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.
Designed to bring together individuals across various fields of creative arts, the event seeks to foster a supportive community of storytellers, writers, and artists. The latest series featured debut author Vibeituonuo Kuotsu Solo, who gave a heartfelt talk ahead of the release of her first book titled The Light After the Storm, slated for publication later this month.
Reflecting on her journey, Solo shared that her love for reading began early in life, although she never envisioned becoming a writer herself. This perspective shifted after encountering the works of renowned Naga authors Easterine Kire and Vishü Rita Krocha. “I was captivated by their ability to tell profound stories with such simplicity,” she stated.
She also paid tribute to her grandfather, a storyteller in his own right, expressing regret at not having spent more time listening to his stories. Her upcoming book, she revealed, is a collection of 13 short stories, blending elements of fiction and non-fiction drawn from personal experience and emotion.
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 alongside two student from Stella Higher Secondary School, Boliti Achumi and Mharoni C Yanthan.
In her closing remarks, general secretary of Writers’ Collective Kohima, Vizovono Elizabeth noted that it was a profound evening while adding that the 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.”
