Adrienne M Mushiya Kalamba Interview Published on: 11, Apr 2022
Tell us a little about your hometown and childhood.
I am a city girl. I was born in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo which is located in the centre part of Africa. I spent all my childhood and adolescence in Kinshasa, at my parents' house with my 3 siblings: 2 boys and 1 girl.
What is one of your favourite things to bake?My favorite thing I like to bake is a bundt cake made with lemon, poppy seed and vanilla yoghurt.
Were you an avid reader as a child? Do you still read books?Yes I was.
Yes, I still do.
When and how did you decide that you wanted to write?I started writing poems in 1993. I was 10 years old. I wrote many poems on different themes and occasions including friends and family's birthdays. I carefully kept all my poems in a secure blue notebook that I carried everywhere I went. I read these poems regularly, especially when I fell down. Also, I enjoyed having people around me read them. And every time I did share my poems with others, they encouraged me to publish them. So I kept that dream of publishing until I found the opportunity to make it happen. And, that was in January 2021 that I decided to write a book with poems I already had.
How did you come up with the idea of your book, Preserving Peace in Our Family?I came with the idea of my book in January 2021. After the pandemic hit and took many lives around us, I was among the lucky ones who did not lose any family members. Therefore, I found it urgent to not only express my gratitude and appreciation to my family members through poetry when they are still around, alive and conscious but also to inspire families of the world to do the same.
What is your writing kryptonite? Inversely, what is something that never fails to inspire you?Daily life circumstances, family relationships, family values and Mother nature.
What is the most challenging part about writing poems?Finding the right word to express specific feelings and arrange these ideas into a compelling and rhyming message easy to grasp by readers of any age.
Audiobook vs e-book vs printed book, which one do you prefer and why?I prefer a printed book because you can own the book as you read it with your intonation, accent, pace and perceptions. Also, a print book gives the reader the opportunity to underline, highlight and ponder ideas of interest. In addition, when it comes to learning how to write or improve our writing, a printed book best facilitates that process. For example, the reader discovers in which context to use certain expressions, and takes note of the spelling and nuance of some new words.
Any tips on how to get over the dreaded writer's block?Going out for a walk in a park, spending time at the beach relaxing or simply listening to instrumental music, reading classic books of your favorite authors and above all reading the scriptures is so inspiring to me.
Do you think book covers play an important role? Who designs your covers?Yes, absolutely, they do play an important role. They are eye-catching and attention getters especially during book fairs.
Based on my explanations, Daliborka Mijailovic designed my book cover. I was so excited to see that the final results exceeded my expectations.
How is your day structured? Do you have a specific writing routine that you follow?The specific routine I follow daily is to write about 500 words or less about anything that caught my attention, inspired me that day. It could be an original idea, an interesting topic for an upcoming book, anything and everything.
Do you remember the first review you ever received?Yes, I do. It was from Woody Collins, a family friend who has always been supportive to all I do. He said: "If you believe in family, then this book is for you, too. "Preserving Peace in Our Family" was so inspiring. More importantly, it is a great and everlasting gift to your family and the world. I'm going to write short notes to my family while there is time!"
What is your favourite part about being an author? What is the worst, if there is one?My favourite part about being an author is when you receive the first printed copy (author's copy) after submitting your draft and you hold it in your hands. That is when you realize that your dream finally came true. That particular moment is priceless. The worst part would have been if you do not sell a single book which I have not experienced since I have published mine (Thank God!).
Are you working on anything currently? If so, what is it about?Yes, I am.
I am working on the Audiobook of Preserving Peace in our family as well as a picture workbook to encourage and inspire family members to reflect upon their own family memories and values in order to take positive and creative actions. For example, write a poem or a book about a family member.
What are some struggles you face with book promotions? Has AllAuthor been a pleasant experience so far and would you recommend it to your author friends?I did not sell many e-books even though in my marketing I emphasized both available formats: e-book and paperback. Also, the fact that it is less expensive than the paperback does not seem very attractive.
Yes it has, and I will recommend it to author friends.
