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That's Write Selwyn Milborrow

That's Write Selwyn Milborrow

By Selwyn Milborrow

Selwyn Milborrow is the founder of MasterClass Writers, the home of creative talks about writing and publishing. The office is based in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa. Members are from SA, US, UK & France.
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Currently playing episode

Port Elizabeth poet Chantal Sam Moodaley reads her poem 'Love at first fight'.

That's Write Selwyn MilborrowDec 12, 2020

00:00
03:19
Poem for Luca Daniel Milborrow

Poem for Luca Daniel Milborrow

I wrote this poem on the day of Luca, my grandson’s birth.


Poem for Luca Daniel Milborrow

16 August's cradle holds a treasure so dear,

Luca Milborrow, a grandchild, a radiant light and clear.

A great-grandchild, a fresh beginning's embrace,

His life's canvas painted with Ma Eva’s smile and grace.


May wisdom's gentle streams guide his way,

Luca's gifts and talents twinkle like stars above,

And his heart brimming with boundless love.


Luca’s life, a blessing with laughter's sweet embrace,

His name whispered in the world's ear,

A melody of hope, tender and sincere.


With each dawn's rise, his purpose will unfold,

A beacon of hope, a tale to be told.

Blessed be Luca to bring light to each day,

And his parents’ love, a guide to a brighter day.


© 2023 Selwyn Milborrow


Aug 16, 202301:29
Willow sings 'Twinkle little star'

Willow sings 'Twinkle little star'

My granddaughter, Willow Liberty's first song recorded, 8 May 2023

May 09, 202300:33
Barend van Vuuren lees sy laaste gedigte

Barend van Vuuren lees sy laaste gedigte

Barend van Vuuren was a poet introduced to me by his cousin, Nadan Naidoo. Barend was welcomed into my MasterClass Writers group and quickly became a popular character. He was sensitive, intelligent and a great human being. The recordings were aired by fellow poet, Don Beukes on his podcast a week after Barend's passing. I would like to pay tribute to Barend with this episode. A big thank you to Don Beukes for giving me permission to air these last recordings of Barend.

Nov 04, 202206:29
Gedig vir Ma

Gedig vir Ma

My gedig vir my Ma was opgeneem in die Afrikaans matriekvraestel. Wat ‘n eer!
May 29, 202200:59
Poet Rozetta Whitting talks about the Christmas season

Poet Rozetta Whitting talks about the Christmas season

MasterClass Writer and Poet, Rozetta Whitting talks about the Christmas season.

Dec 29, 202101:51
Bevan Boggenpoel talks about his book 'Madiba's Quotes & Anecdotes' with Prof Darryl David

Bevan Boggenpoel talks about his book 'Madiba's Quotes & Anecdotes' with Prof Darryl David

South African authors, Selwyn Milborrow and Bevan Boggenpoel released a new book Madiba’s Quotes & Anecdotes: Reflections and Conversations. It honours Nelson Mandela through his quotes, anecdotes, and commentary. The authors use Madiba’s 27 quotes to reflect on his 27 years on Robben Island and beyond. The idea for the book came about during the first Covid-19 lockdown in 2020. Boggenpoel shared his vision for the book with Milborrow, and they immediately started sharing their poetry and commentaries. They looked at 27 quotes shared by Nelson Mandela, as a political prisoner, freedom fighter, leader, president, and peacemaker during his lifetime. Madiba’s quotes and his unique leadership style have always inspired them. It comes through very strongly in the book. The poetry in the book is linked to the quotes of Madiba. Commentaries in the book tie in with Madiba’s quotes, and the authors’ own experiences during apartheid.

“This book comes at a time when true leadership has become a scarce resource around the world. The authors honour Madiba’s legacy through beautiful poetry and commentary. If this book touches only one life, then Boggenpoel and Milborrow have done their duty.” - Luthando Lucas, author of I AM.

