Sundaymail Editor
Aaron Charungwa Moyo
KEITH MARUFU’S dream is to become the next Yvonne Vera, Mariama Bâ or Danielle Steel.
At the age of 21, she has written four fictional books and one memoir.
Of the five books, two have been published.
Marufu is an Upper Sixth learner at Goldhill College in the Glen Norah suburb of Harare.
She is determined to pursue her dream despite the challenges ahead.
“To date, I have written five books, which are: ‘Leaves of Love’, ‘When I Grow Up — A Memoir’, ‘Tears of an Orphan’, ‘Hypertension’ and ‘Poignant’,” she told The Sunday Mail recently.
“I have successfully managed to publish only the first two books, which are ‘Leaves of Love’ and ‘When I Grow Up — A Memoir’.
“I grew up reading books from renowned authors such as Yvonne Vera and Tsitsi Dangarembga.
“I became inspired, and vowed to pursue the dream against all the odds,” she said.
She has taken up numerous responsibilities at a young age.
Marufu’s parents separated when she was young, leaving her to fend for herself and her younger siblings.
When she is not doing schoolwork or writing, Marufu will be working as a maid as she tries to raise cash for tuition fees and rent.
Marufu also provides for her mother and younger brother, who live in Chivhu.
She has remained humble and would appreciate whatever assistance she can get.
“Tabeth Manyinga, founder of Ruvarashe Creative Writes Publishing Company helped me to publish the book ‘Leaves of Love’, and Arthur Marara provided an editor, Mr Manners Musongelwa,” she said.
“To launch my first book, a pastor from Christ Ministries, gave me a room in his apartment at Kingston’s House.
“For the book ‘When I Grow Up — A Memoir’, Spoken Word and Writers Association published it, and the money I got from ‘Leaves of Love’ helped in paying the editor.
“The second book is published, but not yet launched. I do not have the money, but I wish I could launch it in November if I get the money, maybe from well-wishers,” said Marufu.
“Due to financial constraints, only two out of my five books are published.
“The other three are still not printed or edited, but I wrote them between 2019 and 2022”.
After her Advanced Level studies, she intends to pursue a degree in creative writing or film production.
Her wish is to see Zimbabwe’s film industry grow and receive support, as is the case with Nollywood, Hollywood and other international film industries.
Marufu is appealing to well-wishers and sponsors to get in touch with her, to help publish her remaining projects.
She said she is determined to include her name among the world’s best writers.
Online Reporter