What inspires you to write poetry?

Life in general, the little and the big things in life. The moments of personal victories and those of utter defeat.

How does it make you feel to be part of a published anthology?

I am grateful and humbled to be a part of this anthology especially because Samantha is one of the Zimbabwean female poets I admire.

Do you face any challenges as a Zimbabwean woman poet?

I do not know if it’s because I am a woman or because I am not a poet from Harare, but I find it difficult to get into spaces where I can be recognised. I published a book in 2023 and I struggled to get a newspaper to write an article or review the book. This to me has been the greatest challenge.

Briefly describe your writing journey, from how you started to where you are today

I started taking writing seriously in 2015 in Gweru. We used to have a meet up which we named POT (Poetry On Thursday), an initiative of ‘Word is bond’, but I have been writing for as long as I can remember. After POT I continued writing until I published my collection of poems titled, And To Patricia I Had To Man Up. This collection is a letter of sorts to my daughter, to one day help her understand certain struggles that I have met in being with her father leading up to our breakup and post that. The poems are arranged in a manner that I believe tells the story. I have been a part of various anthologies including, Loud Thoughts, The Zambian, The Rock Project, Tsongo Mukololo’s One Poem Project, just to name a few, and this year I published my first novel that I am also proud of.

How do you want your work to be remembered?

As having touched hearts and helped to peel the shells off some people’s hearts. Also as being a reflection of my thoughts and observations. As having been my voice. 

Would you like to share anything about yourself to help your readers connect with you?

I am a hopeless romantic who still believes in love that is selfless despite being born in this generation. I am passionate about everything I do. 

Who is your favourite poet and why?

Christina Dominique, man, the way she delivers!! She is the poet that I feel the most connected to and whenever I hit a writer’s block, her performances rejuvenate me. 

What are your future writing aspirations?

I want to write a novel based on a Zimbabwean folktale (I’ve actually started). I believe that our stories are not told enough, especially if I compare us to Hollywood where there are various versions of fairytales like The Little Mermaid. I am definitely going to publish more books.

What is your biggest dream?

For one of my books to be turned into a movie and win an Oscar. The goal is to win an Oscar Award.