Dec 29, 202116:29
Selwyn Milborrow talks about his book 'Madiba's Quotes & Anecdotes' to Prof Darryl David

Selwyn Milborrow talks about his book 'Madiba's Quotes & Anecdotes' to Prof Darryl David

South African authors, Selwyn Milborrow and Bevan Boggenpoel released a new book Madiba’s Quotes & Anecdotes: Reflections and Conversations. It honours Nelson Mandela through his quotes, anecdotes, and commentary. The authors use Madiba’s 27 quotes to reflect on his 27 years on Robben Island and beyond. The idea for the book came about during the first Covid-19 lockdown in 2020. Boggenpoel shared his vision for the book with Milborrow, and they immediately started sharing their poetry and commentaries. They looked at 27 quotes shared by Nelson Mandela, as a political prisoner, freedom fighter, leader, president, and peacemaker during his lifetime. Madiba’s quotes and his unique leadership style have always inspired them. It comes through very strongly in the book. The poetry in the book is linked to the quotes of Madiba. Commentaries in the book tie in with Madiba’s quotes, and the authors’ own experiences during apartheid.

“This book comes at a time when true leadership has become a scarce resource around the world. The authors honour Madiba’s legacy through beautiful poetry and commentary. If this book touches only one life, then Boggenpoel and Milborrow have done their duty.” - Luthando Lucas, author of I AM.


Dec 29, 202106:20
gedicht voor veerle, els, en anne-sophie

gedicht voor veerle, els, en anne-sophie

gedicht voor veerle, els, en anne-sophie

onthoud je nog?

weet je nog hoe we samen

hand in hand uit de schoolpoort kwamen

onafscheidelijke vrienden voor altijd?

niet?


wacht, ik weet dat je luistert

ook al is de verbinding verbroken

weet ik dat de pen genadig zal zijn

om de keel haar stilte te breken


en ‘n gedicht voor de dag vannacht

in het zuiden van afrika wegzakt

op een blad papier om te geven

aan drie belgische dichtersvrienden…


© Selwyn Milborrow, 2021

May 30, 202100:44
Port Elizabeth poet Chantal Sam Moodaley reads her poem 'Love at first fight'.

Port Elizabeth poet Chantal Sam Moodaley reads her poem 'Love at first fight'.

Port Elizabeth poet and children's author, Chantal Sam Moodaley reads her poem 'Love at first fight'.

Dec 12, 202003:19
Arthur Nortje remembered 50 years on by Selwyn Milborrow

Arthur Nortje remembered 50 years on by Selwyn Milborrow

I would like to make a case for the repatriation of the remains of Arthur Nortje, a poet from Port Elizabeth buried in Wolvercote Cemetery, Oxford, United Kingdom. He died of a suspected barbiturate overdose on 11 December 1970. Dennis Brutus, Nortje’s mentor, claimed that he had died from an overdose of forty-five barbiturate tablets while other sources vary in the details of his death. The coroner, however, declared an open verdict because he believed that his death could not have been accidental.

Cecilia Potgieter, a Coloured domestic worker, gave birth to Arthur Kenneth Nortje on 16 December 1942. The father was “a young Jewish man named Arthur Kaplan who was thought to be the son of Cecilia’s employer” (McLuckie & Tyner, 1999). Nortje spent most of his childhood years in Korsten and Gelvandale, two areas in Port Elizabeth he wrote about fondly in his poetry.

The discriminatory apartheid system under which Nortje lived, had a devastating impact on him. Sadly “Nortje found himself between two opposing forces of Black and White while Coloureds were reduced. Coloureds were disenfranchised by apartheid laws and distanced from all others”.

Nortje took a one-way exit permit in 1965 after receiving a scholarship to attend Jesus College at Oxford. It was during those years of isolation that his poetry started showing signs of deep psychological insight as he searched for meaning to his existence. Arthur Nortje was a complex character and tragic figure. He used his sharp powers of observation to write about life. In 2004, Dirk Klopper wrote that “Many studies of Arthur Nortje's poetry have commented on the prevalence in his work of images of alienation, seeing this as a function either of political conditions in South Africa in his lifetime or of Nortje's exile from his home country.”

