OYSTERHOOD is reclusiveness or solitude, or an overwhelming desire to stay at home.
Anyone who has read Lester Walbrugh’s writing knows what an excellent author he is, but did you know that he can also bake the most incredible bread? I met up with Lester in the afternoon to discuss his debut novel, which we will be publishing at Karavan Press early next year (triple hurray!), and he gave me one of his freshly baked breads as a gift. It was still warm when I held it in my hands and it smelled so good in the car on my way back home from Grabouw that it might not have survived the journey had I not eaten just beforehand. We met at Liberty Books and briefly said hello to Christy, the amazing owner of the bookshop, before settling down for our discussion next door at the Peregrine Farmstall – one of my favourite places in the area. Lester’s novel is also set in these surroundings, and it is chillingly brilliant … Details to follow :)
I was at the printers’ on a secret mission earlier today and accidently saw SSDA’s Disruption in the making. Can’t wait for this book to be ready. It will be the only book with my name on the cover (and it is another striking one designed by Megan Ross) this year. I co-edited the anthology with Rachel Zadok and Jason Snyman. The stories will blow you away. And wait until you see the endpapers!
Another session with my counsellor. The stuff that is coming up … but the way she guides me through the process is gentle and perfect for what I need, especially now.
Tomorrow should be the first quiet(er) day of the working week. I hope.
Be kind. Wear a mask. Support local.
“Physical distancing remains one of the key strategies to curb this pandemic.”
— NICD
Karina Magdalena 