My journey in writing The Flip Side of Betrayal began in 2009, after a trip to Juba, South Sudan. I wrote a few sentences and began to experience writer’s block. This fictional novel is the first book in my life. Before embarking on my book, I had written many short stories.
I decided to take on what seemed like a herculean task, to write an entire book. This was in a beautiful, remote part of South Sudan, amidst the challenges of snakes, scorpions, scorching sun, security concerns and intense rainy seasons!
In 2011, while working in Somaliland, my writing passion was revived and I wrote a few chapters and the overall theme began to take shape. I shared it with a friend in Nairobi who encouraged me and motivated me to develop the plot further, bringing in some drama. I got even more inspiration while visiting Jordan in 2019 where another key character was introduced.
Back then, the title was not even what it is now. As I began to seek expert advice from literary professionals, it became clear that it would have to change to something more captivating. A title that would make potential readers curious, ready to delve into the adventure. This change happened in 2020, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
When everything around me had come to a standstill, it was then that I took the opportunity to get serious about starting my publishing journey. I engaged editors and a publishing firm. This was an investment of time and finances. I previously wrote monthly newsletters but in 2021, I had to give up in order to focus on my commitment to finish writing this book.
It was a constant reminder as the top priority on my list of goals each year. Juggling my passion with a full-time job was also not easy and I had to become even more efficient in my time management. Cutting out social engagements was part of the sacrifice, which now, looking back was worth it. I wrote everywhere, in the plane, on the beach; I held physical meetings where possible and largely online meetings with editors; my initial book launch date was targeted to be in November 2020, which was quite ambitious. This was pushed to November 2021 which did not also materialize. My editor at the time, the award-winning Thomas Mwiraria and I continued to plough through the preparation of the manuscript to move to the next stage.
Finally, in January this year, I presented the manuscript to my publisher, Writers’ Guild, through whom I have been able to submit my nomination application for the ACABA awards. It was going to be another series of back and forth until 25th June this year when I finally launched my book at USIU, while on a tight two week visit to Kenya during my work break.
Why did I write this book?
To address a problem of morality, that is currently challenging our world. The question answered by the book is: can betrayal ever have a remedy? Is there a flip side to Betrayal?
Betrayal is a bitter pill to swallow. It can cause deep seated bitterness, a bitterness that worms its way into the spirit, eating away at the soul like acid. The Flip Side of Betrayal shows us that there can be a positive side to betrayal, the book has sparked conversations in several homes.
It is a tool to serve God and mankind. To prevent chaos, which is the consequence of the absence of capturing a moral guideline in writing. Writing is so important as it captures and preserves the story for generations. Putting ideas on paper helps tell the world your story.
I chose to address this challenge by way of a novel, to provide a relaxed atmosphere to the readers. This was in contrast to a more academic style such as ‘ways to avoid the pitfalls of betrayal’, or ‘how to overcome betrayal’, for example. While I admire writers of these genre, it would not have come naturally for me, had I tried to emulate them. I also enjoy reading fictional novels which I finish reading much faster.
The Flip Side of Betrayal is meant to impact the world, to alter its present state and create future change for a better tomorrow. The genre of The Flip Side of Betrayal is fiction. It embodies challenges commonly faced by many families in the world. It does this by combining multi-cultural experiences.
I give all glory to God for this gift. It is He who blesses the work of our hands and equips us with diverse skills and talents to achieve our purpose in life. Life on earth is finite. What do you have in your hands? Thankfully for us, writers, the answer is not very far… My social media handles:
My social media handles are as follows;
Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/The-Flip-Side-of-Betrayal-114264337955133/
LINKEDIN: Jean Wairimu Kamina
ACABA nominee page :
https://africanauthors.net/nominee/the-flip-side-of-betrayal/#comments
I am impressed at the level of self discipline that no doubt was exercised to enable this noble task