What inspires you to write poetry?

My writing has always been an expression of myself, the world around me and how I experience it. It’s the telling of these events that translates to poetry as I have found this to be the medium that I can express myself best in.

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

The experience of being part of Tesserae has been great for me. This is not the first anthology I have been a part of, but this stands out by far! Firstly because this is the first all-female publication I have been a part of, but also because of the level of professionalism I have experienced during this journey. From the editing process, keeping deadlines and also seeing me as an author. It has been an honour and I cannot wait to do this again!

Do you face any challenges as a Zimbabwean woman poet?

I think the biggest challenge is having a community of like-minded people that encourage you and keep you motivated. Another challenge would be the availability of genuine opportunities such as the ones provided by Carnelian Heart that promote and help poets grow.

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

I started writing poetry in high school without even understanding what it was I was doing. I later started a poetry blog, virtually worked together with other poets, featured in several anthologies and self-published a chapbook. I think it has been quite a ride and the journey has been a great experience for me.

How do you want your work to be remembered?

If one person can read my work and feel as though the words express things they feel but have no words for, I think I would have done a good job. My wish is for my work to be remembered as work that moved people, put them in touch with their feelings and made them better for it.

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

I love books! If I had more hours in the day, I would probably use them to read!

Who is your favourite poet and why?

Siphokazi Jonas. Siphokazi has managed to make poetry enjoyable to anyone, collaborated with so many organisations and people through her poetry and made a career out of it. A place I would like to be one day. 

What are your future writing aspirations?

I think getting more works out through anthologies, more books and collaborations with other artists.

What is your biggest dream?

My ultimate goal is to start an NPO that provides training for writers, hosts book festivals and encourages a reading culture for people of all ages. I feel like the culture of reading and writing is dying and I would love to revive it!