Behind every success are 100 embarrassing failures. Nick Mulgrew plumbs the depths of great writers’ bad first attempts with Mohale Mashigo, Wamuwi Mbao, Mbongeni Nomkonwana, Adam Smyer and Zukiswa Wanner

Thanks to Kaweco for their sponsorship of an awesome pen as the prize for the winner! Thanks also to Kaweco stockists, Deckle Edge.