanning, heg ons hier ʼn kort uittreksel uit sy manuskrip aan:

Uit Donker Spoor deur Martin Strohm

Hy kyk af na die pistool in sy hande. Donker metaal, gevorm om dood te maak. Die gladde loop rus op growwe vingers. Die pistool is lankal nie meer koud teen sy vel nie. Maar dit bly hard.

Rondom hom is dit stil. Daar is geen kindergeluide, tv-klanke of eers 'n hond wat aan iets snuif nie. Ook nie veel lig nie, maar sy oë is al gewoond aan die skemer.

Die wapen is lig in sy hande.

Binne-in hom is dit stil. 'n Vreemde kalmte. Vrede.

Hy vou sy regterpalm om die greep. Sy wysvinger gaan lê outomaties langs die snellerbeuel. Hy druk die veiligheidsknip af en haal die glystuk oor.

Die loop rus teen sy slaap asof dit daar pas. Hier voel dit nie hard nie.

Hy knip sy oë stadig.

Sy wysvinger krul om die sneller.

Dit pla hom nie meer dat hy niks voel nie.

Kaptein Henz Kritzinger stap Woensdagoggend in by die operasionele kamer op die grondvloer van die Wes-Kaapse Ernstige Geweldsmisdaadeenheid in Bishop Lavis. Hy kyk na die lede van sy bystandgroep wat teenwoordig is. "Reg. Kom ons gaan oor alles wat ons weet sodat almal op hoogte is. Mags."

"Oraait. Ons het twee slagoffers. Dok Killian is oortuig dis dieselfde man se werk. Die eerste een was Brackenfell se dossier, maar ons het dit nou oorgeneem." Hy beduie na 'n foto wat teen die muur vasgeheg is. Langsaan staan 'n naam in hoofletters geskryf, met 'n opsomming van inligting daaronder. "Dominique Gould. Sestien. Sy het hokkie geoefen by die skool, en op pad huis toe net verdwyn. Dit was op 16 Oktober laasjaar."

Magson wys na die volgende foto. "Die tweede slagoffer is Maryke Retief. Vyftien. Sy het by 'n vriendin gaan kuier na skool op 27 Februarie, en op pad huis toe net verdwyn. Albei het geloop."

Hy gaan staan by die yslike kaart van Kaapstad en omgewing verder teen die muur. Sy vinger wys na een van die twee merkers. "Dominique is hier gekry op 24 Oktober." 'n Toutjie lei na kleurfoto's van die misdaadtoneel wat langs die kaart vasgeheg is, maar Magson beweeg aan na die volgende merker. "Maryke hier-nou Sondag. Dominique was in Hoërskool Brackenfell en sy het in Brackenfell verdwyn. Haar liggaam is naby Brackenfell gelos. Maryke het in Bellville gebly en in Bellville verdwyn. Haar liggaam is 'n ent buite Durbanville gelos."

"Baie verder weg," merk inspekteur Gys Burger op.

Inspekteur Azhar Najeer knik. "Maybe Dominique was found too quickly."

"Hy't meer moeite gedoen met Maryke," sê inspekteur Kayla Schulenburg. "'n Beter plek gesoek."

"Nie beter genoeg nie," sê Burger.

"Brackenfell, Bellville-" sê Magson. "Dis sy omgewing."

"And they start where they feel comfortable," sê Najeer. "Somewhere they know."

"As hy in Brackenfell begin het," sê inspekteur Patrick Theko. "Ons weet nog nie of daar ander voor Dominique was nie."

Kapt. Kritzinger knik. "Ons moet daarna kyk, ja."

"As hulle ook gehang is, kan dit nie te moeilik wees nie," sê Schulenburg.

"Die hangery is snaaks." Menck druk 'n Stuyvesant in die asbakkie dood.

"Gehang. Gewurg. Gelem. Geskiet. Moord is moord. Wees bly dis so maklik om te weet watter werk syne is."

"It means something to guys like this, Gys," sê Najeer. "There's a reason why he hangs them."

"Want hy laaik'it." Burger doen geen moeite om die irritasie uit sy stem te hou nie. "Om te sit en wonder hoekom gaan ons hom nie vang nie."

"It's very unusual. That makes it important."

"Ag, Azhar. Jy hou net daarvan om daai groot brein van jou te laat hardloop."

"Kom ons kom terug by die feite," sê Kritzinger.

