Self-Publisher Interview with Thandiwe Nqanda

1. What can you tell me about your experience as a writer?

There is no right or wrong in writing, over the years I have learnt to express myself in the way I see fit and since then, I have been able to grow freely.

I started writing since I was in primary school and since then it has been a means to process all the emotions I had experienced.

2. What made you decide to write a book?

Throughout my journey in writing, I have always dreamt of being an author, apart from the fact that it seems cool. I think in essence, the genesis of the book was a means of sharing with others what has been happening to me. Most importantly, I wanted to share my experience with the hopes that it would in turn help someone process how they truly feel as – it is through the acknowledgement and awareness of our pain that we are able to truly heal. Loss being the constant theme I write about - is such a life-changing experience and sometimes we need to know that we are not alone in it. As a people that continue to live, we need to know what is on the other side of the grief - its core reason is what we need answers to and the book brings light to this.

3. What circumstances brought you to the decision to self-publish your book?

To compile a body of work is such a sacred process and it is for one mostly for the author. I wanted to fully embrace and learn from the process by doing it by myself and after having experienced that – it’s safe to say I would do it again.

4. What has your experience as a self-publisher been like?

On most days it has been joyous and fulfilling and on less days – it has been tiring. The distribution part of it has been challenging as there is always a look out on the next thing one can involve themselves in, in order to share the work and give it a chance on major platforms. Through a publishing house, this is easily attainable – however as an independent author it is really up to you. This experience has in a whole taken me out of my comfort zone and has encouraged me to network. In as difficult as that is – there has been much to gain and learn at the same time.

5. How do you respond to the negative stigma attached to self-publishing and self-published books?

I respond through building communities and gathering self-published authors in my circle. If there is one thing stigmas have taught me, is my inner resilience and how to not be silent about the work done.

6. What is one very important lesson you have learned as a self-publisher so far?

To not isolate yourself, to explore and to be open to collaboration often.

7. What do you know now about self-publishing that you wish you knew at the beginning?

That it’s not as complex as to what people make it to be. One can simply navigate their way through and enjoy the process of understanding the journey one encounters when self-publishing.

8. A lot of authors of self-published books have reservations about promoting and marketing their book. Some even feel that it is a form of vanity or self-importance. What is your opinion about this?

I too had battled with this and in the slightest manner I still do however, I think this comes with the duty of self-publishing. This then means that it is mostly your responsibility that whenever it is fitting to give your work a chance to exist in spaces it might be required. This is an on-going battle however it is a healthy one - as you - the author are able to distinguish where your work can be alive.

9. How do you promote your books and what form of book promotion has worked the best for you?

Attending book festivals, hosting shows, attending open mic sessions and reciting from the work itself. Going to non-book related events with 5 or more copies in my bag and my YOCO card machine has worked immensely to increase sales. With this experience at hand I have learnt that, it doesn’t just become about the book promotion but the needed exchange about regarding the topic – loss/grief.

10. What are some other important things you have learned as a self-publisher?

I have learnt the importance of filling my cup in as much as I pour it out to the work. Nothing moves or grows from a putrid place.

There is also an importance in community building, find your people and help each other carry the load that comes. You are stronger – when united.

I have learnt to surrender my work, make peace with how it is meant to be the way it is as there are constant battles fought throughout the process, such as doubt.

11. Do you feel that self-publishing is a viable choice for other authors?

If only one is determined and willing to spread themselves as much as they can.

12. How do you feel that self-publishing their books has helped many unknown authors finally get the recognition their books deserve?

It feels rewarding at the end of the day as recognition is a way in which the hard work is acknowledged.

ABOUT THANDIWE:

Thandiwe Nqanda is a South African-born poet. In her years of writing, she has partaken in both local and international projects, such as 16DaysOfActivisim16Poets, performing her poem 'Energy' on totallyradio in Brighton, UK 2021 and being the Former Guest Poet for State of The Nation Address, SONA 2022 (People’s Voice).

Her audience reach is inclusive of various African countries such as Zimbabwe and Namibia, and extends as far as the UK, USA, India, France, Belgium and Germany.

This afforded her the gift of writing and composing IT IS TIME, a musical poetry show.

Above all, she is a child of God and her parents, a sister, an aunt, friend and a dreamer.