About The Author
My story ...
Owomugiisha Casper Grace was born at Gulu Hospital to the late Mr. Kwesiga Benerd and Orikiriza Edith. Raised by Mrs. Asiimwe Resty (maternal aunt) and Mr. Kabigabwa Anthony (maternal grandfather), Casper’s early life was shaped by a unique blend of familial support and cultural exposure.
Casper’s childhood was marked by frequent relocations across Uganda due to their late father’s service as a UPDF soldier and their mother’s career as a police officer. This itinerant upbringing fostered a deep appreciation for the diverse traditions within Uganda and beyond.
A passionate reader from a young age, Casper’s educational journey began at Aunt Norah Nursery and Primary School, continued at Jack and Jill Primary School, and culminated in upper primary at St. Kizito Primary School, Bugolobi. Notable among their early educational experiences was Sister Ruth at St. Kizito, who encouraged their love for reading by providing access to numerous books. By the completion of primary school, Casper had devoured over 50 books, including abridged classics like Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist,” William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” George Orwell’s “Animal Farm,” and Peter Abrahams’ “Mine Boy.”
Their secondary education at St. Paul’s Secondary School, Bukinda, paved the way for higher learning at Kyambogo University, where they earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts with Education, specializing in English Language and Literature in English.
Casper’s literary influences are diverse, drawing inspiration from Ngugi wa Thiong’o, William Shakespeare, and Oprah Winfrey’s dedication to reading.
The catalyst for Casper’s writing career was their late mother’s handwritten life journey and the shared experience of reading aloud together. This instilled a profound love for literature and a desire to share personal experiences through writing. Casper’s published work, “Shreds of Hope,” is a testament to this motivation.
Casper’s writing process is spontaneous, capturing ideas as they arise in notebooks or digital notes. Their work primarily focuses on contemporary society, often exploring the impact of social media and drawing from real-life experiences in non-fiction narratives.
Currently, Casper is working on a novel titled “Babes in the Wood.” This narrative follows Rose, a woman who navigates loss, unexpected pregnancy, and the challenges of modern life, including social media pressures and illusions. Rose’s journey towards finding love and healing from past traumas is central to the novel.
Casper is a member of the offline Club, Dubai Branch, a community dedicated to fostering genuine connections in a digital age.
Casper’s purpose in writing is to share personal experiences and imaginative stories with the world, providing insights into diverse cultures, themes, and ideas for current and future generations. The primary challenge Casper faces is balancing a demanding work schedule with their writing aspirations.
Casper’s advice to aspiring writers is simple: “The time is now, pen down those thoughts and share them to the world.”
Debut Author Milestone – 2024
“Shreds of Hope” launched to wide acclaim, marking Owomugiisha Casper Grace’s impactful entrance into Uganda’s literary scene.
Inspiring Voice in Ugandan Literature
Celebrated for promoting reflective writing and optimism, her journal has been recognized by educators and readers as a valuable tool for personal growth.
Literary Contribution to Social Empowerment
Through "Shreds of Hope," Grace has championed self-reflection as a pathway to transformation, earning her recognition among emerging African writers advocating change through storytelling.
Women in Writing Spotlight – 2024
Acknowledged as a rising female author whose journey encourages young Ugandan women to pursue their literary dreams with courage and conviction.
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
What inspired you to become a writer, and what motivates you to continue writing?
My late mother inspired me to write. She always praised me as a great reader and after her death, her handwritten journal, drove me to write SHREDS OF HOPE. All these coupled up with my love for libraries, inspired me to become a writer.
My belief that a writer lives for eternity inspires me to continue writing. For instance, Charles Dickens and William Shakespeare’s work of Literature is proof that a writer lives even after their death.
My love for sharing knowledge, skills and experiences also keeps me on my feet as a writer.
THE JOURNAL COLLECTION
What is the central theme or message that you aim to convey through your journal collection, "Shreds of Hope!"?
Optimism is the central theme in SHREDS OF HOPE.
The journal is intended to provide hope and confidence to all readers as they walk their journey on planet earth each day that passes by.
