Three Anguillian authors were among a cross section of regional and international writers participating in the 20th Annual St. Martin Book Fair from June 2 to 4, in St. Martin under the theme “ReBirth.”
Ms. Avenella Griffith, Mrs. Cassilda Thomas Brookes and Mr. J. Ivor Hodge had been invited to participate in the Book Fair by Founder and Coordinator Mr. Shujah Reiph.
Over 45 Authors, Editors, Publishers and Workshop Presenters participated in the three-day event, with authors from as far as Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States; and as nearby as Jamaica, Haiti, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Montserrat, St Vincent, Barbados and Anguilla.
While on St. Martin, Avenella, Cassilda and Ivor participated in radio interviews, panel discussions – including sharing experiences as first-time published authors, visits to schools and senior citizens homes, and book signings.
Several others, including Ms. Susan Hodge, Ms. Rosanna Browne and Mrs. Jo-anne Hodge, who were in St. Martin for the Book Fair, attended several of the sessions including: “The Power of Poetry Master Class”, “Independent Publishing”, “Presidents Forum”, and “Drama and Education Master Class”.
The participants and attendees were eager to share their experiences from the annual event.
Ms. Avenella Griffith, the author of “Sandy Ground Tales” and the recent winner of the 2022 Malliouhana Poetry Competition ‘Poetry on the Page’ Adult Category, said in part: “The St. Martin Book Fair was an inspiration to follow through on certain ideas.”
Mrs. Cassilda Thomas-Brookes, a past first and second place winner in the annual Malliouhana Poetry Competition, a contributor poet to the anthology “Where I See The Sun: Contemporary Poetry in Anguilla”, and the author of “Anansi and the Hurricane” also commented.
She stated, “I was able to connect and build networks with other authors, poets and publishers. By the time it was over I had gained knowledge as to how to write and publish books, market and get my work out to the world. I had an amazing, fulfilling and rewarding experience, and I’m looking forward to returning next year with my second book.”
First time author of “De Copper Hole” – a collection of short stories, and retired Public Servant Ivor Hodge, observed that being among an eclectic mix of writers and publishers was invaluable.
He said: “I have learned so much. I have made so many contacts. My batteries have been recharged. My first book was a challenge to myself that I could do it. I’m now working on my second. Thanks to Shujah and Conscious Lyrics Foundation for the amazing weekend. I plan to make the St. Martin Book Fair an annual event.”
Ms. Rosanna Browne remarked, “My love affair with books took me to the 20th Annual St. Martin Book Fair. It was an exhilarating experience. What’s not to love about a good literary event? I could not think of any better way to pass the time. Attending the Fair, for the first time, was nothing short of inspiring. Being around and interacting with the authors was an amazing experience that left me inspired and motivated to start writing and get that book out of me.”
Mrs. Jo-anne Hodge expressed that the Book Fair had re-energised her enthusiasm and special love for reading and writing. She found the sessions to be both “motivating and awe-inspiring, and the presenters and authors were of a very high calibre”. The weekend has left her “invigorated and keen to pursue further knowledge in the field of editing and self-publishing”.
Ms. Susan Hodge said, “Thank you to the St. Martin Book Fair for re-awakening my writing spirit. This was my first Book Fair and the workshops were practical and easily implemented. My goal is to become a published author by the next one.”
The small grouping of Anguillians have pledged to become the genesis of a local Writers Association in the near future.
The Fair was organised by Conscious Lyrics Foundation in collaboration with Computech, University of St. Martin, St. Maarten Department of Culture, Collectivity of St. Martin, and SOS Radio – and in consultation with House of Nehesi Publishers.
Activities were spread out in different locales including the Government Administration Building, the University of St. Martin, the Grand Case Boulevard, and a big tent in the Port at Galis Bay in Marigot.
