We spoke with Bene Sebuyange and found out about her pipeline work, how she navigates writer’s block and her writing process!
So, let’s start with a brief introduction. What’s your name? What do you do and what do you write?
Bene Sebuyange: My name is Bene Sebuyange. And I am a writer, spoken word artist, actor and also a costume designer.
When did you start writing? What made you interested in pursuing writing?
BS: I started writing when I was…twelve. No even younger, nine. So, I started writing at the age of nine with my brother as a competition because he wrote a rap at that time and I was like, “This is terrible I can do better”, [laughs] so it was like a competition between the both of us and that’s how I was introduced to writing and then we started getting inspiration from the artists that were out at that time and then it kind of just grew from there. I got introduced into different organisations like Writing on the Wall and eventually The Windows Project - that’s kind of my journey and within that there’s been so many people who have helped me get to where I am today.
You said you write poetry; do you prefer writing that by hand or typing? Why?
BS: Definitely by hand, I’m very old school - there’s something about having the pen in your hand and having it on a piece of paper. And also, I don’t always save my work so I don’t have to worry about it getting deleted or problems with tech so I just prefer writing by hand. It’s just nicer and I feel like I like crossing out things and writing other words. So, definitely by hand.
How did you begin to first circulate your writing?
BS: I started performing - I was in a project with Writing on the Wall and we would come in every week and we would write and then we would get up on the stage. They really encouraged us to perform it on different stages, so that’s how I got my start and then eventually from there people just started asking me to come and perform in different locations through word of mouth so it was a build up from there. Yeah, so that’s how I got circulated. But then other opportunities presented themselves like The Windows Project where I’ve been able to perform my poetry and do readings.
Do you have a pipeline piece of work that you want to write or be involved in?
BS: Yeah, I would definitely love to do more children’s stories. I was commissioned by Tate Gallery Liverpool to write a children’s piece, a poem during lockdown, and I didn’t even think I was capable of doing it, so it was really amazing and it opened me up to this world of children’s stories because I already work with children anyway so I think that’s definitely something I would love to continue.
How do you deal with writer’s block?
BS: I think (by) trying to not think about it and just trying to find inspiration in other things. So, just going for a walk or not thinking about it, I suppose, because when you think ‘I’ve got to get something’, your brain is freezing up or you’re just overthinking. Most of the time inspiration comes when you’re not thinking about it, so I just try to be in places that would inspire me like museums, talking to people because I always get inspired by what other people say - I’ll just always try to put myself in those situations rather than staying in my head.
How does writing express your thoughts more so than other mediums?
BS: I think because you can articulate yourself more and really edit what you want to say and, I know this is probably going to be cheesy, but just painting with words. I’m quite creative in different aspects but I think with words, you can say them in a way that you want them to be interpreted. Obviously, everyone is going to take that interpretation differently but for the most part you feel like you’ve said what you wanted to say. So, I think in that respect that’s why I really like writing.
What would you hope your work provides for other people?
BS: I think maybe that they see it’s not as hard as people make it seem to be. I don’t know, to be inspired. I hope to inspire people. I think everyone hopes that with their work so I think to inspire people because people inspired me - I hope to extend that same passion and interest and expression to other people and show that, ‘Yes, you can do it as well’; because I never liked English so it’s not as tricky as, I suppose, school makes it sound. So, I think yes, just to be an inspiration to other people and hope that they can learn to express themselves as well.
What is one thing you would say to your younger self?
BS: Don’t be so hard on yourself. Give yourself a little bit more grace, a little bit more patience and it doesn’t have to happen right away. Sometimes, it’s the process that matters more than the final product or the final destination.
One piece of advice you heard that has stayed with you until today, and you would want young writers to know?
BS: Enjoy the process. I will say that. Just enjoy the process. Like I said before, don’t rush it because the best pieces of work sometimes take a lot more time than you want. Enjoy the process, don’t rush it, take your time and everything doesn’t always happen at once. Sometimes, it’s the stages that make the piece magical.