Master in writing, storytelling

A memorable birthday, about a decade ago, I happened to attend an evening event on a farm in Raithby; Helderberg Hospice was holding a fund-raiser with Dorian Haarhoff, in one of his well-known guises as Oom Schalk Lourens... the famous narrator of so many of Herman Charles Bosman’s short stories.

Sitting under the trees, the audience was transported to the Groot Marico, and the lives and and experiences of the rural Afrikaner characters Bosman had captured so quintessentially.

On a number of occasions I’ve had the pleasure of being in the audience while Haarhoff regaled the attendees (again, in support of Helderberg Hospice), like at the delightful Sage & Thyme restaurant in Somerset West.

I’d had the good fortune to witness his predecessor, the initmitable Patrick Mynhardt, who also brought the Bosman characters to life... and watching Haarhoff make the role his own, has been a pleasure and privilege.

Writer, poet, story-teller, mentor and speaker, Haarhoff is a familiar face in the Helderberg and Boland, where he hosts regular writing workshops.

For 20 years he was a lecturer then Professor of English at the University of Namibia, where he taught literature and creative writing.

Haarhoff also taught creative writing at the University of Victoria in Canada, and has been visiting Fellow at the University of Colorado in Boulder.

His approach is based on his definitive The Writer’s Voice, a workbook for writers in Africa (1998), which many have used as a source and a resource.

Haarhoff lived in Somerset West for some 13 years, where he still facilitates a monthly Magic Carpet writing group, that has been running for 15 years.

For the past 8 years, he has lived in the quiet seaside village of Pringle Bay, where he still offers retreats, “wordshops” and one-on-one coaching.

“I like to build confidence and encourage people to write in their own voices,” he says.

Haarhoff is passionate about developing innate creativity and imagination, and believes in the power of stories to create new realities, to bring healing, and to build our sense of belonging.

He has published 30 books, some self-published, including poetry, children’s stories, stories for business and how-to-do books, and he has also edited works of aspirant writers published for the first time.

His Route 77, a Poememoir (2023) is a multi-purpose book, and as one who delights in books about the art of writing, it has brought me great joy and insight.

Structurally it consists of 7 sections with 11 entries in each, and is a life story, a teaching text, considering those key moments when we come alive and live on the edge.

The book also looks at his journey, the evolution of his beliefs and calling, and is rich in poetry, with samples of writing letters that he puts out every month.

There is a section on Poetry and Healing, and you can even find menus, as he loves cheffing.

Roger Chennels, author of All Rise: Tales of Human Rights and Wrongs (“Tales of a life well lived”, Bolander, June 12), shared his perceptions of Haarhoff’s book with me:

“I loved the whole book, and felt quite awed by the arc and scope. Each of the seven headings provides a different and welcome launching pad for the flights of fact and fancy that dance along the way.

“Some impressions will long remain. Firstly, the consistently elegant lightness of touch, with humour that is light, gentle, playful, mischievous and tricksterish. Omnipresent.

“Secondly, there is a consistent generosity of spirit in the way Haarhoff describes all fellow-travellers along the way.  Zen simplicity dances alongside depth, gravitas and saudade.

“Inspiring writings of others enrich every page. Past mistakes, relationships and events unfold gently, in poem or script.

“This is a guidebook to the mysterious tickings of an eclecticly incorrigible trickster, and a whole pile of fun.”

And I couldn’t agree more...

For anyone who wishes to attend one of Haarhoff’s retreats, off the beaten track in Pringle Bay this coming weekend, I’d highly recommend it (details below).

And should you have the inclination to capture your memories and journey in written form, he could help you find your voice, step by step, ascending the path and taking in the view, looking at alternative routes, and following (or dictating) where it leads.

“I’m interested primarily in the joy of creating and crafting, and hold a deep belief in our potential,” says Haarhoff.

“I can’t teach you how to write/tell stories, but will encourage you to teach yourself. How to invoke creativity and imagination and be at home with words.”

Another aspect of what he does, is using the writing process as a way of exploring new possibilities and potential or deal with personal/professional issues.

When he poses the question: “Are words and ideas stuck in your head? Want to shake them loose?” it resonates with me...

I remember my boss at Stellenbosch University telling me, 22 years ago, “You’re intensely cerebral... sleep must be elusive.” And it was, and is; the blessing and curse of the restless mind.

It’s always a good idea to get out into nature (and our lovely, incomparable fynbos), look at the undulations of the ocean, and be energised and connect.

To ourselves, to our sense of origin, and to a state of peace.

And writing guides, like Haarhoff, play a helpful role in harnassing our capacities, identifying our resources, clarifying our thoughts and observations and perceptions.

I highly recommend his book, even if it’s just for tying all the loose threads together, and coalescing disparate thoughts.

For more information, contact him at dorianhaa@gmail.com or call 082 873 6802.