Audio By Vocalize
A writer cannot convincingly describe a particular historical period without understanding its politics, customs and everyday life. [iStockphoto]
A few days ago, while attending Kakamega Book Club’s monthly book discussion, one of my mentees asked me an interesting question: "Professor, do creative writers really do research?" Without thinking, I answered in the affirmative.
Later, I realised that my answer had been too brief. I thought the question deserved much deeper reflection.
My mentee was giving voice to what many people silently believe whenever they read a novel, watch a play, or read a poem. They imagine that creative writers possess an inexhaustible imagination from which stories simply flow. They rarely think about the long and lonely journey that precedes it.
