When we record with written word
what our minds have conceived,
we allow others a glimpse
of our inner world -
the unborn universe within.
Filled with the stars of our dreams,
the dust of our disappointments
and the gravity of our experience.(Chanti)
I am deeply passionate about language, communication and the written word. From a very early age I devoured literature and poetry and to this day enjoy a passionate love affair with the arts. I also love nature and the Great Outdoors and exploring. Although I was born and raised in England, I lived in South Africa for most of my adult life and have a great passion for this country and for Africa as a whole. For the past few five years I've lived in Los Angeles with regular trips to London and South Africa, the land that still pulses in my blood in spite of the hardships there.
Africa is such a beautiful, albeit harsh continent. It has provided me with much inspiration for my poetry and in my writing. Although my poetry is not limited to any one genre or specific style, I have written much about social issues in the hope of raising awareness to the plight of innocent victims. Sometimes I've tackled issues such as crime from unusual vantage points. For example, I wrote a poem 'A Father's Shame' in the character of William Kekana's father. William Kekana was convicted of a series of brutal rapes and murders in South Africa - crimes that stunned the nation. Obviously everyone, myself included, felt great sympathy for the victims and their families but I was struck by the shame and humiliation of his father in court and this is what inspired me to write the poem.
My poetry and short stories are often inspired by events that have had some kind of impact upon me. Issues such as child abuse, sexual abuse (pandemic in Africa), spousal abuse, murder, rape and racism are broached, most times from the perspective of the victim...victims who may themselves have no voice.
In spite of the serious nature of some of my poetry, I love humour and have written many light-hearted stories. Some of these are about my daily experiences in South Africa, my surroundings and observations.
On the professional front, I am employed by a US-based film company and work with a dynamic and talented team. Our latest project is a British Ensemble comedy that we're set to shoot in Scotland in May 2010. I am personally working on revisions of a screenplay inspired by a true story that is set in the Savuti in Botswana, a dramatic love story / drama / thriller. The screenplay has been given the green light and is slated for production in 2011/12.
Enjoy reading my work and please offer your feedback or feel free to contact me directly via my message board.
Best quotes:
The moment one gives close attention to
any thing, even a blade of grass it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably
magnificent world in itself.
~Miller, Henry ~
"Language shapes the way we think, and determines what we can think about." Benjamin Lee Whorf
"A daydream is a meal at which images are eaten. Some of us are gourmets, some gourmands, and a good many take their images precooked out of a can and swallow them down whole, absent-mindedly and with little relish." ~W.H. Auden~
"Be yourself. Above all, let who you are, what you are, what you believe, shine through every sentence you write, every piece you finish." ~John Jakes~
"Why do writers write? Because it isn't there." ~Thomas Berger~
Birth Place: Kingston, Surrey, England
Accomplishments: Bronze and silver medalist award winner in the Annual Library Awards.
Poetry published in various anthologies and other publications. Short stories published in various magazines.
Story Editor for 1362 - The Kensington Enigma. Also did voice-overs for the documentary. See the trailer at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdJ7Ik0Y7Nc&feature=channel_page
Hosted a segment on a popular local radio station for more than four years. Featured on 'Top Billing' a top-rated television show.
Short Stories The Tokoloshe by ~ Chanti An extract from an autobiographical account. A strange supernatural experience from my childhood...... A flight of imagination by ~ Chanti A view of the world through the eyes of a child. Recalling some of my own childhood memories.... Nkosi Bayeti (a Zulu short story) by ~ Chanti A short story based on the birth of an extraordinary Zulu leader, Shaka... The Yard by ~ Chanti This short story may be something different to what you might expect. Locked into a secure facility with a murderer on the inside. ... One Hundred Thousand Years or more by ~ Chanti This story was inspired by a true story. I have used artistic license, however, the basic facts remain the same and the story is made all the more poignant when one knows that events described actuall... Finding my Father by ~ Chanti My search for my father and the meeting that would leave an indelible mark upon my life.... A New Page by ~ Chanti An end to a never-ending story.
... Spinach Tooth by ~ Chanti On a lighter note.
