“Writing became my safe space and my way to process grief”: Wizawane Mtonga, a Young Zambian Budding Writer Tells Geraldine Sinyuy During an Interview

Geraldine Sinyuy: What inspired you to become a writer?
Wizawane Mtonga: I discovered I was meant to write during one of the hardest moments of my life, when my father passed away. I realized I could express my emotions better on paper than through words. Writing became my safe space and my way to process grief. Over time, it turned into a purpose: to use my words to heal and connect with others.

Geraldine Sinyuy: I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Actually, you did a good thing to purge yourself of the pain through writing. We often get inspiration from our experiences. That’s why it is said that literature is not written in a vacuum. When did you start writing and what was your first genre?
Wizawane Mtonga: I started writing at seventeen, and poetry came naturally to me. It allowed me to express deep emotions and communicate thoughts I couldn’t say out loud.

Geraldine Sinyuy:  When do you feel most inspired to write?
Wizawane Mtonga: Late at night. The quiet and cozy atmosphere lets me reflect, focus, and let my creativity flow freely.

Geraldine Sinyuy: How do you handle social media distractions?
Wizawane Mtonga: I go offline when I need to write and only use my phone to play music. This helps me stay focused and emotionally connected to my work.

Geraldine Sinyuy: What does your writing workspace look like?
Wizawane Mtonga: I usually write in my quiet bedroom, with a notebook, music playing softly, and a juice box by my side. It’s calm, cozy, and perfect for connecting with my thoughts.

Geraldine Sinyuy: Who is your favorite author and why?
Wizawane Mtonga: Jenny Han. She creates characters with heart and soul, making them feel real. Reading her books feels like experiencing the story, not just reading it.

Geraldine Sinyuy: That’s curious. What do you usually write about?
Wizawane Mtonga: Love, pain, life experiences, and my Christian journey. I want my writing to encourage, comfort, and remind readers that they are not alone.

Geraldine Sinyuy: That’s very kind of you. What challenges do you face as a writer?
Wizawane Mtonga: Writer’s block, lost inspiration, and disappearing muses. These moments can be frustrating, but they also teach patience and reflection.

Geraldine Sinyuy: How do you overcome these challenges?
Wizawane Mtonga: I take breaks, pray, and reset. This helps me reconnect with God, my purpose, and my creativity.

Geraldine Sinyuy: It’s rare nowadays to see young people with a consciousness about God the creator. I’m moved by your connection with God. What is your biggest dream as a writer?
Wizawane Mtonga: I want people to understand me through my words and to reach a wider audience. My hope is to inspire, comfort, and encourage others through my writing.

Geraldine Sinyuy: What advice would you give to a young aspiring writer?
Wizawane Mtonga: I would advise young writers to read with their hearts, write with their souls, and not be controlled by what the world says. Everything else will follow naturally.

Geraldine Sinyuy: How does your community receive human rights-related literary and artistic works?
Wizawane Mtonga: The people around me are supportive of human rights and are very active in social work. There is openness and encouragement toward such creative works.

Geraldine Sinyuy: Have you ever felt threatened because of the kind of writing you produce?
Wizawane Mtonga: No, I have not felt threatened.

Geraldine Sinyuy:  What else would you like to share with us?
Wizawane Mtonga: Thank you very much for reading. This interview brought out things I was not really thinking about, and it has been refreshing to revisit my journey and understand my way of thinking. I truly appreciate this opportunity.

Geraldine Sinyuy:  Thank you so much for your time and insightful responses.
Wizawane Mtonga: You’re most welcome, and thank you for finding me worthy of this interview and for the opportunity to share my story and my journey as a writer.  I look forward to hearing from you again.

Wizawane Mtonga is a 19-year-old female Zambian budding writer who was born on 2nd September, 2007. She attended Chitukuko Primary School and later New Mtendere Secondary School. Her skills include: Baking, Painting, Drawing, Sewing, Knitting, Cooking, and Writing. Her hobbies are: Reading, Strategizing, and Watching movies. She speaks English, Bemba, and Spanish. Wizawane is a confident, intelligent, and focused individual. Highly dedicated to whatever she does and committed to doing things right. She strives to be excellent and gives her best in everything she sets her mind on. Her contact is: wanemirriammtonga@gmail.com