Allen’s Nek based author, Glen Greenway is an ex
teacher and headmaster, wielding the written craft to enrapture the mind of
teenagers, much like an artist wields a brush...
How many people do you know who has written a
book at 68 years of age? Well, Glen Greenway showed that age is just a number
when he finished his second book, Ant Cook and the Giant Sangoma.
The pages
are a canvas on which to draw from a talent matched only by an imagination that
rises to the task. Ant Cook and the Giant Sangoma the first in a series of
recent pursuits, with other works progressing quickly on the
follow-up.
How did it all start?
When I retired from
being a headmaster at St Martin’s Preparatory School I wanted to do something
totally different. I started a wine exporting service, Five Oceans Exporters
and Importers with my daughter, Heather Greenway and Pete Phillips. I always
wanted to write a book and in between my work I made time to write. My first
book, "My Changing Body" was finished when I was about 55 years
old.
Where did you get the inspiration from?
My mother wrote two
children’s books and that got me interested. I used to tell stories to my
children and I suppose that I just grew into it. I am an avid reader myself and
hope that more children will be encouraged to read more, with the adventures of
Ant Cook. Reading stimulates the mind, builds character, broadens knowledge and
does a thousand other things like enabling one to explore the world of
fantasy.
What was the most challenging part when writing the book?
It was
not a challenge, but pure enjoyment. However, writing a book is not easy.
Without the support of my family and friends I could not have done it. But I
will definitely write more books. At this stage I want to write about the
Kruger National Park and a humorous book about being a headmaster. I saw and
experienced very funny incidents while being a headmaster but I am not going to
let the cat out of the bag. You will have to read the book when it is
finished!
What is Ant Cook and the Giant Sangoma all
about?
Ant Cook is a young boy who is confused, isolated and struggling to
make sense in a world of life infused with African magic. Trying to make sense
of life in a boarding school setting, he battles for good against evil, assisted
by the love of his loyal friends. He is innocently propelled into a world of
dangerous intrigue and wizardry, stirred up by vicious teachers and pupils who
are openly hostile. Ant often feels like an outsider who does not fit into the
school. At other times he is like an action man, tied into a world of phantasy.
He has to judge who is the more dangerous - the pupils who hate him or the
faceless, Tnanababawana, Lord of all Evil.
Any tips for aspiring authors?
You must have a lot of determination
and you have to be able to use your imagination. I believe South African
author’s definitely have a future in South Africa as well. There are not a lot
of teenager books which one could say are proudly South African.
Favourites:
Author: David Rattray
Type of books: Military
History, Sport, Wildlife.
Play: William Shakespear’s Hamlet
Wine: Shiraz
from Slayley
Music: Music from the 60’s and Elvis Presley.
Restaurant:
Hugenot at Florida Centre and Thundergun.
Five fast facts about Glen:
• Glen plays a lot of lawn bowls,
having been in a number of singles finals and semi finals.
• He is fond of
fine dining and entertaining friends.
• Glen wrote the history of the
Greenway family in South Africa. It is called "Seek Higher Things".
• He has
written a play called "The Last Emperor of France". It is about the Prince
Imperial of France who was killed in the Anglo-Zulu War in Natal, thus ending
the Napoleonic Dynasty!
• Loves the West Rand because of the mountains, nice
scenery and the weather.
Glen Greenway is an ex teacher and headmaster, wielding
the written craft to enrapture the mind of teenagers, much like an artist wields
a brush. The pages are a canvas on which to draw from a talent matched only by
an imagination that rises to the task. ANT COOK AND THE GIANT SANGOMA is the
first in a series of recent pursuits, with other works progressing quickly on
the follow-up.