Author: kalembashortstoryprize

Short Fiction Masterclass – 27 May

LUSAKA, 14 May 2023 – Writers longlisted for the 2023 Kalemba Short Story Prize are invited to participate in a creative writing master class by professional editor and writing coach, Chelsea Musenge

Musenge has worked on over a dozen books with writers from, among others, Nigeria, Namibia, and Zambia. A writer in her own right, her expertise includes fiction, poetry, nonfiction writing and content development.
We are excited and looking forward to working with Chelsea aka Written.by_you

Note the following:

– The Masterclass will be via Zoom – the link will be shared on FB and our website 27 May, for two hours from 11h00 -13h00.

– The masterclass is open to longlisted writers. It is not mandatory, but highly recommended.

– Longlisted writers can resubmit their entries from 28 May and 3 June – A new submission form will be available on the website and socials and will automatically deactivate at 11h59PM CAT.

– ONLY LONGLISTED ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED. The system will automatically delete any other entries.

– Only 12 entries will make it to the shortlist

– The panel of judges and other details will follow.

NB. Writers who didn’t make the longlist but would like to participate in the masterclass can send a request to info@ukusefya.com no later than 20 May.

Good luck all.

Announcing the 2023 Kalemba Short Story Longlist

LUSAKA, ZAMBIA, 29 April – Congratulations to the longlisted writers! For those who didn’t make the list, thank you for your wonderful stories and please keep writing.

So, what next?

– Long-listed writers will be invited to participate in a masterclass delivered by an expert in fiction and short-story writing. The purpose of the masterclass will be to build upon and help sharpen your entries, and your overall writing skills beyond Kalemba.

– Long-listed writers who will participate in the masterclass (details to be communicated) will have the option to revise and resubmit their entries within seven (7) days – after the masterclass (details and new link will follow)

NOTE: It’s not mandatory for longlisted writers to participate, however, it’s an opportunity to grab with both hands and explains why our long lists is generous this year.)

– Twelve (12) shortlisted entries will be published on our digital platforms.

– The panel of judges, constituted by renowned writers and literary luminaries, will select the top six stories and, subsequently, the top three.

– The panel of judges is being finalized and will be announced in due course.

– The top six stories will be published on the Kalemba website a week before announcing the winning and two run-up entries.

Please do NOT send emails asking for the status of the judging process. All updates will be posted on our digital platforms. ‘NO POST’ from us means that the judging process is on track.

Something else

Can the writer of the story, The Inciting Incident, email us on info@ukusefya.com.

Lastly, we are reviewing two more stories. This is due to a technicality. When auditing the number of entries against the final list, we couldn’t account for two entries. We eventually found them.

The two stories are under review and if they make it, will be added to the longlist no later than Friday, 5 May.

