Prize-winning Jamaican writer, Olive Senior, will conduct the workshop under the theme ‘Creating Memorable Characters in Prose or Poetry’. She will look at developing techniques for effective characterisation in prose and creating poetic personae to evoke emotionally difficult and complicated subject matter.

The writers’ workshop series is part of a new initiative by the Department of Literatures in English to generate interest and develop writing skills in various genres. Workshops will be held primarily in creative writing, including poetry, prose fiction, television and screenwriting, and writing for the stage. However, attention will also be paid to other forms of writing, such as writing for business, essay writing and technical writing. The most recent writers’ workshop series was in November 2011, hosted by the renowned Trinidadian writer, Earl Lovelace.

Persons who are interested in attending the Olive Senior Writers’ Workshop, may contact the Department for information on costs and registration, by calling 927-2217 or emailing litsengmona@gmail.com.

Wayne Lawrence, artist and writer, has prepared a book that looks at Jamaican artists from their own perspective and examines the motivation and inspiration for their creations. While most of the previous publications like this one have focused on Jamaican creators from an academic point of view, this book has given the artist themselves a voice and we are allowed into their private world.

In this writer’s opinion, the value of that unique perspective awakens a new appreciation for the works that adorn the wall of offices, homes and public spaces … more here

A star was born on March 25, 1920 in the quiet rural community of Plowden in the parish of Manchester, Jamaica, and almost 20 years after his passing, the story of Arthur Wint lives on and continues to inspire. It is a story of discipline, courage, determination and most of all, love for family and country. While much has been said about Arthur Wint’s athletic accomplishments, little is known about the man who trained to become a Royal Air Force pilot, and broke the Canadian 400m record while doing so; or the British-trained surgeon who returned to Jamaica in 1963, eventually settling in Hanover as the only resident doctor and treating the poor for free; or the diplomat who was awarded with the Order of Distinction, in 1973 and served as Jamaica s High Commissioner to the UK.

This book tells the story,  and it’s available online @amazon.

Jamaican born Mr. Alexander loses his wife in a tragic accident. Six months later, Mr. Alexander’s son is born to Carmen, a friend of his daughter Mavis. As soon as the police renew their interest in the death of Mrs. Alexander, Mr. Alexander flees London to join Carmen and his newborn son in New York but things don’t go according to plan. Life seems to hang in the balance for Mr. Alexander and the only person who can set things right is daughter Mavis, but will she? More surprises await readers as the whole story unfolds in Mr. Alexander.

Intriguing, eye-opening, and filled with emotions, Mr. Alexander is a riveting read that everyone will surely find enjoyable and interesting.

This book is available online @Amazon.

About the Author
Roger H Panton grew up in Portland, Jamaica, where he attended high school. He joined his parents in London in 1959. His love of storytelling was developed in Jamaica, taking part in school poetry-reading competitions.

He embarked on a journalism course before leaving the RAF in 1973, but gave it up for a Spanish studies course at Malaga University, Spain, in 1974. Mr Alexander is his first published work. He also writes poetry.

Roger retired after working in various branches of the civil service, and is now an HR consultant and mediator. He has written articles on mediation and is a former magistrate.

Get ready for an evening of entertainment as this e-reading party will take guests through brightly lit Manhattan city-streets and a band of unforgettable protagonists. The plot thickens when an unpopular arch nemesis goes missing, with the character, ‘Queen Josephine Himself’, as the primary suspect. It’s mystery and romance all in one. Fans of Sex and the City and The Carrie Diaries are in for a treat.

The New New York is the final book in the best-selling comedy series available on the Amazon Kindle. Get out those e-readers or pick up a kindle on the evening to enjoy The New New York.

About Amanda Hanna

Amanda was born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1983. She attended and graduated from both Immaculate Conception High School, in Kingston, and The Kent School, in Kent, CT. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Theater with a concentration in Arts Management from the University of Richmond, in Richmond, Virginia, she moved to New York City to intern at PAPER Magazine to write her popular web blog, and nightclub reviews. Hanna now resides in Kingston where she manages the Terrace Bar at Susie’s café and bakery. She is the author of The Red Rock Café, The New York Catch and The New York Socialite.

This book is available online @Amazon. You may also visit the author’s website at sometimesjamaica.com.

It takes one man to start a revolution, and 29-year-old writer Dutty Bookman hopes to be that one. The writer has taken up his pen as his weapon and his debut novel, Tried & True: Revelations of a Rebellious Youth, as part of his message … Bookman borrowed his pseudonym from a Jamaican slave, Dutty Boukman, who played an integral role in the Haitian Revolution. Like his mentor, Bookman hopes to start a revolution through his writing via his first novel, blog – duttyism.com, and future work … more here

Get ‘Dancing Lessons’ online

In Praise of Jamaica presents an encyclopaedic catalogue of the remarkable achievements of Jamaicans who have contributed to national development, as well as those who have had an impact on the wide international community. It is also frank enough to mention some of the unsavoury features of national life.

The book highlights the wonders of a country, described by Christopher Columbus as “the fairest isle that eyes ever did behold”. No account of Jamaican success would be complete without the mention of Blue Mountain Coffee, the best in the world as well as other internationally famous food products such as rum and jerk, the pre-eminence of Jamaica in global track and field athletics and the extraordinary influence of Jamaican music and culture in the world.

In Praise of Jamaica is beautifully illustrated with images of Jamaican art and sculpture, personalities, heritage and other features of Jamaican culture and life. Jamaicans have much to celebrate about their country. In Praise of Jamaica will leave every Jamaican bursting with pride and provides a wealth of information to others about a unique and wonderful country.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
George Meikle is a graduate of the University of Toronto with a degree in Psychology (BA) and a degree in Business Administration (MBA). With his academic background in social psychology, he has developed a natural interest in the inherited current values which motivate personal as well as cultural attitudes and behavior in Jamaica. On returning to Jamaica, it took a few years to refocus on what it meant to be Jamaican and as a marketer, to research what differentiates this small practicing democracy from others of a similar background. In Praise of Jamaica is George’s attempt to take a comprehensive look at the key socio-anthropological factors which have impacted the national consciousness of Jamaicans and their accomplishments, or indeed their failures.

Literary arts lovers cheered Jamaican writer Jean Lowrie-Chin at the launch of her book Souldance at the corporate offices of Ruder Finn Inc in midtown Manhattan, New York on Wednesday. The audience listened to readings of Lowrie Chin’s favourite poems and writings … more here