Two writers, one pen!

Hi everyone!

Apologies for the radio silence. Navigating life with two toddlers turns out to be less a “wholesome family adventure” and more a “daily hostage negotiation”, all conducted with remarkable enthusiasm from the terrorists that is. At last, though, I have wrestled back a moment for writing, so let us begin!

(I’m excited !!)

It has struck me recently that, now and then, something small and unexpected finds its way into one’s inbox, and it ends up changing the rhythm of one’s plans.

A few weeks ago, I got a message from Zwelethu Pasiwe. It simply read:

“Hey bro, hope all's well with you. We should someday collaborate on an article.”

That was it. No preamble, no pitch, simply put, it was just an idea sent with quiet conviction. It was enough to get me thinking, though, maybe a collab is not the worst idea ever.

Zwelethu has been writing about the kind of subjects that stick with you long after you've scrolled past them on LinkedIn: vulnerability, community, and the courage it takes to be honest. These resonate with me a lot. When he reached out, this felt like an opportunity to explore what might happen when two very different voices try to share the same pen.

So we're doing just that.

Over the next month, we will work on a series titled ‘Two Writers, One Pen: a collection of essays’. We will explore modern masculinity, renewal, rest and everything in between. It is not a debate, and it is not an interview. It is a dialogue in ink or, at the very least, our best attempt at one, an experiment in writing together while staying true to what makes each of us distinct

Zwelethu brings perspective and lived experience; I bring reflection and the occasional overextended metaphor. Somewhere between us, I hope, something honest will emerge.

Each week, we'll take on a new theme: from the silent battles men still fight, to the courage it takes to pause, to the art of becoming. Some essays will begin with me; others with him. All will meet somewhere in the middle.

If you ever wonder what happens when two writers share one pen, well, stay tuned. Two writers, one pen, a month of shared words. Let’s see what happens!

Have a great week ahead!

Euan