The writing bug has surely bitten an Athlone lecturer, who has just published his third short stories anthology, called A Beautiful Life and Other Short Stories.
Hidayat Adams has been an English teacher for more than 30 years and is an academic support lecturer at the College of Cape Town in Athlone.
His first book, Mamlambo and Other Stories – also a collection of short stories – was published in 2018, followed by The Legend of the Hunter, his first novel, in August last year. In November last year, Mr Adams also published his second anthology, called Mhlobam and Other Short Stories. He also writes poetry, and publishes much of it online.
A Beautiful Life and Other Short Stories – his fourth book – is a collection of 30 stories which Mr Adams has been posting on his Facebook page and his website.
The stories deal with a wide range of genres and themes, from gangsterism in Hanover Park to living just above the breadline in Manenberg, including comical incidents to terrifying horror tales.
“When I posted the stories on Facebook, each one received positive feedback, and my friends clamoured for more. The reason for compiling the stories into an anthology of over 300 pages is simply to grant whoever loves books the pleasure of having the collection gathered in one volume,” Mr Adams said.
As a teacher, his initial motivation for writing was to get young people to fall in love with reading.
Although he is currently working on his second fantasy novel, which is book two of The Legend of The Hunter trio, Mr Adams said he prefers to write short stories.
“The attention span of some young people is short, hence I prefer writing short stories.”
The biggest challenge of being a self-published author, Mr Adams said, “is getting book stores to stock it”.
“So far I’ve had no luck with any book stores, but I’m not letting that demotivate me.”
He has already received 30 pre-orders for the book, which he is selling at R100 a copy, and a few people have sponsored a book to be donated to a student.
In her foreword to the latest anthology, Beverley-Anne Duncan, wrote: “The themes captured my imagination and kept my eyes glued to the anthology. I found the author’s use of the English language impressive and very exemplary.”
If you would like to buy a copy of the A Beautiful Life and Other Short Stories, contact Mr Adams at 066 216 3966, or visit his Facebook page (www.facebook.com/hidayatscorner). The book is also available from All About Food, in Ruth Road, Rylands Estate.