adminStanely Mushava Arts Correspondent
Budding writers are defying the challenge of breaking into print by turning to self-publishing. While the traditional publishing sector is increasingly less accommodative of new voices, younger writers are now strutting their stuff through their own avenues. Two self-published novels “Nherera” by Wilton Shingirai Nenhowe and “Life after Death” by Brian Ndingindwayo attest talent and considerable promise.
“Nherera” was published last year by 21-year old Nenhowe.
The protagonist, Shingirai, incidentally the novelist’s namesake, endures a chronology of tribulations both parents an early age. The high point of the novel is when he is vindicated after a stint in prison for an erroneous charge of poisoning his uncle’s maid.
While the plot appears commonplace from a distance, the mainstay of the novel is Nenhowe’s ability to dazzle the reader with his mastery of language and an emotive attention to detail calculated to evoke empathy.
A warm admirer of Aaron Chiundura-Moyo, Nenhowe says he wrote his book with a didactic slant.
“Nherera was written to encourage readers to raise orphans with compassion and refrain from abusing them because they never know how great those children are poised to turn out,” said Nenhowe.
“I wrote this book after witnessing the plight of maltreated orphans some of who end up on the streets.
I am currently facing with a dilemma because I am financing the printing of the book at a loss.
“However, my ultimate vision is to give a breath of fresh air to some of these vulnerable children by channelling proceeds from sales of the book to their education, food and clothing.
The financial downside of self-publishing reflects badly on the quality of Nenhowe’s project as mediocre printing overshadows his narrative prowess.
Ndingindwayo’s “Life after Death” is a somewhat controversial take on the HIV/AIDS question with a misanthropic verdict on man’s self-destructive ingenuity, balanced with a message of hope.
“I wanted to write book with a convincing yet exciting story. I wanted to be different from the other writers; delivering my book in an extremely simple language; almost the same type of style we use to communicate every day,” said Ndingindwayo.
“Life after Death should get you thinking. Are we overpopulated?
Maybe AIDS is a simple reaction to the sins we do for survival: prisons, wars, prostitution – just the bit to get you thinking on the contact of Man on earth,” challenges Ndingindwayo.
Speaking on the dwindling of the traditional publishing industry Ndingindwayo lamented: “It is probably sad perhaps that most of us do things for money.
I think if we would put passion first then we would have many young resilient writers, and maybe the money will follow.”
“Self-publishing is becoming the trend worldwide. It gives the writer more freedom.
With the freedom comes more responsibility; you are solemnly responsible for the success or failure of your book. Then there are more tasks to handle – writing the script itself, finding editor, publishing, marketing and accounting for the sales single-handedly,” Ndingindwayo said.
“Life after Death” is available at Amazon and the novelist is currently getting the first batch printed abroad.
Online Reporter