South African Romance Writers' Community

How did you become a writer and what made you want to write?

I couldn’t find a proper job and writing seemed like a fit punishment, an indulgent form of self-flagellation.

How did you come up with the concept for this book?

Fairytales have always fascinated me, but when I reread them as an adult, the stereotypes of maiden/crone of good-pretty-young-princess versus evil-ugly-old-witch, annoyed me. For a while, I lived in a region immersed in Disney-culture and was spellbound by Disney villains (mostly female, mostly middle-aged, mostly diabolical!) but all demonstrating a strange allure. Fairytales (and their villains) have a magnetic pull on children and many readers buy into the model of living “happily-ever-after”, as demonstrated by popular culture. It was while watching a parade of Disney villains that Zuhra, the younger sister in Not a Fairytale, began muttering in my mind.

Why this kind of novel?

I wanted to write a pragmatic not-fairytale about two Muslim sisters. The parallel, fractured fairytales, which mirror their lives, evolved simultaneously with the main story.

How long did it take you to write the first draft?

Initially, much of the tale was written in my head. When I eventually sat down to write the story, it probably took a sporadic year.

How long did it take from completion of the first draft to publication?

I wrote three drafts (dissimilar to the final version) but did nothing with it for a long time, for years, because I couldn’t imagine anyone wanting to read my drivel. Then I attended the launch of a book written by a confident high school scholar. This motivated me into dusting (literally) off the manuscript and searching for publishers.

Did you experience much rejection before selling your first novel?

Every publisher I sent it off to responded favourably which aroused my suspicions. I was convinced they were all Tik-taking lunatics.

Tell us about The Call (your first sale, and/or selling this novel).

I received an email with an emphatic “Thank You!” from FB, the commission editor at Umuzi, (the first publisher to respond) requesting the rest of the manuscript. I half-thought it was a prank.

What was the easiest part of writing this novel for you?

The part I wrote in my head. Every word was untainted perfection. However, something was lost in the translation between brain and paper.

What do you struggle most with when writing?

My children. And lately, the stray tom who has half-adopted us and enjoys spraying my leg as I write (everyone’s a critic) so that the stench of ammonia weighs down my every word with gruesome perfume.

How important is research to you?

Research is always necessary. When your words are sulking and refuse to materialise in story form, research alleviates the burden of a blank page. It’s a wonderful tool for serious procrastinators: I can’t write today, I’m busy with research! Research can take the form of an emergency shopping trip, a telephone chat, a nap, going to the movies, several cappuccinos at your favourite coffee shop and of course best of all – reading.

What did you learn while writing this book that will always stay with you?

“Writing is a socially acceptable form of schizophrenia.” E.L. Doctorow.

Who or what has been your inspiration along the way?

Women writers, particularly the encouraging and gifted women in my writing group, run by Anne Schuster. My close, idiosyncratic buddies, who love my stories.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

Read, read, read. Write, write, write. Read, read, read. Join a generous writing group, muzzle your bitchy inner critic, and write your rough draft without pausing to polish it, without weeping, without self-criticism. There’ll be ample time for that later when you’re busy with drafts two, three and of course your dental draft.

What’s next for you?

I’m in the throes of writing another novel. So if anyone would like to offer me a real job