What inspires you to write poetry?

I’m inspired to write by memories, experiences, sense impressions, long city walks, exhibitions and tiny, beautiful things that I come across every day. I also listened to a podcast by the wonderful Nigerian British writer Irenosen Okojie who advised writers to pen a poem a day to hone their writing skills. 

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

Previously, my short stories have been published in literary journals, but being published in Tesserae feels extra special for two reasons. Firstly, I’ve never been brave enough to send out my poetry because I never considered myself a poet. Secondly, my poems will be part of a body of creativity by Zimbabwean women across the globe.

Do you face any challenges as a Zimbabwean woman poet?

There are so many obstacles facing writers of colour who want to be published in the mainstream. Writing from the margins and fringes means that you are fighting a system that places expectations on what you write. There is also the burden of representation so that the characters you write about are conflated to somehow stand for entire communities or nations. I have struggled at times to hold onto my own vision while my work is being edited and scrutinized.

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

My pen has been loaded with words ever since I got my pen licence at Blakiston School in Harare. Creative writing classes at school warmed my soul, and I always recorded life’s moments in my diaries. I also took a short creative writing course with the Open University when I first moved to London. But it was only many years later during the Covid lockdown that I was able to carve out a space for my writing while I was homeschooling my son. I started writing short stories and sending them out to literary journals. I also won a training bursary for the Jericho Writers’ Self-Edit course which allowed me to work on my debut novel in progress within a supportive community of writers. My manuscript was listed in various literary prizes and I signed with a literary agent last year. I am currently still editing my novel which is set in the 1980’s in Zimbabwe and is centered around the story of two sisters.

 How do you want your work to be remembered?

I feel a huge sense of responsibility in the way that I build the worlds in my stories. I don’t ever want to perpetuate stereotypes. I’d like to challenge the deeply embedded assumptions we all have about the human experience; I want my writing to examine and confront my own hidden biases and the position of privilege I speak from. It’s also important for me to show the exquisite and extraordinary nature of the ordinary.

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

Writing is a balm for my soul and it’s an incredible privilege to share my words and be a part of this beautiful anthology.

Who is your favourite poet and why?

I enjoy a diverse range of poetry including the work of Sufi poets such as Hafiz and Rumi, Maya Angelou, the nature poetry of Mary Oliver, the work of Louise Gluck. Also, the poems of Ijoema Umebinyou deeply resonate with me.

What are your future writing aspirations?

All my fingers and toes are crossed that I will be able to get a publishing deal for the novel I am working on now.

What is your biggest dream?

To work as a full- time writer and lecturer in creative writing. To be an advocate for other marginalised writers.