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WIN NEWSLETTER, VOL 2, ISSUE NO 13

is in the making...

 Introducing 

MABHUKU EDU

(Our Books)

With

Prosper Njeke

‘Mabhuku Edu’ will be a regular feature in the WIN Newsletter. The column has been initiated by young writer Prosper Njeke to promote fellow Zimbabwean young writers through online interviews and book reviews. Njeke hails from Murota Village, Chadereka, Muzarabani in Zimbabwe. He was born on December 15, 1996. He published two books titled Munongonzwa Imi and The Writers Birthday (Bhavhadhe reMunyori) in 2019 with Essential Books Publishing Co.

A NEW VOICE IN ONLINE WRITING

Michelle Nakai Maruta aka Michie Nakie

Below is an interview Prosper Njeke (ProNjeke) had with a new enthusiastic writer Michelle Nakai Maruta, also known as Michie Nakie, who has been specializing in online writing. How good it is that young writers engage in writing issues. In this interview Michie Nakie shares her experience, achievements and challenges she encounters in her type of writing.  Born on July 8, 1997, Michie Nakie has been featured in Kwayedza and on ZBC Radio Zimbabwe.

ProNjeke:                When did you start writing? And why did you choose online writing rather than publishing your work in print with some publishing houses?

Michie Nakie:         I started writing in 2016 by that time I wished to have my books published. I approached one traditional publisher with my manuscript written in Shona language. The publisher told me they were not publishing Shona novels, but only new curriculum text books. Then I shifted to online writing where there is no discrimination of scripts, and I’m making money out of it!

 ProNjeke:                  Why didn’t you choose small publishers to publish your work?

Michie Nakie:         Small publishers are good but working with them is costly in the sense that you’ll hire your own editors, proofreaders, illustrators, graphic designers as well as printers and by that time I was experiencing financial constraints.

ProNjeke:                   How many online books have you written so far and how much do you charge per manuscript?

Michie Nakie:          I have written ten books which are in two categories; (i) free books, and (ii) books on sale. Free books are Sad Love Story, Nherera, Tested Love, Tichaona and The Grifters. While list of books on sale is as follows: Moyo Muti, Ndichazovei? Munyaradzi Wangu, Life Changes and Unbreakable love. Each book is worth US$1  or EcoCash transfer which is equivalent to the current rate.

ProNjeke:                You mentioned that you’re making money out of writing, what do you actually have to show for it?

Michie Nakie:         When things were normal before Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown I could get about RTGS$200 per week. I bought a brand new cellphone and a laptop that I’m using for my writing. I also bought myself some clothes and other basic commodities at home.

ProNjeke:                    Wonderful! So what are some of your aims in life?

Michie Nakie:          I am aiming to assist the disadvantaged who are living in rural areas, with the little I have.

ProNjeke:                     Tell us the challenges you are facing as a writer.

Michie Nakie:         Piracy is the main challenge. Those who buy my books could easily share with their friends and relatives for free before I reach my target.

ProNjeke:                   Do you have time to read online books from fellow online writers? If so, please tell us, do you buy them or you just get them free from social media?

MichieNakai:             Yes, I read books from fellow online writers, like Polite Dongorere aka Polytrue and Sharleen Masukutu aka Shaar Moyo. I get their books from different Whatsapp groups and sometimes the authors themselves send direct to my inbox.

ProNjeke:                Tell us any three young writers as wells as three elderly writers that you admire and the books which they wrote.

Michie Nakie:         I like your book (Munongonzwa Imi), Polite Dongorere (Unforgivable) and SharleenMasukutu (Tamar). As for elderly writers, I like Aaron Chiundura Moyo (Kereke Inofa),  J. Kawara (Sajeni Chimedza) and Bissett C. Chitsike (Minista Munhuwo).

ProNjeke:                    May you name some young writers that you are working with?

Michie Nakie:         I’m working with Zimbabwean writers who are based in South Africa, Patie Kasaka and Oxey Chinez. In Zimbabwe I’m working with Polytrue, Shaar Moyo, Rujeko and Boris.

ProNjeke:                Lastly, where can we get your books?

Michie Nakie:         Catch me on my Facebook page, Bookble Michie Nakie Stories.

There is more for you in the forthcoming newsletter. Stay with us!