A notable fiction writer from Utlwanang village

By:  Onalenna Jantjie

Editor:  Thapelo Molebatsi

How would you describe yourself?

 I'm an avid reader and writer who has the permanent misfortune of loving Orlando Pirates FC and Arsenal FC. I have a special fondness for chess, road running, and deep house music. 

Give us a glimpse into your background?

 I was born, and grew up, in a small North West township called Utlwanang near Christiana. If I meet you and I greet you with a smile, it is because I come from Utlwanang. I owe that township everything. I see myself as a happily married African man who loves the company of his family, friends, music and books. I currently stay in Witbank, Mpumalanga.

When did you fall in love with literature? And how did that come about?

I suspect my love for literature started many years back, in my early teens, I think. Back then we'd be seen reading and enjoying novels by James Hadley Chase and Sydney Sheldon. These two authors showed me that reading can be both engaging and entertaining. 

Is it possible to make a decent living from writing books?

Is it? I have many author friends and none of them are rich because of it. To make a living out of writing books requires a combination of things. One of those is proper marketing - a form of marketing that on the one hand engineers a readership, and on the other identifies a readership, and then getting these publics to actually buy the books. I do not mention creating entertaining yet empowering fiction because I think it's a given. Luck, also. Lots of it because frankly, there are a lot of books out there which do not deserve the commercial success they enjoy. 

Upon discovering your creative writing talent, what did you do to nurture/harness it?

Upon discovering my creative talent I did what every writer should do, and that is to read as widely as possible. This, reading widely, is a tool without which great writing is impossible.

How would you describe your writing style?

Because I'm a fiction writer, I'd describe my writing style as mainly evocative and colourful, a style that seeks to depend on the imagination of the reader to complete the story. This approach to writing seeks to connect the reader and the story in a way that is gripping. 

Did you attend a creative writing course?

I have a Master's Degree in Creative Writing. I did it with Rhodes University. I graduated in 2016.

Tell us about the journey to becoming a published writer.  What were some of the challenges?

I didn't struggle much to get published. As I recall I only had my first manuscript sent to two publishers, and one of them saw potential and helped me through the process of fine-tuning it. I'm not saying it is easy to get published.

 I am saying invest time and some real, fresh creativity in your work and the right people will take interest.

How many Novels have you published thus far?

I have written and published five books thus far. 

Do you write in Setswana or English? Why did you choose that particular language?

I write in both Setswana and English. I write in Setswana because who else will write in my own language? What will Batswana read if there's no work to read in Setswana? I write in English because, well, I can. For me it's satisfying that I am able to create work in more than one language. Quite satisfying.  

Where do you draw the inspiration for your storylines

  I draw inspiration from everywhere, from everything. I write about life because life is my inspiration.

 Who is your favorite author? What do you like about his/her work?

 I love works by many authors, but José Saramago is up there. Why? Because his work frightens the hell out of me! Read his Blindness to see where I come from.

 If people want to buy your books where can they find them?

www.my africanbuy.com

or send me an e-mail at: maruping.phepheng@gmail.com Twitter- @MP_Author