Open Book 2nd series features new Naga writers

DIMAPUR — The second series of 'Open Book, exploring the wonders of Naga stories,' organised by Writers' Collective Kohima, in collaboration with Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA), was held at D/Cafe, Kohima, on October 4.

Envisioned for people in various fields of creative arts to walk together towards a journey of supporting and promoting each other, the second series featured a talk by Vibeituonuo Kuotsu Solo, who is making her debut as an author with a book titled, ‘The light after the storm’ slated for release this month.

During the talk, she recalled that her journey as a writer began with a lifelong love of reading and also highlighted that this was despite never imagining she herself would become one, an update stated.

Stating that this changed when she discovered the works of Naga authors like Easterine Kire and Vishü Rita Krocha, Solo said, “I was captivated by their ability to tell profound stories with such simplicity.”

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She also recollected her grandfather who had many stories to tell and expressed regret for not spending more time with him.

Acknowledging that for many years she wanted to write but didn't know how to start, she held onto Easterine Kire's advice that “every small, fleeting detail is easily forgotten but is the soul of a story,” which she discovered to be “very true” once she sat down at her computer to write.

Solo further revealed that her debut book contains 13 short stories, which are a mixture of emotions, blending personal experiences with both fiction and non-fiction.

Expressing that the book also candidly explores her experience with divorce, she stated hope that it would spark a new conversation where we can finally say, “It is okay to talk about broken marriage or relationship.”

As part of the Open Book series, ‘Fresh Voices Open Mic’ segment featured young poets and authors, including Runshito Lims, K Roselyn Miachieo, T Dili Khekho, Kenlumzailie Michui and Sofia Livimi Swu, besides Boliti Achumi and Mharoni C Yanthan, who are both students of Stella Higher Secondary School, Kohima.

In her closing remarks, general secretary of Writers' Collective Kohima, Vizovono Elizabeth noted that it was a profound evening and that “fresh voices have enriched our literary scenario.”

In Nagaland, literature being something that is still very new, she noted that people are yet to learn to appreciate literature but she urged the emerging voices not to lose hope but to keep on writing while asserting that “our voices are so important.”