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My guest post on Peepal Tree Press author, Geoffrey Philip's Blog

http://geoffreyphilp.blogspot.com/search/label/In%20My%20Own%20Words

 In My Own Words...Joanne Gail Johnson
“Nuff Respeck!”
My Caribbean Children’s Books are “Self Organized Learning Environments”
excerpt:


"I heard it said that V.S. Naipaul, in a lecture at U.W.I. during his two million dollar, 2007 visit to Trinidad, responded to a question about Caribbean children’s literature by saying something to this effect: “There is no such thing. Children are in fact not capable of understanding any work which could qualify as literature.”

This amounts to hearsay, I know. But I will address the thought itself and will acknowledge first that the tone of the word “literature” spoken in the mouth of a Nobel Laureate dictates a very capital and intimidating “L.” Even so, I will risk a bit of adventure..."

Read more - click link to Geoffrey's blog, JJ

Comments

Alvin Narine said…
Joanne,
I don't want to be flippant or to even think I have any expertise in Literature. I write and in a general sense it is for MY enjoyment and hopefully my style would please others and encourage them to delve into the thoughts, ideas, or even pictures I am painting with my words. I have read and heard quite a lot of the recognised authors describing and at times even condemning other peoples' works. I have also seen some of those same condemned pieces of literature become best sellers and noted works.
I believe that in writing one must have an appreciation of one's language and utilise it in a manner which comes out as a "Skill", a uniqueness which appeals to a reader.
Anyhow I have learned that many famous authors forget how they began and thrust their 'expertise' on us in a daunting manner projecting their own self aggrandizement.
Alvin
Oh yes - well I did mean it all in jest as well, not that I want to take myself too seriously. I am grateful that my work over the years has sold well and is valued locally and regionally. Thanks so much for taking the time to read and share your thoughts! Blessings, Joanne

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