Hi there!

Since last december, I put myself on a mission to read more books by Congolese writers (bestselling and nots) to see what I might have missed out on.

It was a decision taken because at my last job, where I spent my days reading book excerpts, creating content showcasing the best of African literature and promoting it on social media, etc., I got to learn more about African writers (mostly Nigerian and Ghanaian writers), and this brought up the question: "Where my Congolese writers at?"

The answer to that question is simple: they're being read mostly in Europe (where the bestselling ones often get published) and across the francophone African countries, while their English-speaking African counterparts published in the UK and the US see all or most of their works translated and sold in other languages almost instantly.

For well-known writers of Congolese heritage such as JJ Bola, Fiston Mwanza Mujila and others, their books are available in translation, but for the rest, it will take time before we get to read them, if at all...

... well, that was sad! 

Cheer up, my friend, because I've got good news :D

Thankfully, this unfortunate reality gave the bilingual reader that I am an epiphany: I realised that I could go hunting for books by Congolese writers that may or may not have gotten the attention they deserve, to review them in English, so my audience can become more familiar with Congolese literature and people. 

There's a quote I love that says, "If you want to know a country, you must know its writers." 

Simple but effective. 

So, what's the bigger story?

I am one of those writers, and my hope is that one day the stories I tell will gradually awaken and shape a new collective desire to build a respectable and peaceful Congolese society, a country that reflects its values, which are justice, peace and work.

A better DR Congo must be built from the ground up and the stories we tell others and ourselves play a big part in whether people are going to want to build it up in the first place.

But for now, I'm just leaving you with this meditative intro so you can decide if you still like me and my newsletter :)

And if you have the time, check out my latest blog post where I review an amazing book by a Congolese writer (one result of my treasure hunt) that is also available in translation.

For those who couldn't wait for our listening - reading - watching gems, now it's time to

The Listening Gems

1. In this episode of the Creator Elements podcast, creator Jay Clouse, officially announces his rebrand from Creative Elements and Creative Companion (the newsletter) to Creator Science. I recommend you listen to the episode and read his thread on Twitter if you want a better understanding of how much goes into creating a brand from scratch or launching a rebrand (hint: it's a lot). I found his content incredibly insightful and I felt seen.
2. Our MVP this month is the Seven Figure Consultant Podcast
   with Jessica Fearnley: You can learn from the greats now, or you can learn from trial and error. I prefer the former, and that's why I think you should totally listen. 

The Reading Gems

1. "Jobs you didn't know existed: What does a creative assistant do?" This is a really interesting read by Creative Access, the social enterprise providing career-long access, opportunities, support and training for people from under-represented groups.

2. ‘ChatGPT said I did not exist’: how artists and writers are fighting back against AI - The Guardian.

3. I just signed up on this awesome newsletter! Check it out and see what I mean by awesome ;)

The Watching Gems

1. True Lies (2023): "Shocked to discover that her bland and unremarkable computer consultant husband is a skilled international spy, an unfulfilled suburban housewife is propelled into a life of danger and adventure when she's recruited to work alongside him to save the world as they try to revitalize their passionless marriage." This is the action comedy series I had been waiting for!
2. Cocaine Bear (2023): "Inspired by a true story, an oddball group of cops, criminals, tourists and teens converge in a Georgia forest where a 500-pound black bear goes on a murderous rampage after unintentionally ingesting cocaine." This movie was bonkers, man! If you watch it, don't forget to tweet me @PriscyFat and we can rant about how terrible the cops, EMTs, and rangers were in this movie.

That's it, friend! Thanks for reading. 

I wish you all the best for the upcoming month.

Take care,

Priscille.

P.S. Don't know where to watch all these shows I recommend for free? Here's your plug. Thank me later!