Short Summary
You know Chinua Achebe and Wole Soyinka—now meet Africa’s
next powerful literary voices. Gambit: Newer African Writing is a collection of nine
interviews and original short stories by writers from across Africa.
This is the first book of its kind.
There are a few anthologies of African literature, but none of them focus on young writers, and none of them feature interviews plus short stories. Gambit is wholly unique!!
The stories in Gambit reflect the nuances that arise from living in a post-postcolonial Africa, where stereotypes are crumbling and writers are willing to tackle themes that are more social than political. Furthermore, unlike other anthologies, Gambit's writers are mostly based in their home countries, putting them closer to the social themes they lyrically confront.
Why include the interviews? Because we want to inform and inspire. Stories are not written in a vacuum: they are drafted out of experience by real people living complicated lives. We hope that the interviews in this volume not only shed light on the experiences and inspirations of the authors, but also encourage young writers to take up the pen and share their stories.
Reading literature from around the world helps to bridge cultural divides and increase understanding and appreciation of other cultures and experiences. In a world that is increasingly interconnected, it is crucial that we build respect and awareness of the lives and lands with which we are ever-more connected. Gambit is one project toward this effort.
Gambit will be
published (paperback) by The Mantle, an online forum that
publishes emerging, critical voices from around the world. Gambit is edited by Mantle contributor and novelist Emmanuel Iduma
(from Nigeria) and The Mantle’s editor-in-chief Shaun Randol (based in New York
City). We will use the printing services of McNally Jackson bookstore in New York.
We have the interviews. We have the short stories. All we
need is your help to make Gambit a reality.
Participating writers:
What We Need & What You Get
We're aiming to raise $4300, which covers:
- $900 to pay the writers ($100 x 9 writers)
- $250 for cover art
- $1100 for an initial print run, including $350 for set up
- $250 for perks (see side panel)
- $800 for copy editing and proofreading
- $500 for editorial costs
- $250 for misc., including marketing
If we do not meet our fundraising goal, we will attempt to pay our writers and contributors first, then proceed with a limited initial print run. Note: the items above add up to $4000. The extra $300 (in our goal of $4300) helps to pay for Indiegogo's hosting fees.)
We're offering fantastic perks! Take a look at the side for unique gifts at various donation levels.
The Impact
There is no other book like Gambit in bookstores!!
- We are introducing an award-winning cadre of emerging writers to wider audiences.
- Some of Gambit's writers are being published in an anthology for the first time. We are excited to provide an opening for new and important writers!
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Gambit's interviews are an essential resource for other young writers. The conversations will help shape the sensibilities of other emerging writers.
Publicity
Other Ways You Can Help!
- Please spread the word! Share on Facebook, Twitter (#Gambit), Tumblr, etc.
- Can you host a reading or party? Please tell us!
- Can you sell the book in your establishment? Reach out!
- Please use the Indiegogo share tools!