Latest news with #TheShiningGirls
The South African
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
South African sci-fi writer auctions desk for trans rights
South African novelist Lauren Beukes auctions her writing desk to support trans rights charities in South Africa and the UK. Following a chance meeting at Eastercon in Belfast, Beukes and British fantasy author Jeannette Ng launched a charity auction that has already raised over £13 000 (R315 000). The auction, created in response to recent funding cuts in South Africa and a UK Supreme Court ruling affecting trans rights, is backed by a global network of authors, artists and fans. Items range from bespoke poetry and crocheted creatures to rare books and a signed first edition of Monstrous Regiment by Sir Terry Pratchett. Proceeds go to The Triangle Project in South Africa and The Good Law Project in the UK. Among the listings is Beukes's own writing desk, which she used to write four novels including The Shining Girls , later adapted into a TV series starring Elisabeth Moss. 'This was never meant to be a big thing,' Beukes says. 'It started because I had a suitcase of rare books I wanted to auction for a cause. Jeannette suggested we turn it into a proper fundraiser and it just blew up. People care deeply about this.' The desk, a scuffed antique from the South African village of Stanford, has been with Beukes through her major works. 'It travelled to London with me when I emigrated. It's full of writer karma. Joy, despair, late nights, and the cats loved it.' Beukes has history with cause-based fundraising. In 2013 and 2014, she helped raise nearly half a million rand through charity art shows supporting Rape Crisis and Book Dash in South Africa. 'This time, it's about defending rights being eroded and helping communities hit hardest.' The community response has been strong. 'We're not pro fundraisers,' she says, 'just two writers who started something people rallied around. It's heartening.' Also up for bidding is a limited black hardcover edition of The Shining Girls , numbered 911 of 1 000, along with genre collectibles, handmade crafts, signed books and services donated by other creators. Contributors include Olivie Blake, Adrian Tchaikovsky, Ali Hazelwood and Roz Kaveney. The standout item remains the rare signed first edition of Monstrous Regiment , featuring a trans character, unearthed by Rhianna Pratchett and estate trustee Rob Wilkins. It currently stands at over £6 000 (R145 000). 'Terry was proud of his trans fans,' said the Pratchett Estate. 'He'd be honoured to help this cause and furious it's still necessary.' Funds will be split between The Triangle Project, one of South Africa's oldest LGBTQ+ organisations, and The Good Law Project, which campaigns for legal protections in the UK. Ling Shepherd of The Triangle Project says the donation is more than just financial. 'It's solidarity. It means we can keep advocating, supporting, and fighting back.' Ng says the auction sends a message. 'Genre creators and SFF authors will fight for trans people.' The auction runs until 7 June, with all current bids honoured. Bidding and donation details are at NOTE: Payments from SA are geo-locked unavoidably at this point. If you'd like to contribute, please email jamie@ for options.
Time Business News
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
The Dynamic Faces Of 2025: Top 4 Personalities You Need To Know
Buckle up for a whirlwind introduction to 2025's most electrifying visionaries, whose unstoppable creativity is rewriting the rules of art, literature, and design! Meet Michelle Ayon Navajas, the Filipina poet whose raw, soul-stirring verses have turned heartbreak and healing into global anthems, with six Amazon #1 bestsellers lighting up the literary world. Then there's Shubhan Balvally, India's genre-defying novelist, leaping from sci-fi epics like Arihant to sleepwalking murder mysteries in Noctambulism , snagging international awards and festival nods with every page. Lauren Beukes, South Africa's speculative fiction queen, keeps us hooked with chilling, genre-blending tales like The Shining Girls and Zoo City , weaving social truths into fantastical worlds that leave readers breathless. And don't miss Stephanie Ayson, the Manila-based jewelry maverick behind Pranca, whose bold, imperfectly perfect designs are redefining Filipino craftsmanship and earning her accolades at just 29. These four dynamic faces of 2025 aren't just making waves—they're reshaping culture, sparking inspiration, and demanding your attention. Michelle Ayon Navajas Shubhan Balvally Lauren Beukes Stephanie Ayson Get ready to dive into their stories and discover why they are the dynamic faces of 2025 you need to know! MICHELLE AYON NAVAJAS Michelle Ayon Navajas, a proud Filipina and former educator, has become a celebrated voice in modern poetry, touching hearts across the globe. With ten published books – six of them #1 Amazon bestsellers – Michelle's rise from the classroom to the literary spotlight is nothing short of inspiring. She holds a Master's in English Language and Literature and began publishing at 41, proving it's never too late to chase a dream. Her poetry is raw, honest, and emotionally charged dives into love, heartbreak, motherhood, resilience, and healing. Acclaimed pieces like 