NAIJA BLOGGERS- THE BOOK

This is a call to all Nigerian bloggers worldwide to become a part of An anthology of the greatest works of Nigerian Bloggers-

A book called Naija bloggers Vol 1.

Nigerian Bloggers around the globe are requested to send in their stories or recommend great posts for the publication of a physical anthology, the first of its kind by any group of bloggers on any continent.

The categories are anecdotes, short stories, poetry, prose, drama and essays but there is room for as many sub-categories as are sent in as the book will also serve as a platform where artistes can showcase architectural/interior/exterior designs, photography, paintings as well as fashion and textile designs. Submissions are therefore welcome on any topic whether covered here or not.

There is only one condition- All submissions must have been blogged on or before Monday the 14th of May 2007.

Bloggers may submit up to 5 entries on any topic or issue but no blogger may have more than 3 works published. The Copyright of Articles remains the possession of the original writers.

The profiles of writers will be added to the anthology (those who wish to remain anonymous may do so, however)

Royalties will be discussed with selected contributors before publication.

The intention is to publish worldwide in stages, first stage being Nigeria and to make the book available all over the world.

Talks are on with publishers in Nigeria including Spectrum, Farafina and Khalam Editions.

It is expected that a compilation of the best of Nigerian minds on the internet will make fantastic reading, show a new and much needed side of Nigerians to the entire world, as well as give access to those who are not internet-inclined.

Submissions should be sent to nigerianbloggers@yahoo.com not later than Friday, June the 15th 2007 stating date of blogging and blogname/address.

Please note that submission does not automatically guarantee the publication of all or any of the works. The final selection will be made by respected Nigerian writers.

co-ordinator- laspapi

Kindly link this post on your blog.

My First Time

All my friends had started
They talked about it constantly
It was a regular occurrence.
Every now and then you’d see a girl walking funny
And you just knew
She had started too.

I remember the day it happened.
I was in the bathtub, taking a shower
When,
I saw a spot of blood.
A blob of red in the midst of all that white.
In bewilderness,
I first looked up at the ceiling.
Seeing nothing amiss,
I stared at that spot for a long moment.
Realisation began to dawn
But I wanted to be sure.
I picked up my left foot
Nothing.
I lifted my right foot
Still nothing.
I sat on the edge of the bathtub.
What could this be?
Was this what I thought it was?
I got up to stand in the middle once more
Then I knew for sure.

Getting dressed,
I made sure to wear a skirt and no panties
Didn’t want to get them stained.
I went down to the kitchen where my mother was cooking
Quite calmly and carefully, I asked
“Mummy … have you got any sanitary towels?”

She regarded me silently for a long long time
Dropping the spoon, she wiped her hands on her apron and walked out.
Even then I could read the glimmer in her eye
Her little girl was growing up
At age 12, I had officially become a woman.