Talking to Rutendo Shadaya: the teen author

+ (pic: Rutendo Shadaya with her two books at South Waikato Library, New Zealand)

Today I interview an amazing author, Rutendo Shadaya. Born in 2008, Rutendo is a teen New Zealand/Zimbabwean author. Her writing journey began at the incredible age of nine! At that very tender age, she decided to write a book as a birthday present for her best friend, Sophie Thompson. "My writing journey started because I needed a birthday present for my friend, and I thought, 'She likes reading, I am going to write her a book," Rutendo says.

This is how Rutendo came to write Rachel and the Enchanted Forest, which was published in October 2020 when she was 12, effectively making her a child-writer.

This moving novel is about Rachel, Darling and May who find a magical forest called The Enchanted Forest. Rachel discovers that her grandma knows about the forest and that she was one of the founders of the Enchanted Forest. Rachel, May and Darling meet various elves in the forest. One of the elves gave Rachel the necklace that belonged to her grandma. However, another elf was not happy to see Rachel with the necklace. The elf planned to steal the necklace during the hoverboard race. This book explains how the elves helped Rachel get the necklace back.

Rutendo’s second book, which appeared a couple of years later, in July 2022, is called Rachel and The Chevene Pirates. In this longer novel, Rachel and the enchanted Gang go on a mission to recover stolen jewels. On the mission, they face the dangerous Chevene pirates.

+Rutendo Shadaya's two books are available through Amazon.

Rutendo Shadaya says that she enjoys watching and playing tennis, netball, and soccer. In her free time, Rutendo reads books, listens to music and hangs out with friends.

 

Rutendo Shadaya’s parents migrated from Zimbabwe.

 

THE INTERVIEW:

Memory Chirere: You say that what inspired your first book, when you were 9, was the need to find a present for your friend, Sophie Thompson. Who is Sophie Thompson and where is she right now?

 

Rutendo Shadaya: Sophie Thompson is my best friend. We have been good friends for over 10 years. We live in the same town in New Zealand. Sophie has been the one friend, whom I can rely on during difficult times of my life.

 

Memory Chirere:  You were only 9 when you wrote your first book…

 

Rutendo Shadaya: I am considerate when buying birthday presents for close friends. When it came to Sophie’s birthday, I knew she and her friends had this book club. It was a club where they would share stories that they had written over the past week. Sophie was also a massive bookworm at the time, and I thought; “Why not surprise Sophie with a book written by me”. I didn’t like writing at the time because it was one of my weaker subjects. But that didn’t stop me, and it pushed me further to complete it.

 

Memory Chirere: What are the challenges and joys of writing a book when you are nine?

 

Rutendo Shadaya: I didn’t struggle. I didn’t fight much with the writing process, as my brain kept on flowing… with ideas of inspiration. My creativity and determination kept me going with writing. It is a hobby. I spend time writing whenever I am free. One thing, which was a bit difficult, was probably coming up with made-up names of the characters because when readers see them they have to stick in their heads, not something forgettable.

 

Memory Chirere: Why are you keen on tales of adventure?

 

Rutendo Shadaya: I like to write something that I could also love to read. Adventure and fantasy books are my favourite type of books to read. I love the thrill and roller-coaster of such stories.

 

Memory Chirere: What specific titles were you reading at the time and how are they related to your first book?

 

Rutendo Shadaya: Back then, I was reading books like The Land of Stories, David Walliams and Thea Stilon books. These books explore the genres of fantasy and adventure, and I adapt the genres into my book.

Memory Chirere: You have had your childhood in New Zealand. Can you describe your childhood in greater detail?

 

Rutendo Shadaya: My childhood has been great, but I have struggled a bit when it comes to making friends. There weren’t many Africans where I lived, or attended school, so the small community were like the only community representing us Africans in the town, my family lived. There was obviously racism expressed towards me, and my brother which sucks and is something terrible to encounter for anyone. Apart from that, New Zealand offers many opportunities which I am grateful for. Living in a country so advanced for its size is such a privilege. The people here can see the potential in you and help you reach your goals. These people and friends have helped me achieve many milestones at this young age.

 

Memory Chirere: Have you ever had the opportunity to listen to our own African/Shona folk tales or read them?

 

Rutendo Shadaya: No, not really. I haven’t had the opportunity to read Shona folk tales but I would love to do some time.

 

Memory Chirere: I know that you often visit Zimbabwe with your parents. Can you comment particularly about your experience of life, people and places in Zimbabwe, if put against your experiences in New Zealand.