'Holding Hands' and 'Love Happens' showcase her unique ability to make simple words deeply profound. Titles like Locker and I Will Love You Forever, Too have earned her international recognition, awards, and a devoted readership. Beyond writing, Michelle champions emerging poets as Editor for Hotel Masticadores and Masticadores Philippines. Her work often advocates for survivors of abuse and violence, using verse as a tool for healing and awareness. A powerful digital presence through her blog and social platforms has expanded her reach, connecting her with fans worldwide. Michelle Ayon Navajas is a shining example of how poetry can heal, inspire, and break barriers, one verse at a time. SHUBHAN BALVALLY After spending 35 splendid years being associated with Audio & Visual medium, a journey that took Indian Author Shubhan Balvally from Feature Films, Documentaries, Audio Visuals, Television Commercials and Music Videos, he made a successful foray as a Novelist in 2019. His debut science fiction novel titled ARIHANT – REVENGE PAR EXCELLENCE won him the BEST PLOT CREATION Award. After publishing the sequel and threequel of ARIHANT, Shubhan continued to push his limits and explore new horizons, which led him to write his fourth Novel which was a murder mystery. A completely different genre from his earlier three science fiction novels. This particular novel was based on the rare subject of 'SLEEPWALKING MURDERS'. This murder mystery was titled as NOCTAMBULISM – FLOOD OF BLOOD which won him the 'AUTHOR OF THE YEAR' Award from Ukiyoto Publishing, Kolkata. Post that, he published a sequel to this unique murder mystery which was titled FLOOD OF BLOOD 2 – BLOODHOUNDS RISING, which got him rave reviews from the literary world and also the INTERNATIONAL EXCELLENCE Award from Exceller Books, Kolkata. But that did not stop this 'go-getter' novelist! He wrote the fourth part of his ARIHANT Series which was titled ARIHANT REPROGRAMMED – MISSION MARTYRS for which he bagged the INTERNATIONAL EXCELLENCE Award from Exceller Books for the second year in a row and also clinched the 'Best Book in Historical Fiction' Award from THE BOOK CHANNEL – A premium Literature Publication for Authors and Readers. Two of his works, 'Arihant – Revenge par Excellence' and 'Noctambulism – Flood of Blood' were officially selected and recommended at the Diorama International Film Festival and Market held in New Delhi in December 2022. All his novels are available on Notion Press, Amazon and Flipkart. Shubhan Balvally is definitely a crackerjack Author to look out for! LAUREN BEUKES Lauren Beukes, a South African novelist, journalist, and scriptwriter, has carved a distinctive niche in speculative fiction with her genre-blending storytelling. Born in Johannesburg in 1976, Beukes merges sharp social commentary with elements of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Her breakthrough novel, Zoo City (2010), a gritty urban fantasy, won the Arthur C. Clarke Award for its vivid depiction of a magical Johannesburg underworld. The Shining Girls (2013), a time-traveling serial killer thriller, garnered international acclaim, earning the British Fantasy Award and praise from Stephen King for its chilling narrative. Beukes continued her exploration of dark, innovative themes in Broken Monsters (2014), set in Detroit, blending crime and supernatural horror, and Bridge (2023), a multiverse tale of grief and identity. Beyond novels, Beukes' short story collection, Slipping: Stories, Essays, and Other Writing (2016), showcases her versatility, tackling everything from township vigilantes to futuristic dystopias. Her comics work, including Survivors' Club and Fairest: The Hidden Kingdom, extends her imaginative reach. Beukes' ability to weave complex characters and societal critiques into propulsive narratives has solidified her as a leading voice in contemporary fiction, captivating readers worldwide. STEPHANIE AYSON Stephanie Ayson, the visionary behind Pranca Jewelry, is redefining Filipino craftsmanship with her bold, unrefined designs. Raised in Manila within the family-run JMA Jewelry, a 23-year-old fine jewelry business founded by her mother, Ayson's path to jewelry design was unexpected. Initially pursuing a pre-med course, she pivoted to communication arts before diving into the family trade in 2015. Pranca, launched under JMA's umbrella, embodies her ethos of 'frank' elegance—inviting wearers to embrace their authentic selves through demi-fine pieces that blend raw textures with modern flair. Ayson's standout Baroque collection, featuring organic freshwater pearls, celebrates imperfections as unique expressions of identity. Her collaborative approach sets Pranca apart, prioritizing client education over traditional 'alahera' sales tactics, fostering meaningful connections through custom designs. Recognized as MEGA Fashion Awards' Jewelry Designer of the Year in 2021, Ayson uplifts local artisans while making sustainable, accessible jewelry. Her innovative spirit shines in partnerships like The Fore x Pranca, where minimalist gold pieces fuse baroque pearls with sleek silhouettes. At just 29, Ayson's passion and fearless creativity are reshaping the Philippine jewelry scene, crafting a legacy where every piece tells a story. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