Dec 12, 202013:33
My new poem "Child of Africa"

My new poem "Child of Africa"

Introducing my new poem "Child of Africa" read by Angelique Angie Simons from Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Astonishing poetry performance!

My poem was inspired by an image by German Artist, Andrea Braun.

Nov 27, 202001:17
The fear of writing and a free-writing exercise

The fear of writing and a free-writing exercise

The fear of writing and a free-writing exercise

Nov 22, 202002:15
Selwyn Milborrow's poem 'A love so beautiful'.

Selwyn Milborrow's poem 'A love so beautiful'.

I had the honour of collaborating with the talented watercolour artist, Andrea Braun from Germany on her painting of a loving elderly couple that instantly captivated me. I immediately felt a new poem 'A love so beautiful' forming at the exact moment I saw Andrea's watercolour painting. In fact, I not only saw the words of the poem forming in my heart, but I felt it in every fibre of my soul. The poem's heartfelt words were meant to come together at that moment. Now it is forever embedded into this painting. Thank you, Andrea, for the honour of collaborating with you.

Oct 22, 202001:30
Give yourself permission to be creative - SELWYN MILBORROW

Give yourself permission to be creative - SELWYN MILBORROW

A lot of people struggle to give themselves permission to be creative. It is understandable because all of us are a little bit suspicious of our own talent. And you know what? That could be the beginning or the root cause of procrastination, but that for another day.

I have come to the realisation that my experience of doubting my own talent is not unique; it is something that I share with millions of people. However, in my thirties, I realised that life is too short and how we spend it is extremely important. It was then that I decided to just write and share my work with the world.

That decision changed my life for the better. I was offered a freelance-journalism job at one of the country’s top Afrikaans newspapers. And here comes the shocker; I did not even have the academic qualification for the job. Yes, it was just my writing talent and a decision I made to give myself permission to be creative that opened that door.

Allow me to share with you a few facts that will be a practical guide on how to give yourself permission to be creative: nobody can concentrate or focus when there is a lot of noise around them. In that same manner, your creativity will suffocate and suffer if it is plagued with noises from the outside. What noises am I talking about?

The noises could be self-doubt, negative inner-dialogue, and excessive self-criticism.

According to brain scientists, that this kind of noise activates the amygdala. The amygdala is often referred to as the fear centre of the brain. When the amygdala is sending that fear signals, it interrupts learning and decision-making, and sabotages the flow of creativity. 

Friends, I hope this piece of advice will help you as you continue your writing journey.

Sep 16, 202003:02
Lockdown Journal - 29 July 2020

Lockdown Journal - 29 July 2020

Selwyn Milborrow shares thoughts from his Lockdown Journal - 29 July 2020.

Aug 09, 202003:05
Day 9 - Lockdown Journal

Day 9 - Lockdown Journal

Day 9 - Lockdown Journal of a South African podcaster.
May 25, 202004:36
Day 8 - Lockdown Journal

Day 8 - Lockdown Journal

Selwyn Milborrow’s Lockdown Journal.
May 22, 202004:49
Day 7 - Lockdown Journal

Day 7 - Lockdown Journal

Day 7 - Lockdown Journal in South Africa.
May 20, 202003:44
Day 6 - Lockdown Journal

Day 6 - Lockdown Journal

Day 6 - Lockdown Journal during the lockdown regulation in South Africa.
May 20, 202003:22
How aspiring writers tend to have self-limiting beliefs

How aspiring writers tend to have self-limiting beliefs

Selwyn Milborrow talks about how aspiring writers tend to have self-limiting beliefs.
May 18, 202001:58
Identifying challenges and limitations as a writer - Chantal Moodaley

Identifying challenges and limitations as a writer - Chantal Moodaley

Our MasterClass Writer, Chantal Moddaly, talks about identifying challenges and limitations as a writer.

