While writers around the world marked International Writer’s Day on March 3rd, the same may not be said for PNG but with individuals such as young playwright and theatre artist, Andrew Kuliniasi, the art of writing is worth celebrating. Kuliniasi who has written approximately four plays and one published play, has made quite a name for himself in the creative sector. Recounting his journey as a writer, Kuliniasi stated that he became one, specifically a playwright, out of necessity. “I became a ‘playwright’ because I felt like I didn’t have a voice; I became a ‘writer’ to amplify other's voices.” “Especially in a country like Papua New Guinea, we have to be able to tell and preserve our own stories.” “Being a writer to me, is being able to preserve stories – not just traditional stories passed down from my grandparents to me, but also stories of how we remember people.” He explained that despite his stories being fictional, most stories are written out of the necessity to preserve attitudes, beliefs and memories. “It’s to capture the essence of humanity.” Kuliniasi who is also an avid performer in plays, added that as a theatre artist, being a writer is almost compulsory. When asked about his favorite writer/author/playwright, Kuliniasi is a fan of American Playwright, August Wilson’s work, particularly his play, ‘Fences’. He noted similarities between Wilson’s works and PNG writers such as the Late John Kasaipwalova and the Late Norah Vagi Brash. “Wilson writes in the character’s voice, which includes purposeful mistakes in speech and writing, in the same way John Kasaipwalova and Norah Vagi Brash demonstrates in their works, these purposeful errors were done knowing that only Papua New Guineans will understand what they are trying to communicate.” Furthermore, the youngster strongly recommends the use of culturally influenced writing in order to communicate effectively with a local audience. “As a writer, it's difficult to navigate with a population that’s illiterate, people might not understand your writing.” “Hence, it is crucial to write in a way that is understandable to everyone, for instance, being able to use Tok Pisin that leaves an impression on a person’s mind.” He also advises aspiring writers to know the end of their story before they start writing. “If you don’t know how your story ends, you don’t know how to begin.” “Writing is procedural, and you need to know how it ends to get to the end.” Kuliniasi admits that being a writer in PNG is indeed difficult but encourages aspiring writers to not give up. “It’s not popular – but just because it’s not popular doesn’t mean it’s not good.” “Your work deserves to be recognized and read.” “Your belief and perseverance are what keeps this industry going.”