Nkosana Zali interview

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

A little introduction:

I am a South African, a communications specialist working at my municipality. I recently completed a stint, a decade, as spokesperson of my city. I am now involved in strategic stakeholder management. I, a father of five, got married to mother-of-two, and now I’m dad to seven kids. I love reading, travelling and music – not tied to a genre but soul music keeps me sane.

When did your love of books begin?

My father inculcated the love for reading at a very tender age. I won an encyclopaedia set when I was still at primary school. Back then, in the days of pen pals, he had subscribed me to Reader’s Digest. So I have always been a bookworm.

When did you start to have the wish to become an author?

In 1991 I wrote three manuscripts for novels, which I lost unfortunately. Five years before that I had started submitting short stories for magazines, but none saw the light of day. Let me say, in my late teens and early twenties. I have always considered myself a storyteller.

How have you found the process for becoming an author?

It is one of the most exciting processes. Its highs trump its lows. It is not easy, though fulfilling. The feeling of looking at a finished project is second to none.

What would you say to those wanting to become an author?

Let us admit it. We are all writers in this world. How many of us are on social media? Everybody has already started on this writing journey. Social media platforms remind us daily, through archive material, how we interacted with the world in the past. So let us share stories. None of us need to be intimidated. Let us share insights, points of view and experiences (real and imagined). We are human beings. Write!  

Tell us about your book/books:

I write in South African English. I wrote three books. When Seasons Charge (2007), whose second edition is now out, is a political thriller exploring political succession battles. In 2017, I published an anthology of poems, A Feast For The Chief. This year, I published through a local boutique outfit, Mange Publishing, Stories For Another Day which is a collection of Southern African stories about love, loyalty and betrayal. My books are available on Ingram Spark, Amazon (Kindle Unlimited) and leading book retailers like Barnes & Noble.

What do you love about the writing/reading community?

A reader is someone who is very curious about their surroundings. Reading helps, but readers are the actual help – especially when we are in numbers. We visit countries by way of imagination and interaction within communities.

Writers improve through feedback from their peers in the industry. Everyone wants to write a bestseller. So, do many want to win awards for their work. Many should always make peace with the fact that we write for pleasure, and happy readers are our ultimate pursuit (with or without bestseller nor award-winning titles).

Communities, therefore, bring these realities into sharp relief.    

If you could say anything to your readers what would it be?

I am a happy man, always. All I want to see is a happy reader. If any of my books make anyone angry, I apologize in advance. Do not be shy to advise me, so that I can improve.

Where can people connect with you?

Twitter @Bra_Nkosana

Instagram @nkosanazali

Facebook Nkosana Zali

www.nkosanazali.com