May 18, 202005:33
Day 5 - My Lockdown Journal

Day 5 - My Lockdown Journal

Day 5 - My Lockdown Journal broadcasting from South Africa.
May 18, 202002:44
Day 4 - My Lockdown Journal

Day 4 - My Lockdown Journal

Day 4 of my Lockdown Journal during COVID-19 lockdown in South Africa.
May 07, 202002:47
Day 3 - My Lockdown Journal

Day 3 - My Lockdown Journal

Day 3 - My Lockdown Journal
May 05, 202002:59
Day 2 - My Lockdown Journal

Day 2 - My Lockdown Journal

Day 2 of my Lockdown Journal is about adjusting to a new way of life.
May 05, 202002:09
An interview with poet, Leroy Abrahams

An interview with poet, Leroy Abrahams

Leroy Abrahams is a poet from Port Elizabeth in South Africa.
Apr 30, 202006:50
Day 1 - My Lockdown Journal

Day 1 - My Lockdown Journal

My lockdown journal: Chronicles of a South African writer - The coronavirus has become our 9/11 and our Arab spring. The coronavirus has changed civilisation; it changed our imaginations. It’s a historic period because mankind will in future (now already) refer to a pre-coronavirus and a post-coronavirus period.

#LockdownSouthAfrica

#LockdownJournal

#COVID19

Mar 20, 202002:09
Poet, Bevan Boggenpoel shares his thoughts on the drama around the Springboks visit to PE.

Poet, Bevan Boggenpoel shares his thoughts on the drama around the Springboks visit to PE.

Poet, Bevan Boggenpoel shares his thoughts on the drama around the Springboks visit to PE. He also talks about about his son who was chosen to play soccer for a top club in Port Elizabeth.
Nov 19, 201913:17
MasterClass Writer, Leroy Abrahams winner of ‘Poet of the Year’ award at the Helenvale Star Communi

MasterClass Writer, Leroy Abrahams winner of ‘Poet of the Year’ award at the Helenvale Star Communi

Our MasterClass Writer, Leroy Abrahams received the ‘Poet of the Year’ award at the Helenvale Star Community Awards 2019. God answers prayer! Well done, Leroy. All of us from the MasterClass Writers Group are proud of you knowing where you come from. A worthy winner. Victory is yours!
Nov 17, 201916:45
MasterClass Writer, Rozetta Whitting shares an inspirational story about her Down Syndrome son Alvin

MasterClass Writer, Rozetta Whitting shares an inspirational story about her Down Syndrome son Alvin

MasterClass Writer, Rozetta Whitting shares an inspirational story about her Down Syndrome son, Alvin.
Nov 14, 201904:06
Rozetta Whitting From MasterClass Writers interviews Alfred ‘Ploeksie’ Matthews.

Rozetta Whitting From MasterClass Writers interviews Alfred ‘Ploeksie’ Matthews.

Rozetta Whitting From MasterClass Writers interviews Alfred ‘Ploeksie’ Matthews. He is a poet from Port Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa.
Nov 12, 201907:09
November 9, 2019

November 9, 2019

Nov 09, 201900:59
Poems about war and struggles

Poems about war and struggles

Selwyn Milborrow reads poems inspired by the Syrian war, Donald Trump, and the #MeToo movement.

Oct 26, 201910:41
Romantic poetry from South Africa

Romantic poetry from South Africa

Romantic poetry from South Africa by Selwyn Milborrow

Oct 26, 201903:29
Afrikaanse liefdesgedigte van Selwyn Milborrow

Afrikaanse liefdesgedigte van Selwyn Milborrow

Afrikaanse liefdesgedigte van Selwyn Milborrow

Oct 26, 201905:47
Romantiese gedigte in Afrikaans, Nederlands en Engels deur Selwyn Milborrow

Romantiese gedigte in Afrikaans, Nederlands en Engels deur Selwyn Milborrow

Romantiese gedigte in Afrikaans, Nederlands en Engels deur Selwyn Milborrow

Oct 26, 201903:51
Let's get rid of those self-limiting beliefs!

