Local verse-maker releases her first bilingual poetry book

Priscilla Minnaar, of Boksburg, said that God’s grace made it possible for her to release her first bilingual poetry book, Gedigte uit die hart.

The 35-year-old writer explained there are poems for every emotion in her book. “I wrote about love, while some poems will bring joy and others will let you cry,” she said.

The Advertiser caught up with the poet to learn more about her writing and first book.

How long did it take you to complete the book and what was your journey like?

It took me about three years to finalise from start to finish. My journey was uplifting as it helped me get through a rough patch in life after my divorce. God helped me through the writing of the poems to deal with all my emotions. I just thought I would write them for myself but my dad told me it’s good enough to get published.

What was the most challenging aspect about writing the poetry book?

Firstly, when you are in a middle of a poem and one seems to be lost for words. Secondly, finalising the book. However, it was lots of fun in having a glimpse of what the final product would look like.

When did you begin to write poems and what inspired you to become a poet?

It all started about three years ago when my mom told me writing down my emotions is a good way of dealing with them, so I did. Then I found a creative way of writing. It just flowed from there and I started writing about everything I saw and about what I am feeling at a specific moment.

Why are so passionate about poetry and is there any other genre that is close to your heart?

Poetry for me is a way of expressing one’s thoughts and the fact that everybody can relate to a poem at some point or another in one’s life. After this experience, I would like to start with children’s books in Afrikaans and English. I love reading Christian based novels like Karen Kingsbury.

You are a positive person. Does it reflect in your writing?

I would say yes, even though it would start with a sad note, I would give you the silver lining to see.

What is your writing process?

I would start with a phrase or idea and then I would start building the rest of the words around that idea. Sometimes it works, however, other times it will take me more than a week to finalise one poem. Some nights I can quickly finish a poem when I can’t sleep.

Where does your love for poetry come from?

I always had a love for books and for reading. Many said that I was just in love at the time so all was bright and wonderful for me. In school, I used to read poems for my prepared or unprepared reading assignments.

How would you describe your writing style?

Narrative, as I’m telling a story and giving a specific message through the poem.

If you could choose any author to write a poem with, who would it be and why?

Antjie Krog, just because I remember her name from the poems we learned in school.

What would you like to achieve in the future?

To write another poetry book but also pursue the world of children’s books.

Do you think poetry is healthy in South Africa?

Poetry is not for everyone but if one gives it a chance it might give you another way of looking at situations.

Is there anything you would like to add that you feel is important?

I would like to thank God for my talent and the chance given for me to tell my story and for what He has done for me throughout my life so far.

Follow her poetry on Facebook (https://web.facebook.com/Cillas-Gedigte-100286278378287/) or send an email to her on pminnaar1@hotmail.com.

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