My writing journey dates way back to high school. Literature subject happened to be one of my best. I enjoyed reading novels the likes of James Hardley Chase, The Mills & Boon books climaxing with African Author’s books like Chinua Achebe, Ngugi wa Thiongo etc . My flair for literature was recognized when the school awarded me a prize for being the best literature student of the year in 1971.
When I started working at Kenya Commercial Bank the passion for writing dwindled as my focus was more on the job and raising a young family. In the year 2000 when I was about to retire, I rekindled my passion. I started writing articles for The Standard newspaper which were published. I came across an online magazine known as Holler Africa whose offices are in London UK. I submitted articles for their Social & Culture page and they were published.
In 2003 after I had opted for early retirement I felt the need to sharpen my skills through training.
I therefore enrolled for a Creative Writing course with a reputable college in UK, called The Writers Bureau which offers distant learning courses. At the same time I enrolled for a Journalism course at Universal College in Nairobi. I successfully graduated with Diplomas from both colleges.
So far I have published three books; The Mystery of Horses a Christian motivational, The Husband is Mine a novella(e-Book); and The Pains We Live – a Memoir.
My current book ‘The Pains We Live ‘ which was launched a week ago, is based on a true life experience. In the year 2000 the seed for the book was birthed when I interviewed the protagonist whom I have named Lydia.
Lydia goes through an abusive marriage which ends in separation. My feathers are ruffled when I learn of the pain she endures within the four walls of the church. She’s stigmatised, and betrayed by those she trusted most including some of the leaders. It disheartening that she finds empathy from the ‘world’ than in the church which preaches love. Is the Body of Christ turning to be more ‘holier’ than Jesus who said; If any has not sinned let him throw the first stone…?
This book is available at your nearest Naivas Supermarket branch or at Nuria Bookstore.
In the meantime, the ebook is available for pre-order. You can share with your friends in Kenya and oversees to pre-order on Amazon.