1.           Zina – Cornelius Mwanza

2.           Words for the lost child – Mwenya Chikwa

3.           Who the Cap Fits – Thomas Chisengatambu

4.           When it all Clears – Trevor Ace Tao

5.           Up the Eucalyptus Tree – Mikha Mweetwa

6.           Unforeseen – Tecla Bwalya Mulenga

7.           Two-Faced Psycho – Timothy Mumba

8.           Tina’s Trauma – Nikiwe Taonga Thole

9.           Till Death – Mazuba Mwiinga

10.         Thirty9 Steps to Freedom – Simon Kansembe

11.         The Trip a Trap – Mbeti Sishekanu

12.         The Tribe – David Chiza Gondwe

13.         The Testament – Abigail Lubala

14.         The Talk by the stream – Jeremiah Chenge

15.         The Sexual Predator – Samuel Zimba

16.         The Papa, the Patient and the Physician – Katenekwa Njekwa

17.         The Njalimwenes – Mulobeka Albert Phiri

18.         The Mysterious Beast – Nchimunya Hatowa

19.         The Midnight Man – Margaret Mwenya

20.         The Man from the West – Adam Njobvu

21.         The Jacaranda Broomed in June – Chileshe Mutale

22.         Sins of the Father – Musole Prince Silungwe

23.         The Housekeeper – Brenda Nyambe

24.         The Guest – Glyn Mwiya

25.         The Final Act – Nduluma Mwaba

26.         The Family Terminator – Neddy Chimpati

27.         The Evil Within – Niza Chavula

28.         The Curious Case of Benjamin – John Phiri

29.         The Chosen Lamb – Taoma Mukwala

30.         The Childhood Clock – Jackson Chabala

31.         The Broken Arow – Isaac Likuji

32.         The Blues – Fiske Nyirongo

33.         The Evil within – Niza Chabula

34.         The Blue Shirt – Musiyani Silumbe

35.         Suicide Notes – Veagan Muchena

36.         Strangers at Home – William Mupotola

37.         Stepmother – Kaseba Lubambo

38.         Squelching noises – Clarence Chongo

39.         Some Days are Worse than Monday – Mpundu Charles Chilumba Mulenga

40.         Small World – Caroline Musole

41.         Shallow – Kees de Kwaasteniet

42.         Silver Head Red Hands – Racheal Tembo

43.         Seeing Anew – Kapampa Mwape

44.         Secrets – Teri Yombwe

45.         Red Ink Thandiwe – Chisela Chibale

46.         Pieces of Flesh – Given Chikwela

47.         Pelts – Nancy Mubanga

48.         No Strings Attached – Mukandi Siyame

49.         M’zimu Wachikondi – Kondwani Bwalya

50.         Martha’s Monster – Michael Mwanza

51.         Love Over Water – Bwalya Mambwe

52.         Locked Emotions let Loose – Kashweka Nalungwana

53.         Kasuba – Nancy Mwenya

54.         Ghost in Love – Mukelebai Catherine Mulasikwanda

55.         Forbidden Love –  Angela Kunda Mupeta

56.         Father Forgive me for I have Sineth – Ndanji Nyirenda

57.         Extension – Chansa Folotiya

58.         Echo – Thandiwe Siwo

59.         Don’t Remember to Forget – Birbal Boniface Mutoba

60.         Dark Motives – Sylvia Mbewe

61.         Corrupted – Douglas Kawimbe

62.         Cilil – Genevieve Kana

63.         Chimbuya – Musenga Katongo

64.         Call for the Sandy Tombs – Kaluwe Haangala

65.         Bush Mouse – Abel Lungu

66.         Bodza – Mupila yalobi

67.         Behind the Make-up – Mwewa Kashell Mwaba

68.         Before I Rest – Towela Kondowe

69.         Attract and Repel: Justified Madness – Keegan Sichone

70.         Atsikana – Theresa Silvester

71.         Are you coming Back? – Bwanga Kapumba

72.         Annie  – Pierre Bwalya

73.         Animals – Mutale Chisulo

74.         And the River Sang – Kelvin Jatwa

75.         An Encounter with a Smooth Criminal – George Banda

76.         An Akabi Princess – Inonge Noyoo

77.         A Union of Inconvenience – Jolezya Adeyemo

78.         A Night to Remember – David Mumba

79.         A Mother’s Visit – Susan Mutale

80.         A Leap of courage – Rose Mukondya

81.         A Chance at Life – Natasha Mwenda

82.         A Bitter Love Triangle – Sanfrossa Manyinda

2023 Kalemba Judging process – what to know

LUSAKA, 22 January – A team of reviewers made up of seasoned editors and creative writers have started the process of reading and selecting the entries.

PLEASE NOTE: The entries are selected anonymously by independent reviewers who are not part of the Kalemba Prize.

Stories are sent to reviewers with ZERO personal details of the writers, this includes name, sex, age, location, and all other information. Only Kalemba administrators have these details.

– Long-listed entries will be published on all Kalemba digital platforms.