An embarrassing experience involving spinach and a childhood crush.... Lost in the misted mountains by ~ Chanti A hiker's worst nightmare. Lost in the mountains of Mphumulanga with two small boys. A light drama with a touch of humour.... Nkosi Bayete by ~ Chanti A Zulu short story...... Home Intruder by ~ Chanti Well I never!
... A Small Miracle by ~ Chanti I've been helping my daughter Candice launch her real estate business while here on an extended visit. It's been quite an experience...... The Flying Creature from Hell by ~ Chanti A light-hearted short story. This all happened although I admit to a little exaggeration in the telling ;)... Chickens, World peace and Apartheid by ~ Chanti What do chickens have to do with world peace or apartheid? Find out now.
... The Boy on the Bicycle by ~ Chanti A story about two children who taught me a valuable lesson about love and sacrifice.... A Hairy Story! by ~ Chanti An insight into the funnier aspects of my old job in the decorating industry. An eccentric client and a strange dilemma.... Mucky Duck by ~ Chanti A look at another of my strange animals. I hope this raises a smile at least.... Savuti Love Story by ~ Chanti A true story. Something related to me that struck a chord deep within. I felt compelled to record it.... Tears of rain by ~ Chanti Does deep love ever die?
... Lily (horror) by ~ Chanti I thought I'd try my hand at writing a short story in a genre I have never considered writing - horror.... The Plot by ~ Chanti A really rather unfunny, funny story involving a conspiracy theory about appliances.
(Written after my telephone went dead in my hands while I was on a call)... Sight for sore eyes by ~ Chanti A continuation from 'Lame leading the blind'
... The lame leading the blind by ~ Chanti An inSIGHT into an eye opener of a day.
...
Poetry No Longer Young by ~ Chanti ~o~... The Cradle of Shape by ~ Chanti The painting is my own creation that I entitled 'The Lovers'... Held on a tight rein by ~ Chanti A story of a union in chains and the longing for freedom. A personal story that allows insight into aspects of my past.... Come to me... by ~ Chanti I want to reach beyond the limits and confines of my own experience and create something more...much more.
~o~... Unreasonable love... by ~ Chanti Thoughts, simply romantic thoughts... I Believe in Miracles by ~ Chanti I posted this poem some time back but have made some revisions to it and am posting it again...this time it serves a different purpose.... Surface Beautiful by ~ Chanti (A silly rhyme but one that gets a point across)... The Answer by ~ Chanti The portrait is one I painted.... A Father's Shame by ~ Chanti Murderer / Rapist William Kekana being led from court after sentencing.
This poem was inspired by true events that I've detailed below. I originally wrote the poem in 2004 when this horrific... Dying Dragon by ~ Chanti ... The Gardener by ~ Chanti There is a little more to this write than may be immediately apparent on first reading. A dark and ominous canvass painted over with a pretty landscape perhaps? What do you read into it? ;)... New Image by ~ Chanti A first draft. ... Still and Stretched Out by ~ Chanti My brother died on 17th April (just a few short weeks ago). I haven't been able to write anything meaningful since but I'd like to offer something as a dedication. This is the best I could do for no... Visual Melody by ~ Chanti Soul searching, soul finding... Foxy Lady by ~ Chanti The awful reality that is the fur trade. Not for sensitive readers / viewers.... Silent Scream by ~ Chanti A scream that cannot be heard. This poem is not about abortion although this is how it may appear. It was more of an analogous comparison to a state of mind. Not to be taken literally. I enjoy experim... Ruled by Money? by ~ Chanti Sharing my own insight and thoughts about this very real issue in life. This is not intended to be preachy and forgive me if it comes across this way. ... Reality Check by ~ Chanti Love spins dreams in a coccoon of hope
but then reality comes along and unravels it all.
When we're immersed in a dream
we do not wish to wake...... A Model Figure by ~ Chanti Is this what it takes?... The Pirate Shanti enters the 'Ed' wars by ~ Chanti How could I resist? The Lone Lady Pirate enters the mix. I don't take sides but am in this to win... Arrrrrr
... I see the War in your Eyes by ~ Chanti A political statement about the horrors of children in war in Africa.
