Recognized as a contemporary African novelist of international importance, Goretti Kyomuhendo, a judge for 2013 Commonwealth Book Prize, is the author of The First Daughter, Secrets No More, and Waiting: A Novel of Uganda's Hidden War. But Goretti is as well-known in African literary circles for her mentorship of younger writers, including her service from 1997–2007 as the Programs Coordinator for FEMRITE - Uganda Women Writers Association. Now, as the Director and a founding member of African Writers Trust, Goretti continues to work with new and emerging writers. In this handbook specifically addressed to the needs of and opportunities for African Creative Writers, Goretti not only shares her own experience as to what works, how, and why. But she also answers the questions and issues that the new writers most often ask her about: How can I get published? How do I deal with writer’s block? Sustain my writing? Create credible settings? Use dialogue effectively? And much more. The Essential Handbook for African Creative Writers is recommended for new creative writers, teachers of creative writing, and even established writers desiring a fresh perspective on the fundamentals.