– Long-listed writers will be invited to participate in a masterclass delivered by an expert in fiction and short-story writing. The purpose of the masterclass will be to build upon and help sharpen the story telling skills of promising writers.

– Long-listed writers who will participate in the masterclass (in person or virtually) will have the option to revise and resubmit their entries within seven (7) days. NOTE: It’s not mandatory for longlisted writers to participate, however, it’s an opportunity to grab with both hands.

– Twelve (12) shortlisted entries will be published on our digital platforms.

– The panel of judges, constituted by renowned writers and literary luminaries, will select the top six stories and, subsequently, the top three.

– The panel of judges will be announced at a later stage.

– The top six stories will be published on the Kalemba website a week before announcing the winning and two run-up entries.

Please do NOT send emails asking for the status of the judging process. All updates will be posted on our digital platforms. ‘NO POST’ from us means that the judging process is on track.

We hope to conclude sooner, however experience has taught us not to give specific dates so early in the process.

We are projecting to announce the winner between May and June. Specific dates and timeline for the longlist, masterclass, shortlist and winner announcement will follow in due course.

For any clarifications, post in the comments, we will respond for the benefit of everyone. Do NOT send us emails, we will not respond.

Lastly, we know how difficult and punishing the simple act of waiting can be, but be assured that we are at it, and we promise to give every story the time and chance it deserves.

Good Luck.

Write the story you want, the way you want, in a voice only you have

November 27, 2022 – We caught up with Rhodasi’ Dhasi’ Mwale, winner of the 2020 Kalemba Prize, for

her short story, ‘If it Aren’t Broke.’

We wanted to know what she has been up to and her advice to writers entering the 2023 Kalemba Prize.

Q: What have you been up to since winning KSSP 2020?

I have been doing my best to keep writing, slowly but surely.

I have published two Zambian romance novels with Love Africa Press – www.loveafricapress.com – Note Worthy, a contemporary romance – https://dhasimwale.wordpress.com/…/27/note-worthy-is-out/

The second one and recently out, Damned If I Love You, a paranormal/fantasy romance, available here: https://tinyurl.com/Damned-If-I-Love-You

I haven’t gone full fledge romance writer, though. I share my serialized stories on my Page: https://web.facebook.com/dhasimwale and Blog: www.dhasimwale.wordpress.com/

On the short story front, my story, Bet On Me, set during N’cwala, was featured in an African Festivities Anthology: https://tinyurl.com/Love-At-A-Festival.

My other sci-fi-fantasy short story, One Part Us Two Part Ghost, got an honorable mention in the 2021 Q3 L Ron Hubbard Writers of The Future Contest.

You can read it here https://tinyurl.com/One-Part-Us.

Q: What advice do you have for the writers entering the 2023 KSSP

Don’t aim for relevance or groundbreaking work; aim for honesty.

A thesaurus is great but beware of using words just for the beauty of it. Obviously, edit, and get honest feedback (not from loved ones). Most important of all, SUBMIT it. Remember, you miss all the shots you don’t take — all the best to the entrants.

2023 Kalemba is open for submissions until 10 December 2022.

Mali shares writing tips and what she’s been up to

OCTOBER 27, 2022 – We caught up with Mali Kambandu, winner of the inaugural 2018 Kalemba Prize (A hand to Hold).

We wanted to know what she has been up to and her advice to writers entering the 2023 Kalemba Prize.

What have you been up to since winning the 2018 KSSP?

Winning the Kalemba gave me the confidence to continue writing. After Kalemba, I was shortlisted for the Writivism Short Story Prize, a regional prize; this was quite an accomplishment for me.

In 2020, I took some writing classes through Lolwe and the Nairobi Fiction Writing Workshop (NaiWa), which helped me develop further and introduced me to incredible networks of writers — a very valuable resource for me and any writer, actually.

