Bocas 2024 Presentation Summary from Marsha Gomes-Mc Kie, “Marketing for Children” session on 26th April 2024, NALIS, POS Truths Marketing never stops – once you are selling, you must market. Every book needs a separate communication plan, don’t group them. Budget – decide what you can invest and don’t go over that. Self-publishing is a long game, don’t crash and burn and use up all your resources too fast Overview Targeting children means targeting parents, grandparents, aunties, and uncles because your target reader doesn’t have the buying power. Think of ways to reach parents – order for ..read more

The literary tapestry of Jamaica is a vibrant one, woven with the threads of a tumultuous history and enriched by the voices of its authors. The evolution of Jamaican literature can be traced back to the folk beginnings, where storytelling served as a cultural lifeline during the colonial period, preserving the tales and traditions of the African ancestors, particularly from the Ashanti tribe. This oral heritage transitioned into the written word, with pioneers like Thomas MacDermot fostering the creation of Jamaican literature by asserting the West Indies’ distinctive place within English-spe ..read more

In the Caribbean, Haiti has always stood as a country of firsts, it is a nation with a rich and diverse tradition of storytelling, poetry, and prose. The book, Tropics of Haiti: Race and the Literary History of the Haitian Revolution by Marlene Daut’s, provides a systematic literary history of the Haitian Revolution (1791–1804). It examines the war of independence through the eyes of actual participants, observers, survivors, and cultural descendants. The book delves into how scientific ideas about ‘race’ influenced 19th-century understandings of the Haitian Revolution ..read more

Guyana, nestled on the northeastern coast of South America, boasts a rich and diverse literary heritage. From the colonial era to the present day, Guyanese writers have woven narratives that reflect the nation’s history, culture, and struggles. Let’s explore the vibrant tapestry of Guyanese literature and the voices that have shaped it. Pre-Colonial Era: Before European colonization, Guyana’s indigenous peoples had their own oral traditions, myths, and legends. These stories celebrated nature, ancestry, and the spirit world. While few written records exist from this period, the oral heritage r ..read more

Grenada known as the “Isle of Spice,” offers a blend of natural beauty, history, and vibrant culture and literature. Some to the notable writers include Bernard Coard, born in Grenada in 1945, he is an influential figure. His book “SKYRED: A Tale of Two Revolutions” delves into the tumultuous period of Grenada’s history during the 1979 revolution and the subsequent U.S. invasion in 1983. Merle Collins, born in Grenada in 1950, became a poet, novelist, and essayist. Her works, including “Angel” and “The Colour of Forgetting”, explore themes of identity, history, and Car ..read more

Dominica, with its lush landscapes and vibrant culture, has produced several notable writers who have contributed to the Caribbean literary scene. Jean Rhys: Born as Ella Gwendolyn Rees Williams in Roseau, Dominica, Jean Rhys left for England at the age of sixteen. Her unconventional writing was shaped by her experiences as a white girl in a black community and her later displacement. Although she published her first novels during the 1920s and 1930s, it was her work “Wide Sargasso Sea” that gained international recognition. This prequel to Charlotte Brontë’s “Jane Eyr ..read more

Cuba’s rich and diverse literary tradition, spans from the colonial era to the present day. Cuban literature reflects the history, culture, and identity of the island, as well as its interactions with the rest of the world. Historical Overview Cuban literature began to emerge in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, influenced by the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, and the independence movements in Latin America. Some of the earliest Cuban writers were José María Heredia, who wrote romantic poems inspired by nature and patriotism, and Gertrudis Gómez de Avellaneda, who wrote novels and ..read more

Bermuda’s Literature: Voices Across the Coral Isles Nestled in the sapphire embrace of the Atlantic, Bermuda has long inspired writers to weave tales that resonate with both locals and global readers. From the haunting echoes of its past to the rhythmic poetry that dances on its shores, Bermuda’s literary landscape is vibrant. Let’s explore some of the authors and their works that breathe life into this sun-kissed haven. 1. Brian Burland: A Literary Pioneer Brian Burland, etched Bermuda into the history of world literature with his novel “The Sailor and the Fox” (1973). It captu ..read more

Prepare to embark on a captivating literary journey through the vibrant heritage of Barbados an island renowned for its picturesque beaches and azure waters. From the compelling narratives rooted in its complex history to the rhythmic poetry and enchanting folklore, Barbadian literature mirrors the island’s diverse cultural melting pot. Barbados: The Cultural Melting Pot As a former British colony, the island has a rich, multifaceted history that’s left an indelible mark on its literature. Here, African traditions meld seamlessly with European influences, giving birth to a unique literary ..read more

The Bahamas, a beach archipelago boasts a thriving literary landscape creäted by authors who celebrate their culture, history, and the spirit of their people. Let’s explore this literary haven: 1. “Islanders in the Stream” “Islanders in the Stream is a history of the Bahamian People: Volume One: From Aboriginal Times to the End of Slavery” is a groundbreaking work. Published in 1992, it chronicles the Bahamian people’s journey from ancient times to the abolition of slavery. Written by Canadian author Michael Craton and Bahamian historian Gail Saunders, this comprehensive vo ..read more