"Authors are like children who are starting to walk, some will stand up, fall down and smile but after some time, they will stand up again.

Whereas others will stand up, fall down and cry but and will not try stand up again." These words were said by Dr Moss Mashamaite a South African author during the third author's forum that took place at Christ the King Cardinal Wamala Hall on November 4. Dr Mashamaite has written books like Demoncracy and 10 stupid things Young People Do and Say.

According to Robert Bake the managing director of the World of Inspiration and also organiser of the author's forum, this event takes place every first Wednesday of the month and so far, they have had three forums.

He says the forum came up as a way of dealing with the challenges faced by authors. "After a long time of reflecting and research on the various challenges being faced by Ugandan authors, we came up with the idea of a programme that would work towards helping authors over come such challenges," explains Blake.

He adds that the forum was created to provide a platform for discussion over the various issues pertaining the literature industry, build a capacity of the authors through inputs form experienced facilitators, inspire upcoming writers to take a step and publish their work.

It also aims at offering a platform for sharing opportunities and useful information for the industry, help writers access contacts for the needed service providers and bridging the gap between writers, editors, publishers, sponsors and booksellers. The focus of the current forum was on the basic business principles that every author needs to know. The guest speaker, Patrick Bitature said for an author to have a successful book, they should write about what they want.

Dr Mashamaite also says that authors should never write what they do not live because in this way they will be writing imaginary stories. He advised that an author must read more than what they write because they are the leaders of their society. "An author is a leader, he must be able to see things before other people see them and this can be achieved by reading more than you write," Dr Mashamaite says.

Mr Fagil Mandy one of the guest speakers told the authors that there is nothing like a bad book as long as it has emotions because a book with no emotions will not create any impact. "Emotion is an important tool for the writer because if you are not moved, you will not move any one." The next forum will be held on December 2 at the same venue with motivational speaker, Ethan Mussolini as chief guest. He will talk about how to improve your writing skills, ethical considerations in writing, the meaning of copyright and tips on how to edit your work.