Nadia...


What inspires you to write?

Growing up in a family of writers, I have always taken writing to be something one simply does. I write because my family has taught it to me as a way of release and documenting memories, ideas, thoughts. 


Do you think there is a difference between 
a writer and an author?

Uncle Google says there is a difference. An author originates the plot or idea and a writer simply writes or pens the piece that is authored. I must say, that is not the definition I had in my mind. 


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

It is a dream come true, it feels unbelievable and exciting. I always knew at some point I would be published but I hardly thought it would be this soon. 


Do you face any challenges as a female Zimbabwean writer?

I have only just launched into the space and have not had much experience within the field. I have not faced any challenges thanks to Samantha Vazhure and Carnelian Heart Publishing. However, from watching my mother’s journey I must say that being published as a writer in general in Zimbabwe is a cumbersome process and deters a lot of good writers from being published. 


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

I started writing in primary school. I used to take pride in the creative writing we did during some of the English lessons and would achieve great scores in my compositions. I entered writing competitions but unfortunately never won. It was not until high school that I became an avid reader, expanded my vocabulary and started writing even more. I began receiving acknowledgment for my writing in class and in small competitions. I did not think I would wind up writing short stories, but I would pen a few. Writing something that would be published was a dream that I had put off to sometime in the future if I became famous. However, I am glad the dream found me now rather than later. 


How do you want your work to be remembered?

My favourite author is Maya Angelou, her writing contains so much truth, wisdom and in a sense offers healing to the reader. I would like to be remembered for much of the same things; I would like to speak the truth, initiate change and instil wisdom. 


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

I am a twenty-year-old Zimbabwean girl and I love to draw from my own experiences as well as those of the people I love. Every character in each of my stories is tied to an experience that is very tangible to me. I enjoy exploring the Zimbabwean experience, particularly that of dysfunctional family situations. 


Who is your favourite writer and why?

I have two favourite writers; the first is my mom because she is my mom. My second favourite writer is also Maya Angelou, her deep wisdom makes me wish she had been an aunt of mine during her lifetime.


What are your future writing aspirations?

I definitely would like to write more short stories and plays. I hope the next time I get published it’ll be my own book. 


What is your biggest dream?

I am only twenty, I haven’t really thought about my greatest dream but receiving a Grammy or a Nobel Literature Prize would be great. 


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TURQUOISE DREAMS Editor's note... 

Of Sunsets and New Dawn is a beautifully written story highlighting relatable issues, such as migration and separation of families driven by the unstable economic and political climate in Zimbabwe. The story also explores a transitional period of a young lady who is becoming an adult, in the absence of her mother. 

Sinking Roots is an enthralling and nostalgic story highlighting a privileged girl who is disconnected from her culture due to her circumstances growing up. By attending her first funeral, Rutendo feels uncomfortable being around her family because she cannot perform all the customs that are required. The detailed description of a typical Zimbabwean funeral is very well done.

The Storyteller is a charmingly unique piece in this collection. Narrated by a woman, the focus of the story is an older man and his life experiences involving women. We get to see the burdens he has to deal with now, based on the decisions he made as a younger man.
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