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Christine Skinner
A packed day of insightful workshops awaits established and aspiring authors at The Drama Factory on Saturday 10 August. The Fringe Fireside Chats Festival celebrates, supports and informs self-published authors, as well as providing a platform for self-publishing service providers to explain and promote their services.
Dedicated to celebrating the self-expression of indie authors and the beauty of the Helderberg region, Fringe Fireside Chats is a beacon for independent voices and creative freedom in an ever-evolving book publishing landscape.
“The Drama Factory is delighted to be a partner in the Fringe Fireside Chats this year,” says Sue Diepeveen, owner of The Drama Factory. “Come join us for one or all of the talks to find out more about self-publishing topics such as marketing, AI, copyright and more. You might never even have thought of writing a book, and these sessions could inspire you!”
“Our bar and café will be open all day, so why not come settle in and make a morning, afternoon or day of it with these fascinating talks.”
The line up for Saturday 10 August at The Drama Factory is:
10am - Cathy Park Kelly - How To Sell Your Book Without Selling Your Soul (45 minutes)
11am - Refilwe Motsoeneng (Michaelsons Giles Inc.) - What indie authors need to know about copyright (45 Minutes)
12pm - Refilwe Moetsoeneng (Michaelsons Giles Inc.) - The legalities of writing with the help of AI (45 minutes)
2pm - Blue Weaver Marketing- How a distributor markets your book to the trade (45 minutes)
3.30pm - Tertius Van Eerden (Print On Demand) - How to Turn Your Manuscript into a Masterpiece and Enjoy Global Distribution (90 mins)
Further information about the sessions:
10am - Cathy Park Kelly - How To Sell Your Book Without Selling Your Soul (45 minutes)
Tickets cost R160
Does the thought of marketing make you cringe? Then this workshop with Cathy Park Kelly is for you. Learn how to sell your book without selling your soul. Rethink your marketing from being a blush-worthy grind to an energised adventure. Reignite your passion for your story with Cathy’s three practical steps to reimagine your story's narrative power and find your readers. This workshop will show you how to find and connect with your readers; and make more sales (without having to dance on TikTok!). Cathy Park Kelly is an author and trainer. She self-published her first memoir, Inside Outside, (about teaching life skills to juvenile offenders) which sold well and was mentioned in Parliament by the then Minister of Correctional Services. Her second memoir, Boiling a Frog Slowly, (about surviving domestic violence) was published by Karavan Press in 2021 and long-listed for the Sunday Times Literary Awards 2022. It has had several reprints and has made a profit. Cathy is enthusiastic about helping authors promote their books, find their readers and make more sales, without selling their souls.
11am - Refilwe Motsoeneng (Michaelsons Giles Inc.) - What indie authors need to know about copyright (45 Minutes)
Tickets cost R200
Refilwe Motsoeneng IP and AI specialist from Michalsons will equip authors with the legal knowledge they need to thrive in the changing world of literature. Whether you're navigating traditional copyright or the complexities of AI-powered storytelling, these talks will address copyright ownership, registration, and other authorship ambiguities, ensuring you can protect your creative works in the digital age. Refilwe Motsoeneng commits to making use of technology to shatter traditional barriers within the legal landscape. Her expertise is in intellectual property, particularly in brand enforcement and protection. She ensures that clients understand their IP rights to compete and trade more effectively in their sectors and protect themselves against infringements and unfair competition. She aspires to leverage her skills to make the law and technology more approachable for clients and organisations alike. She aims to empower those who find the intersection of law and technology daunting, ensuring accessibility and comprehension for all.
12pm - Refilwe Moetsoeneng (Michaelsons Giles Inc.) - The legalities of writing with the help of AI (45 minutes)
Tickets cost R200
Refilwe Motsoeneng IP and AI specialist from Michalsons will unpack the exciting possibilities and complex legal questions surrounding AI's role in book creation. She’ll explore: • How AI is being used to craft narratives, generate content, and revolutionize the publishing process. • The murky waters of copyright: Who owns the rights to a book written with AI assistance? The author, the programmer, or somewhere in between? • Potential solutions and frameworks for navigating copyright in the age of AI co-creation. • The ethical considerations of AI authorship in the literary landscape. This session is perfect for you if you're: - Curious about using AI to enhance your writing. - Wondering about copyright ownership when collaborating with AI tools. - Eager to navigate the legalities of AI-generated content. - Looking for insights into the future of authorship in the digital age.
2pm - Blue Weaver Marketing- How a distributor markets your book to the trade (45 minutes)
Tickets cost R160
So, you’ve published your book. It’s written, edited, typeset and printed. All you need now is to see it on the shelf of your nearest bookstore. While this may seem like a daunting task, it can be made easy with the help of a book distributor. Join us as we give you the ins and outs of getting your book distributed. With over 20 years in the book trade Blue Weaver Marketing has distributed for self-published authors and local and international publishers alike. With a passion for the written word and getting local stories into bookstores, they have assisted many authors through the process of getting their stories to the South African Trade. During this panel experienced staff members from Blue Weaver take self-published authors through the steps of getting their book distributed and the various benefits that come with having the support of a distributor. With a wide range of services and tailored distribution solutions, Blue Weaver is committed to providing quality service to their authors. With Muneebah Osman
3.30pm - Tertius Van Eerden (Print On Demand) - How to Turn Your Manuscript into a Masterpiece and Enjoy Global Distribution (90 mins)
Tickets cost R250
An invitation to indie authors to expand their horizons with Print on Demand’s comprehensive self-publishing services. Print on Demand, a leader in one-stop self-publishing services and global book distribution, is excited to announce our second collaboration with FFC. “We aim to inspire and empower indie authors supporting them at every stage of their journey. I look forward to discussing How to Turn Your Manuscript into a Masterpiece and Enjoy Global Distribution, by revealing our latest developments in Africa and beyond…” said Tertius van Eeden, CEO of Print on Demand. Self-publishing can be an overwhelming journey, faced with hurdles such as high upfront costs that drain your resources. Print on Demand has turned the tables on traditional publishing, giving control back to the authors. We believe that by partnering with Print on Demand, we can offer even more comprehensive support, combining our expertise to provide a truly unique experience.
The event will feature:
• Expert advice on the self-publishing process
• An opportunity to learn about book layout and typesetting and cover design.
• A chance to explore Print on Demand's cutting-edge book printing services
• Africa’s first Global Book Distribution Platform
Bookings can be made at www.thedramafactory.co.za or contact 073 215 2290
The Drama Factory is situated at 10 Comprop Sq, Henry Vos Close, Asla Business Park, Strand, Western Cape. Parking is available at the venue.
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