Edith...
Edith...
What inspires you to write?
I am inspired by everyday life, what we go through as a people, the interesting diversity in people’s characters and societal issues.
Do you think there is a difference between
a writer and an author?
I think writers are born writers. When you find interest in expressing your feelings, beliefs and thoughts with your pen, you are most probably a writer. However, an author is a writer with a published book or work that has been formally acknowledged.
How does it make you feel to be part of a published anthology?
It makes me extremely excited to be able to share my passion with the world and to know that one day, even my great grandchildren will experience my story writing even when I am gone.
Do you face any challenges as a female Zimbabwean writer?
The biggest challenge is getting your work published, because it is costly. There is also the issue of writers not experiencing much recognition locally.
Briefly describe your writing journey, from how you started to where you are today.
I started writing when I was in Primary School. I would mostly get recognition for my essays. Throughout High School, I entered Allied Arts English Prose Competitions where I received awards. Since then, I have been writing mostly for fun and blogging for our company.
How do you want your work to be remembered?
I want my work to be remembered as captivating and stimulating enough to spark interesting conversations around societal issues.
Would you like to share anything about yourself to help your readers connect with you?
I am a mother of three, married. I enjoy reading, watching drama and soaps on TV. I also love gardening, keeping fit and healthy (hoping to one day write a book about my personal experiences in the area of health and exercise). My faith and belief in God keeps me grounded and positive, always.
Who is your favourite writer and why?
Growing up, my favourite writers were Enid Blyton and Nancy Drew.
I am inspired by Most African writers including, Aaron Chiundura Moyo, Tsitsi Dangarembga and Chinua Achebe.
What are your future writing aspirations?
I would very much want to continue writing, creating dialogue and conversations around situations and challenges affecting our society. Perhaps one day I will write a book that will be recognised for use in English Literature in Schools.
What is your biggest dream?
My biggest dream is to write drama for film and TV production
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TURQUOISE DREEAMS Editor's note...
The marriage
is a scandalous story set at a roora (bride-price ceremony) scene. The story exceptionally highlights the toxicity of family enmeshment, an aspect of life that African society refuses to grasp, because it is not aligned with its culture. Unfortunately, two women are the victims of betrayal and deceit.
The promotion
is a story that expertly presents power struggle and gender inequality in the workplace. It is clear from this story that even when women make the effort to attain qualifications and climb the career ladder, they are highly likely to be sidelined for progression opportunities. Other themes, such as mental health, child loss, deception and infidelity are also weaved in this story which ends on a classic cliffhanger.
The secret
is a well presented fast-paced short story which reveals an unusual mess at the end. Themes such as the decline of the economy, causing the characters to cross the borders of Zimbabwe into Botswana for basic commodities are subtly explored.