Let's get rid of those self-limiting beliefs!

Selwyn Milborrow shares his thoughts on self-limiting beliefs. 

Oct 26, 201905:07
Self-limiting belief systems people create

Self-limiting belief systems people create

It is not only writers that suffer from the negative results of self-limiting belief systems; it is everyone. Selwyn Milborrow shares some of his thoughts on this serious matter.
Oct 26, 201905:45
The poetry of Selwyn Milborrow - Part 1

The poetry of Selwyn Milborrow - Part 1

Selwyn Milborrow shares his poetry and the power of words that writers must be wary of.
Oct 26, 201906:43
Interview with Don Beukes, a South African and British author living in France

Interview with Don Beukes, a South African and British author living in France

Selwyn Milborrow of MasterClass Writers in South Africa, interviewed Don Beukes, formerly from Cape Town now residing in France.
Oct 24, 201915:39
Digter, Susan Tiervlei lees hartseer gedigte maar verras met iets opgeruimds

Digter, Susan Tiervlei lees hartseer gedigte maar verras met iets opgeruimds

Vir party mense is Susan Tiervlei die vrou wat komieklike stories vertel en sommer self daarvoor lag. Ja, vir my ook, maar daar is ‘n ander kant van
Susan; die diep denker en digter wat skryf oor dinkdinge, en dit op ‘n unieke manier neerpen.
Oct 20, 201907:39
Digter en storieverteller, Susan Tiervlei gesels oor die skryfproses

Digter en storieverteller, Susan Tiervlei gesels oor die skryfproses

Susan Tiervlei gesels oor die skryfproses en lees haar gedigte: "Ek leef: deel 1 en 2" en "My liefste Daniel".
Oct 20, 201909:07
Prophecy over Sharon Liberty by Prophet Ed Traut

Prophecy over Sharon Liberty by Prophet Ed Traut

Prophecy over my Sharon Liberty by Prophet Ed Traut on Sunday, 13 October 2019.
Oct 16, 201902:21
Reciting poetry to an elderly stroke survivor

Reciting poetry to an elderly stroke survivor

Rozetta Whitting, our MasterClass writer interviewed a friend who survived a stroke recently. Rozetta reads poetry to Judy Coetzee and shares some inspiring stories.
Oct 15, 201907:41
I don’t have time

I don’t have time

The excuse that you don’t have time in the day or evening to write is a dream killer. Share this podcast with the procrastinators out there.
Oct 14, 201903:22
Seven reasons why you need to write a book

Seven reasons why you need to write a book

Seven reasons why you need to write a book will give you more perspective and better focus as an aspiring writer.
Oct 14, 201902:07
Writing to change lives

Writing to change lives

For a writer to change lives, it’s best to start with yourself. Change won’t happen if you’re in a state of fear. Face the fear and keep writing.
Oct 14, 201902:22
Reading poetry to the elderly

Reading poetry to the elderly

MasterClass Writer, Rozetta Whitting recently started reading poetry to the elderly. She noticed that many of the elders were responding. They were becoming more alive. They were enjoying themselves. This is an ongoing project that we support Rozetta with.
Oct 07, 201909:46
Hope has a pulse

Hope has a pulse

Our youth needs support and inspiration in today’s world of unhappiness, confusion and challenges. This episode aims to cheer them up and encourage them to press on.
Oct 05, 201902:56
The leaders of tomorrow

The leaders of tomorrow

Today’s youth is tomorrow’s adults. Let’s support them in every way possible.
Oct 04, 201905:60