What inspires you to write?

I write on the things that inspire me in my faith journey and how that plays out in family life, self-development, and entrepreneur life. 

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

I’ve never thought about that, but I think a writer is someone who focuses on brief and complete short works, and an author develops a framework of ideas and makes sense of them altogether. 

What is it about the diaspora experience that made you want to contribute to this anthology?

I think the diaspora community is very large, I’m sure we are in the millions, and yet we often feel isolated and alone in our experiences. This work validates our common experience and hopefully helps start important discussions on navigating this new norm for the better.   

How do you think your works in this anthology contribute to the history and future of the Zimbabwean dispersion? 

I hope my work adds to the conversation positively and shares hope, acceptance, and encouragement to thrive in our new homes. 

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

I started out blogging about faith, I would write for my own blog and other people’s blogs. I did that for a few years and enjoyed it, I still do. Then I wrote three short books which combined faith topics with entrepreneurship.

How do you want your work to be remembered?

I hope my work is remembered as bringing authenticity to our collective experiences. 

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

I’m of Christian faith. I also consider myself a feminist, and I’m a wife and mom. I’m passionate about entrepreneurship and business. Writing is the activity that brings me the greatest peace. 

Who is your favourite writer and why?

My favourite writer is Maya Angelou. The first time I came across her books and poems I was a 1^st year in College. I saw myself in a way that I had never before in her writing. I don’t know if I was not familiar with black female writers or the books I had grown up reading at that point were all written by people who didn’t look like me. But I fell in love with her writing.

What are your future writing aspirations?

I hope to write a series of books that are a reflection of my journey through life. That’s what I hope to gift my children and readers who connect with my work. 

What is your biggest dream?

Impact. I don’t know the shape it will come in but I hope to have a positive impact in my communities. 

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BRILLIANCE OF HOPE

Editors’ note on Priscilla's 3 stories:

What Do They See? is an excellent narrative about an immigrant coming to terms with and owning their piece of society. Thestory highlights how blacks typically blend into the background to avoid causing discomfort to others. The anecdote examines how black people often get seen for being black before being seen for who they are. This social reconnoitre explores the leitmotifs of representation and empowerment to occupy spaces without shying away. The intersectionality of being a black, African, Christian, feminist, mother is beautifully underlined in this piece. 

There’s Nothing for You Here is a heart-wrenching account depicting the loneliness and identity crisis often experienced by many immigrants living alone. Being homesick, but never being able to go back because there is nothing to go back to. Being misunderstood and feeling out of place in a foreign land. The story offers an insight into trials that come with displacement, such as untimely deportation of loved ones and the complexity of cross-border family relationships. Allusion and beautiful imagery run throughout the narrative, which ends on a hopeful note. 

We Were All Broken aptly explores the inevitable break-up of families due to dispersion. The story is told through the perspectives of a father, mother and daughter in very touching internal monologues, highlighting what the family has lost through miscommunication. A declining economy back home and toxic masculinity within a patriarchal society all contribute to the tension which eventually results in the demise of a family unit.