 

Rutendo Shadaya: Last December (2023), my family and I visited Zimbabwe. It was the first time in 10 years since me and my brother last visited. The cost of travelling is quite expensive, especially during December. I didn’t struggle much with cultural norms because my family often meets up with fellow Zimbabwe families or communities here in New Zealand. Communicating, was a little bit difficult when visiting Kumusha, as my Shona isn’t the best. When it comes to Shona, I can speak basic conversations and greetings at best, but I can understand mostly everything. Apart from economic differences, I don’t think Zimbabwe and New Zealand are much different. The people in both New Zealand and Zimbabwe are generally family oriented. Seeing Victoria Falls, Chinhoyi Caves and Kumusha’s scenery were my highlights of the beauty of Zimbabwe.

 

Memory Chirere: Your first book, Rachel and the Enchanted Forest, is about elves. An elf is a spirit of any kind, creature, usually in tiny human form. The notable characteristics of elves were mischief and volatility. They were believed at various times and in various regions to cause diseases in humans and cattle. Any special reason why you often write about elves?

 

Rutendo Shadaya: The idea, of elves, came during a TV show I was watching while writing the first book. I wanted the people that Rachel met, to be magical creatures. When thinking of creatures, elves were the first thing I thought of. My understanding and thoughts about elves were more of the fantasy magical concept and not much of the historical concept.

 

Memory Chirere: How close is this book to what you wanted say?

 

Rutendo Shadaya: This book, was pretty close to what I had in the first draft. The plot and premise remained the same. There has obviously, been a lot of trimming and editing done to make sure it is perfect and readable. The parts, I enjoyed and found easier to write were action chapters because I have visualized and imagined characters in the moment. The ending was also simple to write as when starting to write up the book, I’ve always had an idea of an ending. The challenging parts were writing the beginning like Chapter 1 because that’s the section where you need to hook readers in, especially new readers.

 

Memory Chirere: You work with the character Rachel in the two books. How close is Rachel to Rutendo Shadaya, the writer herself?

 

Rutendo Shadaya: Rachel and I have similar characteristics but I would say we are quite different. For example, I have only ridden a horse twice in my life, and for Rachel, that’s her passion. Rachel is more ambitious and into nature than me. Some things are similar like we are both the eldest child in the family and are keen to try something new. Overall, I would say, Rachel has some aspects of my personality but is quite different to me.

 

 

Memory Chirere: This is a self-published book. How are you doing for the sales and marketing?

 

Rutendo Shadaya: Sales and Marketing has always been a struggle with my journey of self-publishing. I believe that I have done an excellent job, with marketing and sales as self-publishing is tough because most authors don’t make a profit. Marketing is all to do with putting yourself out there and I have excelled in that area. Sales is a tricky area as a lot of research needs to be done to ensure sales. With the help of some courses and advice, I have adapted those skills in my day-to-day life. But, since I have now entered my senior years of high school in New Zealand, it has been extremely difficult to strike a balance. To address this challenge, I am trying to branch my writing out onto different platforms to help grow my audience. Hopefully, I will have a routine or schedule to balance school.

 

Memory Chirere: In the second novel, which is about Rachel and the Pirates, one finds girls being trained by grandmothers on the art of magic. May you say more about your excitement with magic and adventure?

 

Rutendo Shadaya: Like I stated earlier, I was a bookworm and loved reading fantasy books. Magic is a common thing featured in fantasy books, and I always wished I had some magical powers. Imagine, if you could fly? That would be instantly another way of transport. The thoughts of magical powers have always fascinated my mind.

 

Memory Chirere: You often write about the forest. What does the forest stand for in your mind?

 

Rutendo Shadaya: New Zealand, has a lot of forests and bushes all over the country. Living in a country full of forestry may have sparked an idea of the setting being in a forest. A forest stands for a place full of trees, bushes, flowers and all types of animals and it’s a beauty once you explore the forest. Those are my thoughts and personal definition of the forest.

 

Memory Chirere: You write about girls and grandmothers confronting the forests and pirates. What is your view of women in a world that is becoming more and more dangerous?

 

Rutendo Shadaya: I believe that women are such strong beings and are capable of doing many things. I know in some areas of the world, that traditional gender roles are still dominant but I feel like those areas need to give young girls a chance because they are very capable of achieving the same things as boys. Girls deserve an education too and, sadly the poor circumstances are limiting them. I hope I could somewhat inspire girls who are living tough conditions, with my story and books.

 

Memory Chirere: How do you budget your time between your schoolwork and writing?

 

Rutendo Shadaya: I write usually on the weekends or the holidays because that’s when I have spare time. If my schoolwork isn’t packed, I tend to write some stories or poems over the school week. Currently, I am trying out new routines to strike the perfect balance.

 

Memory Chirere: How do your parents and sibling relate with you and your work?

 

Rutendo Shadaya: My parents and brother are not much of readers nor writers, however they support my work and love to see my writing progress.

 

Memory Chirere: Any words of advice to young writers like you?