Can you walk us through your creative process when writing this collection? How did you select the quotes that made it into the final publication?
Like most things, there is a process to writing. Over the years, I kept a diary where I would randomly write short quotations that I gathered from the internet, Bible and different workshops right from high school to 2023. When I decided to embark on my writing career and take it seriously, it was very easy for me to write my journal.
I started by typing them in my PC and then divided these quotations into different themes. I then chose to use the months of the year as Chapters to this journal since it was meant for daily use and each day would have a different quotation. Lastly, I made proper research on what each month meant to different people. For example, In December, everyone is excited that the year is coming to an end and looking forwarding a new year hence the theme: Gratitude and Thanksgiving.
How do you think your journal collection reflects the experiences and perspectives of Ugandan women, and what do you hope readers take away from it?
Through the structure of the journal as it is written in a reflective format. However, it is important to note that this journal is not specifically for women but both genders.
The journal has short inspiring quotations about different topics which helps the reader to get something to reflect on, capture insights and actions during and after a learning experience or long day. This helps them to plan for they next step or goal. SHREDS OF HOPE is a key vehicle for strengthening their learning power and enjoying each day that passes by.
I hope readers find a deep meaning in each quotation, reflect on it. This will enable them to choose Hope and Joy every day.
Feminism and Social Commentary
Your journal touches on themes of love, identity, and social justice. Can you discuss how feminism influences your writing and how you aim to use your journal as a form of social commentary?
SHREDS OF HOPE is not centred on a specific gender. Therefore, feminism plays a very small role in the journal.
However, written by a female, it is important for young girls who also have the passion and desire for writing to make their dream come true.
The journal can be used as a form of social commentary through, reflecting on current events, exploring personal experiences, brainstorming solutions and engaging in self-reflection.
How do you think journaling can be used as a tool for social change, particularly in the Ugandan context?
Through self-reflection. This is a great tool for understanding yourself as an independent individual which is good for social change. I believe change starts with an individual. For instance the theme of Freedom and Identity makes one aware of who they are hence embracing their flaws in a positive way. This creates room for change. So, journaling is very vital for effective social change not only in Uganda but in the entire world.
Ugandan Literature and Culture
What do you think is the current state of Ugandan literature, and how do you see your work contributing to the country's literary landscape?
Ugandan Literature is really so amazing and different writers are doing an amazing thing to promote it to the world. It is deeply rooted in oral literature for example stories and proverbs among many others. It still holds the major role of literature which is to inform, educate and entertain.
Journaling will introduce something new in the country’s literary landscape which is; actively having the reader involved in the piece of writing. Being a reflective journal with space where readers have the liberty to note down their goals and thoughts.
How do you draw inspiration from Ugandan culture and traditions in your writing?
The Ugandan culture is very rich and has a remarkable ethnic diversity. My appreciation of all these different cultures, plays an important role in my writings.
All in all these different cultures share one common thing which is oral literature and I embrace it in my reflective journal without clearing pointing to a specific society.
Personal and Professional Growth
What advice would you give to aspiring writers, particularly young women in Uganda who may be looking to start their writing journeys?
To the young women and all aspiring Ugandan writers, the time is now. Pen down those thoughts and share them to the world so as to create a substantial change through entertainment.
What are your plans for future writing projects, and how do you see your writing evolving in the coming years?
I have very many plans for my future writing projects. But most importantly, my journey to writing has just started with the birth of SHREDS OF HOPE. I am looking forward to more writing and interacting with other writers from different parts of the world.
My writing is surely evolving through the different styles of writing. I am now working on my novel BABES IN THE WOOD which will totally be different from SHREDS OF HOPE. I am still venturing into other different genres I’d Literature as I intend to release more and more pieces.
Conclusion
Finally, what do you hope readers of "Shreds of Hope” take away from your journal collection, and how do you hope it will resonate with them?
In a nutshell, I strongly believe that readers of SHREDS OF HOPE will be able to have a leap of self-confidence, Identity who they are and have hope to face each day with the confidence that things will get better.