Maya Fowler
Maya Fowler is an acclaimed novelist, editor and translator living in Cape Town, South Africa. Her debut novel The Elephant in the Room was published by Kwela Books in 2009 and was subsequently shortlisted for the Herman Charles Bosman prize.
Besides general fiction, Maya is active in the young-adult arena. Thus far she has produced two excellent Afrikaans-language titles: As Jy ’n Ster Sien Verskiet (‘When You See a Shooting Star’, Tafelberg Publishers, 2011) and Om Op Eiers Te Dans (‘Dancing on Eggshells’, Maskew Miller Longman, 2011). As Jy ’n Ster Sien Verskiet was shortlisted for both the Sanlam prize and the MER prize for youth literature. Om Op Eiers Te Dans won the 2011 Maskew Miller Longman youth literature award.
She is currently translating Karin Brynard’s multi-award-winning Afrikaans-language crime novel Plaasmoord into English for the international market, and she is a regular contributor to the Cape Times books page.
Maya wrote Skilpad soek sy huis / Tortoise Finds His Home for Book Dash in Cape Town. The book won a Unicef-sponsored prize for Best Author in Early Childhood Development Literature for 2015.
Umuzi is publishing her novel, called Patagonia: A Fugue in English and Patagonië: ‘n Fuga, in Afrikaans. In September 2018 Protea released her novel titled Tebatso gaan see toe.
TESTIMONIALS
‘It was a stimulating and enjoyable experience. Maya was an excellent teacher. She is patient, she encourages the best from the student, and she gives attention to detail to prevent wrong habits from taking root. The interaction I had with The Writers College was efficient and professional. Thank you.’ Inéz Rossouw, Basiese Kreatiewe Skryfkursus
‘The practical side was good. Thank you to Maya Fowler Sutherland – she made it a great experience. Thank you also to the ones who shared their experience and knowledge in this course as well as for the inspiration and encouragement.’ Hermien Owens-Collins, Skryf ‘n Roman Kursus
‘It has been a steep learning curve! I thought I knew something but this course has helped me to better understand the intricacies and ‘science’ behind something that I thought was intuitive. Maya was an excellent tutor! She gave comprehensive feedback and kept encouraging and motivating me in a very positive manner.’ Chris van den Berg, Die Basiese Kreatiewe Skryfkursus
‘I enjoyed the experience and learnt a lot. Both exciting and scary at the same time. Maya went out of her way to encourage me. She gave prompt and insightful feedback. It is clear that she knows her subject.’ Dalene Bosman, Die Basiese Kreatiwe Skryfkurus
‘Dit was ‘n baie goeie leersame ervaring. Maya is fantasties! Ek leer so ongelooflik baie by haar. Dit wat ek by haar geleer het dra ek lewenslank saam met my. Baie dankie vir ‘n wonderlike ervaring! Dit het my so baie gemotiveer dat ek nog ‘n kursus wil doen.’ Marilie van der Merwe, Skryf ‘n kinderboek kursus