Exclusive Interview with

K.A. Mulenga

Let’s start with your Career as a writer!

When did you start writing?

I used to write when I was ten or eleven years old and I only started writing again in November last year

What makes writing your passion?

I love reading so writing goes hand in hand with that

How long have you been writing?

I used to write when I was ten or eleven years old and I only started writing again in November last year, I am 45 now

What was the feeling when you published your first book?

Absolute elation!

What’s the story behind your choice of characters?

I use animal characters mostly

What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?

The marketing!

How do you get over the “writer’s block”?

I have never experienced it

We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?

I am very focused and goal driven and once my mind is fixated on something I don't stop until I have achieved it. I would advise new authors to be prepared for the hard work but not to give up!

If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?

Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?

Yes I do, so far I have had no bad reviews

What is the feeling when you get a good review?

I feel so proud of myself

Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?

Yes, my book Joe Finds His Way Home is based on what happened to me when I was a kid.

Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?

What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?

Yes it is especially since I am a children's book author.

Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?

How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?

I'm still a relatively new author so this hasn't happened to me yet!

Who is your favorite author? Why?

What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?

Julia Donaldson

Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?

If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?

What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.

What would you say to your readers?

Thank you for sharing! Let’s talk about your Personal Life!

Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?

I live in Johannesburg South Africa. I am married with 3 kids, a girl aged 20, another girl aged 13 and a boy aged 11

What is your day job if you have one?

I am an accountant

What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?

I play golf, tennis and soccer. I love to read and also watch sports(mainly soccer)

Did you have a happy childhood?

Yes indeed but unfortunately my dad died when I was 7 years old. My mum and my older siblings helped me through it all so big ups to them!

Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?

My son had a writing competition at school and it brought back memories of my writing when I was his age.

Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?

Yes I have 9, all children's books , 2 are bible stories and the other 7 have various life lessons

What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?

If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?

World peace, world literacy and an end to poverty

What is your favorite music?

R&B