GTCreat8 convention grooms youths on writing, others

As a way of encouraging new generation writers and authors to come up with new works, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc. (GTBank), through its GTCreat8 Convention organised writers forum where notable authors mentored young people on writing skills.

Held at the University of Lagos Multi-purpose Hall, the one-day event brought together undergraduates from universities across the country who are passionate about digital media, e-publishing and others.The lead speaker at the forum, Lola Shoneyin, author of The Secret Lives Of Bab Segi’s Wives, who handled one of the Master classes titled, The Business of Creative Writing, took her audience through the rudiment of inventive writing and issues surrounding book publishing both in the country and abroad. The author spoke extensively on the differences of publishing books in the country and in Europe and America.

According to her, in Europe and the United States of America, manuscripts can only be submitted to publishing houses through an agent, while in Nigeria, writers do not go through that process. Shoneyin regaled the audience with the difficulties she encountered in trying to publish her second book, Harlot and how she received rejection letters 22 times before an America publisher, Harper Collins, published it.

She said the book has been translated into 12 languages, including Norwegian, French, German and others. The lead speaker, however, informed students, who desire to be authors to be hardworking, focus and read widely, noting that good books impact on the readers’ psychologically.

She said if they allow regular life to control their time, they might not have the time to write and urged the potential authors and writers to take advantages of workshops, seminars, master classes, adding that she learnt a lot from resource persons herself.

Noting that writers learn from their environment, Shoneyin said they should always pay attention to dialogue and conversations around them, advising them to share their work with more experienced writers and also submit them to journals to garner experience and receive feedback.

Speaking about the event, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, GTBank, Segun Agbaje, said they are happy to provide young people in tertiary institutions with a platform that enables them connect with peers and interact with role models in their areas of interest.

He said: “With the lineup of activities and the wealth of experience to be shared at the event, I am confident that the GTCrea8 Convention will have a lasting impact in helping the undergraduates who attend build successful careers.”

Agbaje assured that GTBank is committed to supporting the aspiration of young people by providing them with first class financial service, empowering them to achieve their academic goals and providing them with opportunities to live their dreams.

Other categories of Master classes at the event include Technology led by Co-Founder and Managing Director, Flutterwave, Iyin Aboyeji; Digital Media by Founder, BellaNaija, Uche Pedro; Makeup Artistry by Creative Director, Anita Brows, Anita Adetoye and Fashion Design by Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, Creative Director of the self-named fashion label.