Since 2018, I’ve had a number of my pieces published in several literary platforms (some of my work is available to read here). In January 2022, my novel (in-progress) was longlisted, along with 9 other first-time novelists, for the Island Prize. I was thrilled, but didn’t make the shortlist. It was still really encouraging for me. 

This year, Lolwe asked me to guest edit Issue 5 of their literary magazine. This was such an honour for me but the most work I’ve done in ages! Making a selection from so many well-crafted, beautiful stories was very hard. I am grateful for that opportunity.

And also in 2022, one of my stories gained me the honour of being selected Brittle Paper Writer of the Month June 2022. It was so exciting and I’m so touched that my work stood out on such an incredible platform.

I’m still submitting stories and my novel to various platforms, hoping for as many “yeses” as I can get! Lol!

What tips would you share with 2023 Kalemba writers?

In the words of Namwali Serpell, “Read, read, and then read some more.” Meaning you cannot read too much! Read anything, especially in the form you want to be successful in — short fiction, in this case. Reading a variety of works helps you learn and grow as a writer.

Make sure you actually have a story — a beginning, middle, and end. A short story isn’t a few beautifully written paragraphs. If someone else read your story, would they be able to see the narrative arc?

Give yourself time to edit and rewrite your first draft. Don’t submit your first draft. Editing and rewriting will make your draft stronger.

Trust your instincts as a storyteller but don’t be afraid to butcher your story if it isn’t the best way to tell it or the best part of the story to tell.

Don’t think rejection is the end. A ‘no’ is not the end. Keep writing.

Frequently Asked Questions for Kalemba Prize 2023

1. What will the winning writer receive?

The winner will receive $1500 while the two run ups will receive $500 each. It will be the first time that the run ups will be awarded.

2. What will the judges be looking for?

Original, compelling, and unforgettable story telling.

3. Who can submit?

Any Zambian home and away. There is no age limit.

4. Can I enter a story I have previously submitted or published elsewhere?

No. we only accept original unpublished short fiction between 2000 and 5000 words.

5. Is there a theme?

No. Your imagination is the limit.

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Monitor our website for full eligibility guidelines which will be published soon.

Kalemba Prize increases amount for Short Story Prize 2022


LUSAKA, JULY 27 – Kalemba Prize announced today that it is increasing the amount for the Kalemba Short Story Prize 2022 to $2500.

The Kalemba Prize celebrates contemporary Zambian short fiction. Established in 2017, the prize is awarded for the best unpublished short fiction by a Zambian writer.

The award increase is an important step to expanding the prestige and reach of the KSSP.

“We hope to increase the prize in value and prestige to other international prizes” says founder, Sampa Kangwa-Wilkie.

The winner will receive $1500 from $1000 while the two run ups will receive $500 each. It will be the first time that the run ups will be awarded.

“I look forward to supporting this important project” said Justin Chinyanta, who has partnered with Kalemba to grow and expand the prize incrementally.

Following a review process in 2021, the selection process for KSSP2022 has also been changed.

Long listed writers will have the opportunity to participate in a masterclass and to resubmit their stories for further shortlisting. Six stories will be shortlisted. The winning story and two special mentions will be awarded at a special ceremony in Lusaka in 2023.

In addition, the Kalemba Prize website will be relaunched with a new design to improve user experience.

In 2023, Kalemba will launch a Poetry Prize and an online literary magazine.

The 2022 Kalemba Short-Story Prize will be open for submissions from October 10 to December 10, 2022.

Past winning stories; A Hand to Hold (2018), Inswa (2019), and If it Aren’t Broke (2020), is just a small example of the abundant writing talent that Zambia has. There was no prize in 2021.

Kambandu and Kalimamunkweto have since soared to greater heights including being shortlisted, winning prizes and or publishing novels.

Zambia has some of the most talented storytellers on the continent, many of them young, with no prior training in fiction writing.

“With some exposure and skills in writing fiction, Zambian writers are just as capable as their peers on the continent and elsewhere,” adds Kangwa-Wilkie.