The painting is my own.... To the Point by ~ Chanti A light write about a rather dark subject...... Ultimate Temptation by ~ Chanti For my ulti-mate ;) ... Curtain Call by ~ Chanti ...... Anthology I (Discovery) by ~ Chanti Dedicated to Edwin, my love...
(A collection of 6 poems)...
Articles Luctor et emergo by ~ Chanti “I struggle but I survive”... Turn it Around by ~ Chanti Something that looks bad from one angle may look good from another.... Mother Jailed for Spraying Child at Car-wash. by ~ Chanti What constitutes abuse?... Susan Boyle Wows the World! by ~ Chanti ... The Ties that Free by ~ Chanti The bond of friendship should never be one that restrains but one that sets us free.
... How to Critique poetry by ~ Chanti Some ideas about how to critique the work of others without causing offence. I hope this helps.... Heartache and Pain - Great Teachers by ~ Chanti Why do we need to learn our lessons the hard way? My thoughts about this based on a recent encounter.... Get Up when you're Down by ~ Chanti Dedicated to Eddy. You're my greatest tonic. You lift me up every time. Thank you...... Giving and Getting it. by ~ Chanti In one of my articles (You Choose to be Offended), I shared that when I see an angry person, I see a hurting person. I could apply this kind of thinking just as easily to a seemingly mean, selfish or... There is no excuse for abuse! by ~ Chanti Are you a victim of emotional / mental abuse? This article offers guidelines that may help you determine the answer.... The Critical Boss by ~ Chanti Is your boss constantly on your case, always finding fault and picking at you incessantly or are you the boss and have a struggle getting your employees to perform for you?
... Perserverance Pays! by ~ Chanti This is something I wrote as a journal entry on the site I set up to help 'Sunshine' (Tami Ryan, another member of AD). I hope you'll read the article and click on the link and support my initiativ... Romance! What women want, by ~ Chanti What do women want? My brother asked me this question and it got me thinking.... Rehearsing For Success by ~ Chanti Sometimes in writing these I am indulging in self talk. I hope that others gain something from this even if some of the statements may seem rather obvious. Knowledge put into practice becomes wisdom.... What is happiness? by ~ Chanti A simple philosophy. Share your thoughts here.... Uncomfortable Change by ~ Chanti The State of Perpetual Dissatisfaction vs. Temporary Discomfort.... Success Secret. by ~ Chanti In school, Robin Williams was voted 'Least likely to succeed'
Where are those who voted?... You choose to be offended. by ~ Chanti If you get offended easily read this.
I wrote it some time ago for a site that I started but thought I'd share it here.... Sharing thoughts by ~ Chanti Sharing thoughts......
Lasting Impressions
A writer's group that I started in 2001. Great resources to help writers develop and hone their craft. Weekly caption contest, Writers challenges and more. PLEASE JOIN!!!
1362 The Kensington Enigma
Finally one of the greatest mysteries in history unfolds. I was privileged to be able to work on this 2-part documentary special as story editor. Check it out.
YouTube
Check my videos out on YouTube.
Copy and paste the following link if you have difficulty: http://www.youtube.com/ChantalNiven
Toastmasters International
A proud member of Toastmasters International. Achieved my ATM many years ago but have recently re-joined a Toastmasters group and have decided to start from the beginning. I've competed in public speaking competitions but have yet to win one major competition. I have achieved a second place but hope to change that. Watch this spot!
I joined Toastmasters initially to overcome my shyness and fear of speaking in public. It works. I've learnt that shyness will always be with me but it can be overcome. I now present myself as confident and self-possessed. Thanks TM.
Additional information
PERSONAL INSPIRATION
My greatest inspiration, especially when it comes to my romantic writes has come from my partner, lover, and best friend, Eddy (Edwin Larson here on AD). The love I've experienced from the time we first met in 2004 has added a new dimension to my life and I hope that this shows through my writing. Thank you Eddy for all you've brought to my life on so many levels.
I am also greatly inspired by my three incredible, loving children, Noodles, Donzil and Dave and the incredible love I have for them. They make me so very proud. Whenever I wonder what I've achieved of any value in this life, I only need look at them. Wow, I must have done something right!