When I started thinking of publishing, I did everything but still it didn’t work out, then I attended The African Book Fair organized by Soma nami books at the McMillan Library, Nairobi in October.
I was impressed by the collection of African books on display, including many Kenyan writers I had never heard of.
The day I went, there was a book reading by
She has authored beautiful interactive books. My favourite is - The Elements of Us. And she talked about how she wrote her book when she was in a bad place mentally.
She said
‘Think about what a book can do for you.’
She mentioned that since publishing her first book, she had been invited to speak at various events in the mental health space.
——————————
I reached out to her on IG and she connected me to her editor.
I couldn’t do the book I wanted to do first - Conversations into Adulthood-
So I decided to start with the short stories collections.
That’s how Going to Buy a plot in Maaī Mahiū came to the forefront.
—————————
It’s barely a month since I got published.
What has the book done for me?
For a start, I have signed two writing contracts which have exceeded my expectations. This is in terms of, the bargaining power of a published author.
The quote I am handing out is the same quote I have been handing out for years, with the same experience and skills but so many times it gets turned down or even slashed in half.
I am grateful to Soma Nami for organizing a book focused event, not just a textbook peddling affair but a book fair for book lovers.
I am thankful to my publisher for publishing a book I am proud to show around.
I am grateful to the people who have bought my book and continue to give me feedback.
I have good friends, I know good people and this is just the beginning.
