Paul Kisakye is an unapologetic
Christian and author of recently published book, Prodigal Love: Embracing God’s Outrageous, Unconditional Love. He
is consistent in his belief in God’s grace and power.
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| Paul Kisakye (Courtesy photo) |
Paul's book will be launched
on 19th April at Papali on the Roof in Kampala-Bukoto. The entry fee
of 30,000/- includes a copy of the book. Paul is also a guest at the
#Babishai2016 poetry festival and will be part of a panel discussion on
Christian writing and why he strongly believes that it’s not a hindrance to
creativity.
1. Paul,
Congratulations on your recent book. Let’s start with Christian writing. You
hold firm Christian beliefs. How flexible does that permit you to explore
multiple themes in your writing and do you sometimes find yourself in positions
of self-censorship?
I am a Christian, and I am a writer. I write
for a living. I am a Christian writer in the same way a friend of mine is a
Christian lawyer and another is a Christian surgeon. My beliefs influence my
writing the same way my surgeon friend’s beliefs influence his work. About
self-censorship, I rarely have to censor myself. I never have need to use
profanity in my writing, and I know how to write a sexually explicit scene in a
way that doesn’t make it feel dirty. I’ve written some stories that haven’t
gone down well with some Christian friends of mine. But God liked them. And
that’s what really matters.
2. How
would you feel towards a body of Christian writers supporting one another
amidst the challenges in the literary fraternity?
That is long overdue. Most of us writers are
semi-hermits. We forget that God created us to live in community. Community is
important for our creativity. So I’d definitely join other Christian writers so
we can support each other. As long as it’s safe and healthy.
3. In
three words, how would you describe your book?
Experience
Unconditional Love.
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| prodigal Love: Embraing God's outrageous, unconditional love |
4. What
are the most surprising responses you have received from this book, so far?
The pig! That pig on the cover has caused no
small stir! I’ve enjoyed reading and listening to people speculate on why I
chose to have a pig on the cover. Well, it’s mostly a picture of Jesus’ Parable of the Prodigal Son, which was the inspiration for the book. It also
represents how most people think about their relationship with God. Most people
feel like they are filthy pigs that God loves but can’t hug. A few people have
said that the pig might keep away Muslim readers. But I’m not worried about
that. I wrote this book for Christians. If only Christians learnt how much God
loves them, this world would be a much better place.
5. You
sent a children’s poem for Babishai Poetricks last year. It’s going to be
published in a poetry anthology which we’re producing. How often do you write
poetry?
I mainly write prose. It comes naturally to
me, whether I feel like writing or not. But for poetry, I have to be in a
certain space. I haven’t yet figured out what kind of space that has to be. But
the last time I wrote a poem was when someone died a few months ago.
6. Which,
in your opinion, is the best diet for poets?
Books. Lots of books. And a thesaurus and a
rhyming dictionary (or Google). But for real food, anything that you fancy will
do.
7. What
do you expect from the Babishai Poetry Festival?
I’m looking forward to having interesting,
quirky conversations with the brilliant minds that this festival attracts.
8. Any
parting remarks?
Do you have a story burning to be told? Do
you have a voice that must be heard? Then write. Because writing is no small
calling. Otherwise, get back to your normal day job and save us the agony of
watching our time being flushed down the toilet.
Thank you very much.
Babishai Festival will run from
24-26 August 2016 in Kampala.
Below are details of our two Babishai 2016 Poetry Competitions.
