South African Romance Writers' Community

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

Writing was as a result of my love for books. I became a writer by chance – many years back I worked part-time at a bookstore and we used to have writers come in for their book launches, signing, bookclubs, etc. They struck me as really cool (not many people are content talking about their work for hours on end). So I started writing, mostly short stories (not so good short stories I might add). Then I submitted one to a local college’s literary review and it was published. I’ve not looked back.

Why do you write romance?

My book, Happiness is a four-letter word, falls under the much debated genre known as chick-lit. However romance plays a huge role in the book and the main characters sometimes have to go to certain lengths to attain it.

How did you come up with the concept for Happiness is a four-letter word?

It all started from reading too many books and watching TV shows about thirty-something women and their trials and tribulations. I’ve found that women reflect a lot about life (where they are and where they think they should be) at this age. I also wanted to write the story of us – this generation that has been blessed with opportunities.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of this particular novel?

Too long, about three years

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

I submitted to Kwela Books around June/July 2009 and the book was published April 2010

Did you experience much rejection before selling your first novel?

Yes. After my first short story was published I felt brave to venture into the world of novels. I managed to finish one and tried selling it to a few agents in the US. They all rejected the novel! By the way, I still get rejections for my short stories so getting published once isn’t the end of one’s rejection worries.

Tell us about The Call (your first sale).

Everything moved quickly with Happiness. Kwela sent me an email stating that the novel had received a favourable review from an external reader, then a few weeks later they called to say the novel had been accepted. I think I screamed after hanging up. It is one of those feelings that leave you light and dizzy with joy.

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

The issues I wanted to address were so many – it was a matter of arranging them into a plausible story.

What do you struggle most with when writing?

For this book it was sequencing. To juggle four main characters, each with their own storylines, is not a cup of tea. I ended up with my walls plastered with calendars.

How important is research to you?

It was important as some of the issues addressed needed more a bit more exploration, for example, I had to research around persons living with a drug problem.

What did you learn while writing Happiness is a four-letter word that will always stay with you?

In the beginning I was just writing a book but in the end I got a reflection of how this generation is really doing and whether we’re living up to the expectations of prosperity that has come with freedom.

Who or what has been your inspiration along the way?

My family who just believe in me. Other writers who are ever so willing to help when you shout for assistance.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

First, continue writing. If you can, join a writing club or take a short course (it can even be online). Read a lot, especially books for the genre you’re writing or want to for.

What's next for you?

Toying with too many ideas one of which is telling the other side of the story – the ones who did not make it to the big cities and are not living large.