Roundtable Wednesday
Roundtable Wednesday is back and this time we are starting it off with someone I have known on Prose a few years. She originally hails from Zambia, Africa and now a student here in the states.
For those of you who know her, you know the type of Proser she is; constantly on your doorstep awaiting what you write with a seemingly endless hunger to read what is put forth.
For those of you who know of her, then you know (or should know) she has a huge heart and is very supportive to new writer’s and also to the seasoned veterans on Prose.
For those who do not know her, this is your opportunity, and take this advice—get to know her, you cannot find a better friend, mentor, or supporter anywhere else on Prose.
With that said … I introduce to you: Mnezz.
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Can you shed some light about yourself that other people here can get a feel for who you are?
I am an international student, from Zambia, currently studying at the University of Arkansas. I am studying TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). My Dad works in the family timber industry, and my Mother is a pharmacist. I have two younger siblings. My young sister (who is two years younger than me) is an accountant and our little brother, who is not so little any more, will be in the tenth grade this year. I love singing karaoke virtually with my sis. My brother loves sharing his stunts like video clips with me. Yeah, he’s quite an athletic Zambian Avenger.
Writer’s write, it’s what we do, but what do you see as your strong point, or motivation to write?
Hmm, let’s see. Ah, the way that stories can go. In my mind, the creator/writer is the director and producer of the work. So, you get to play around with different styles/techniques and create something that is kind of new, or share a part of your own story with others. This can also be worked with by introducing characters that are from various places, and cultures, too. My motivation when writing a story is the call for something that is full of magic, adventure, mystery, and some action. I guess for me my strong point in writing covers a mix of ingredients...almost like baking in a way… haha. You got to enjoy it, and have fun with storytelling!
The very first thing you ever wrote, if you remember it, how did it come about?
Eh, I went over this one with my sister. I believe it was at Kasamu school in fifth grade where I started to really tell and write stories. The one that still sits in my mind today is the story of a group of men storming in our home, and my Dad had to use his own guns to protect us from the bad men. This story was probably based on a dream I had. I always wonder if I need to keep a dream journal, but later forget. Maybe, I’ll have to start a dream blog or site instead—hehe.
Who are your favorite authors and please; give us a few names?
Ooooh, My Favorite Authors are (so many great authors for sure, including some phenomenal illustrators who have written works, too). They are Chinua Achebe, Octavia E. Butler, Stephanie Powell Watts, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Mukuka Chipanta, Rupi Kaur, J.R.R.Tolkien, Stephen Edwin King, R.L.Stine, Bram Stoker, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Junot Diaz, Andrea Davis Pinkney, Edgar Allan Poe, John Rocco, Roald Dahl, Dr. Seuss, Shel Silverstein, Brandon Sanderson, Neil Gaiman, and Lewis Carroll.
Any favorite songs/artists you listen to that set a tone for you when writing?
Yes. Music is in my soul—it beats like a drum. Okay, here are my favorite songs/artists that I listen to. They do set the tone for when I start writing a poem, or write a tale.
My Top Favorites are:
Pompi (The African Eagle) and Magg44
Chef187
Macky2
The Score (Rock band)
Jonathan David Bellion
Enrique Iglesias
Celine Dion
Hans Zimmer
Andrea Bocelli
Ed Sheeran
Towela Kaira
Harry Styles
Rihanna
Avicii
Leon Bridges
Elijah Blake
Kanye West
SixTones
Victoria Wezi (HeartSound) Mhone
Zendaya
Sona Jobarteh
Do you have any literary work on tap for publication, or have you been published?
I connected and started writing in a Color Culture Writing Community (not too long ago).
In this community, most of the creative artists are young Zambian and African poets, writers, and creatives. There are some members from other countries, and also located on another continent. Thanks to this group, I worked on a little blog project to share some of my stories. (https://lskwst.blogspot.com/)
I have written a story on Prose—The Monster Hunter. (https://theprose.com/book/1754/monster-hunter)
Then my latest long and still in the works story project is The Shadow Man.
(https://theprose.com/book/2851/do-you-know-the-shadow-man)
Is there any one particular book you have read you would recommend others to read?
The Cutting Season, by Attica Locke. :)
When you aren’t writing, what do you do that pays the bills?
I teach, tutor, babysit, and also just started working on doing voice recordings for African stories (currently working on a project for this season).
Why did you join Prose and how long have you been a Proser?
I joined Prose to learn more about creative writing, and to be part of an international/global writing community. It is awesome to get to read stories from so many diverse and awesome writers here on Prose. Eh, if my memory is right, I have been a Proser for more than three years.
When you hear the term “less is more” … what is the first thing that comes to mind?
“Less is more” that makes me think of cooking, mmmm. In terms of creating a meal, any meal, the less ingredients you use than adding so much more, the better. This can be used in telling a story. With young students/learners, “less is more” in terms of teaching that reminds me of making the lessons not too long- my mentor teacher advised me it’s best to keep the content short, and sweet- that way you get much more bang for your buck.
Are there places as far as social media accounts, perhaps your own website you would like Proser’s to be aware of where you can be found?
Yes, here is the link- (https://www.instagram.com/versestudy/)
Favorite hobbies?
My favorite hobbies are drawing, painting, singing, writing, reading, and traveling.
What is the single most thing you like?
Learning a new dance.
What one thing do you really dislike?
Applying for a job posting and not being offered the position.
(One closed door is not going to stop me from trying the window...or chimney ….bahaha).
With Covid surrounding us, what advice would you want to share with people?
Do not lose hope, keep in touch with family, and friends. Find time to do things you love, with others, even through a virtual gathering/meet, and share more fun activities to do together, say dancing, karaoke, write poetry or stories as a group, DIY crafts, like making soap, or candles, etc.
If you could offer up one piece of advice for other writer’s, what would it be?
Let your own adventures be a guide in your story, or poetry. Share an experience you had with others, and do not let submission rejections for publications make you stop writing. Use that as a fuel to keep your stories going on, and remember to also do research and if you do not know something—ask (a piece of amazing wisdom I have learned from Danceinsilence heheh).
Lastly, your favorite quote?
“Curious that we spend more time congratulating people who have succeeded
than encouraging people who have not”—Neal DeGrasse Tyson.
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Thank ye kindly for being Roundtable’s featured guest. It was a great pleasure to have you be a part of this.
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Here now is something Mnezz has written. And like all those chosen for this, they, nor Mnezz knew which piece I would choose.
Doux Rêve
Fingers bending golden sand
Being stares at the card in his hand
Someone’s ready to hit the hay
They bend on their knees to pray
He sighs, and shakes his head
This one would soon be dead
But as the lad heads to dreamland
He would send a wave of golden sand
That will give the lad pleasant dreams
And not a time filled with screams!
** Doux Rêve is French for Sweet Dream