"Hy los hulle met hulle klere aan," hervat Magson sy oorsig, "maar sekere artikels is weg. Hulle het geen juweliersware nie. Dominique het altyd haar horlosie aangehad. Maryke het 'n goue kettinkie aangehad. Hy hou ook hulle broekies - "

"Trophies," sê Najeer. "Mementoes. To remember them by."

"Wat van hulle bra's?" vra Schulenburg.

Magson skud sy kop. "Altwee het hulle bra's aangehad."

"Ek wonder hoekom ..."

"Maryke is sonder haar sandale gelos. Dominique het haar hokkiekouse en -skoene aangehad, maar haar skooltas en haar hokkiesak is weg."

"Seker net iewers gedump," sê Burger.

"Dis snaaks," sê Schulenburg. "Hoekom al die moeite doen om weer haar sokkies en skoene aan te trek?"

'n Uittreksel uit 'Die Silinder' deur Juan Botha (Skryf 'n Roman Kursus)

"Toe ry ek eerder direk na jou toe," jok hy. "Ek wil net nie graag op die oomblik alleen wees nie." Die tweede gedeelte is in elk geval waar. Selfs al het die polisie hom nie gesoek nie, sou hy vanaand eerder nie alleen tuis wou wees nie.

"Hoekom het hulle dit gedoen?"

Hy skud sy kop en blaas sy asem uit. "Ek wens ek het geweet. Miskien omdat ek gesien het toe hulle die donnerse wrak opgeblaas het? Ek het regtig nie die vaagste benul nie."

"Wat sê die polisie?" vra sy. Haar oë rek verbaas toe hy sy kop skud. "Moet ek jou dan gou vat? Jy kan nie dat die boewe met die ding wegkom nie."

"Nee, ek het nie nou krag vir daai burokrate nie," jok hy weer. "Ek sal later vandag daar 'n draai gaan maak." Hy bly 'n oomblik stil. "Ek weet nie regtig wat om vir hulle te sê nie. Dit klink soos 'n toneel uit 'n donnerse fliek.."

Nes hy haar ken, wil sy dit ook nie net daar los nie. "Dit maak nie saak nie. Ek's seker as hulle gaan kyk hoe jou plek lyk, sal hulle jou moet glo."

"Ek het nie eers 'n idee wie dit is wat my soek nie. Behalwe die een ou wat by my verbygestap het, toe ek in die rotse weggekruip het, het ek nie regtig na hulle gesigte gekyk nie," sug hy. Hy beduie na sy een wenkbrou. "Hy het 'n wit litteken wat so van net bokant sy een oog af teen sy voorkop oploop. Lelik soos die nag. Een van die twee bliksems wat my hut opgeblaas het," sê hy hartseer. "Maar buiten hom, kan ek jou nie eers sê watter kleur hare die ou gehad het, wat my van die pad afgetrek het nie.

"Bliksem," sê sy saggies. "Oukei. Maak nie saak nie. Ek sal later saam met jou polisiestasie toe gaan. Dalk onthou jy bietjie meer as jy eers geslaap het. Ek kan sien jy's uit op jou voete."

Hy weet hy sal haar nie kan keer nie. 

 

THE SA WRITERS' COLLEGE 2012 Annual Short Story Award

PRIZES:

• First Prize: R 5 000.00 plus entry into one of our short courses
• Second Prize: R2 000.00
• People's Choice Award R 1 000.00

The top two entries will be published on our college site and the top five winners will receive individual editorial comments on their submitted works.

We will also run a public vote called the 'People's Choice Award' for the top five entries. This result will be announced by 31 May.

DEADLINE: Midnight 31 March 2012, via e-mail only to Nichola@sawriterscollege.co.za.

ENTRY:   free

THEME:   Roll of the Dice

GUIDELINES FOR ENTRIES:

• Entry is limited to South African residents only.
• Entrants must submit a story of maximum word count: 2000 words. Any entries exceeding the word count by 50 words will not be considered.
• We aim to support and acknowledge beginner writers, so we only accept stories from writers who have been published fewer than four times in any genre, in any publication (for payment or otherwise). This does not include articles for community or work newsletters where the circulation is under 1000.
• Stories must not have been previously published. Entrants must own full copyright to the story submitted.
• Only one story per entrant is allowed.
• Only e-mail submissions are acceptable, with stories attached as Word Documents. Mark your entry clearly with the subject line: SAWC Annual Short Story Competition, and submit according to rules below.
• If you have not received an acknowledgement of your submission within three days, please re-send your entry.
• All submissions must be sent to Nichola Meyer: nichola@sawriterscollege.co.za