 

Rutendo Shadaya: “Never let age or your background define you”. Take my quote to heart, when I say this because no matter where you come from anything is possible if you put your mind to it. I live in a small town, and people viewed my goal as impossible but I proved them wrong because I didn’t like my age or background to define me. When you ever thinking about giving up on a piece of writing just remember and imagine yourself with the end product. Like, imagine seeing your piece in a magazine or your own book.  

 

Memory Chirere: What are your future plans in writing?

 

Rutendo Shadaya: Firstly, I want to complete this series of Rachel. I am currently in the works on the third book and it will be released in November. I hope to complete the series before I turn 21. After the series, I would take a bit of a hiatus because I will be at university. At some point I hope, to have the opportunity to try out traditional publishing.

Memory Chirere: Thank you, Rutendo. Wishing you all the best with your writing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ericah Gwetai returns with intriguing stories about love and war

 

Title: is this Love?

Author: Ericah Gwetai

Published: 2022, (revised edition; 2023) in Mutare, Zimbabwe

Isbn: 978-1-77932-275-4

Ean: 9781779312754

103 pages

 

(Book review by Memory Chirere)

It is very easy to become absorbed in Ericah Gwetai’s collection of eleven short-short stories called is this Love? Gwetai creates effortless and memorable ‘situations’ for her new stories.

She uses a very simple language. As you read, you may forget that you are dealing with a book. It is as if you are listening to stories being told gradually by the fireside by a cunning old woman. The author becomes a familiar storyteller from next door. For me, Gwetai’s style comes very close to Barbra Kimenye’s, especially the stories in Kalasanda and Kalasanda Revisited.

Just picture this situation: A man is dancing gracefully with his wife, Nyasha, on the dance floor at a birthday party. It is a great day. Then his wife’s earring falls. Another man dancing nearby picks it and gives it back to her. As they are dancing like that, suddenly her husband bites her on the ear and red blood splashes all over her blouse and onto the floor! There is commotion. Part of her ear is gone! Just like that.

People want to know why the husband has done this and he claims that he had been sexually aroused and was whispering something romantic into Nyasha’s ear when he accidentally bit off part of her ear.

But when they eventually get back home, he confesses to her that it was not an accident. He says, “That man who picked up your earring has a perfect physique. I saw you staring at him, and you were winking at each other. You deserve the punishment.”

They are invited yet to another party and as they are leaving for the party, the husband tells his wife, “You are dressed to kill,” and she thanks him. After the party, on their way home, he says to her, “When we stopped at the shops to buy some drinks, I saw you waving at a man who was leaning against a pillar…He smiled, and you smiled back.” All of a sudden, the husband pushes his wife out of the moving car…and what she decides to do afterwards is the least expected thing...

Gwetai’s situations leave you stuck and wanting to pursue the story further. In one story, after a traffic accident, a baby clings to a traffic policewoman with all its strength and totally refuses to be handed over to its mother who has now recuperated. The crowd is shocked. Ironically, the mother is already busy toying with her cellular phone!

Gwetai’s women in these stories are usually very well dressed and daring too. In one of these stories, a young woman almost harms herself because her parents are prohibiting her from marrying a polygamous man and become wife number eleven! She vows never to get married to any other man. Eventually she marries the beloved polygamous man after staying single for three full years. Netsai just loves her polygamist! You rush through the story with a sense of trepidation. Why does she want to be wife number eleven? Why? The story opens wider and wider like a wildflower.

Ericah Gwetai, who is the late writer Yvonne Vera’s mother, is an intriguing story herself. The cover of this colourful book is from her personal photograph from way back in 1973. Ericah is standing in the sun near a shrub. She is holding her chin, smiling, gawking at a young Lambert Gwetai, the man who eventually marries her. Lambert is holding a straw hat, rather delicately, maybe turning it round and round, probably saying something romantic to Ericah. They are standing on what looks like a well-trodden village path. Ericah is dressed to kill. Presumably they are newly in love. Ericah said to me, “We were both teaching at the same school called Kapane. It is in Tsholotsho district. We were excited that we were getting married that year and we did.” Ericah also appears with Lambert on the cover of her other book, Where Were You?

Ericah Gwetai has written a very enlightening biography on Yvonne Vera. It is called ‘Petal thoughts: Yvonne Vera: A Biography.’ It was published in 2008.  Imagine that you are a world-renowned writer from Africa and after your death; your mother does not only publish her own creative books but goes on to write your biography! That could be a first in African literature! Four years later in 2012, Ericah Gwetai published her own novel called Embracing the Cactus.

However, readers must be warned that although Ericah Gwetai is mother to the late great writer, Yvonne Vera, she is her own woman. Here you do not find Yvonne’s intense prose poetry but a deeper and more amazing understanding of African cultural intricacies, rendered in a far simpler and unaffected prose. Her very unpredictable plots constitute the Ericah Gwetai signature. Her other books are More Than a woman and The Other Side.