Mwakyusa walks us through the pages of his new book

John Mwakyusa is an Author of the book ‘It Can’t Be True’. It was at Njombe Secondary School where the author honed his writing skills under the tutelage of his teachers Isaac Nyagawa and Cecilia Kabyemera. Before joining the university for his first degree, he wrote a short story titled ‘’Caught Red-Handed’’ that appeared on Sunday News. He studied Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) at University of Dar-es-Salaam and in between pursued a Masters in Business Administration at Makerere University Business School-Uganda before returning to Dar es Salaam for his PHD.

Give us an insight into your main character. What does he do that is so special?

Albert is a special young man who struggles against all odds to reach where he is. He loses his parents to the brutality of government of Uganda soldiers who kill them in cold blood. However, years later, Albert joins a new government as a security operative. He is a patriot, corrupt free lad and has sacrificed a lot for his country but has a dangerous brutal trait that seems to taint his otherwise good character. He fights against the evils in the society with a vengeance.

What are you working on at the moment?

I am currently working on a sequel to the book. It is a follow- up book that has been inspired by many readers of the ‘It Can’t Be True’ who wanted to read more on Albert and other characters. I obliged and decided to go for it. I have a title for it but it is still work in progress. I am also searching for a publisher who will translate the book in Kiswahili.

What’s it about?

The protagonist of the second novel that I am working on currently is the same Albert of the ‘’It Can’t Be True’’. As Albert tries to address murder issues left over from the earlier book, he finds himself face to face with the challenge of child sacrifice that Uganda is grappling with.

What genre is your book?

My book is a hybrid of romance and crime. It also touches on the love for self, love for other, love for family, love for country and love for God. On the amazon.com, the book is under religion and spirituality.

What drew you to this genre?

I have seen love and crime or lack of them in my life and so it is something that flows naturally from within. I have experienced love of God and people in my life and the lives of others.

How much research do you do?

While pursuing my MBA at Makerere University-Uganda I had an opportunity to personally experience the Ugandan cultures and its people. I observed people’s lives, read and reviewed various reports and magazines and newspapers on the people, scenes, sights and sounds. And even after coming back I have lost touch with the country. Some think I fell in love with Uganda. They even spoiled my accent!

Have you written any other novels in collaboration with other writers?

It is not very common to collaborate in writing a novel. This is so, I imagine, because, an inspiration and ideas to write springs from within. So, to be brief I have not except for a very short Swahili testimony I co-authored together with my wife Teddy Aloyce Mwakyusa.

Why did you decide to collaborate and did that affect your sales?

I did not write to make sales. I am happier to see my book read than my bank account bulge.

When did you decide to become a writer?

Decide? Did I? Well. When I was doing my ordinary education at Njombe Secondary School (famously referred to as NJOSS) I realized that I can write more easily that communicate orally. My first serious story writing was 1996 when the story caught red handed appeared on a newspaper.

Why do you write?

Like I noted earlier, I wanted to share a story. So I don’t write because I am capable of writing, rather I write because I have something to share. In this case, after living in Uganda I realized that there is something unique about the country that is worth sharing. Every time I would come back on holidays I would try to share orally. However, I realized I am not a good orator and the story seemed not to strike the same nerves as it did to me. I then thought I have to write it down for impact and posterity.

What made you decide to sit down and actually start something?

I was forced by a desire to share what I have with a wider audience. It is believed that communication is as important as breathing. Indeed, sharing of information facilitates the spread of knowledge and forms relationships between people.

Where do the ideas come from?

Ideas come from within and from outside. The people I meet, the stories they tell, their life experiences blend to bring something unique and original.

What is the hardest thing about writing?

There are times as a writer you experience what is known as writers’ block. The creativity is gone and nothing flows from within.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

I am myself a young old writer. I would advise them to dare to write. So long as you have lived on this earth, then you have something to share. However, you also have to read a lot. Read everything that comes your way. Remember, there is no one was born an expert. We all learn and don’t stop until we have perfected the art. And that will be at your graveyard!

Where do you see publishing going in the future?

Currently, the publishing industry is struggling. However, in the globalizing world, writers have become global citizens so no one is supposed to limit his or her publishing avenues locally. Books are the fountain of knowledge. Writers, publishers and the government should work together to support local publishers who are capable of publishing quality works. We truly need people who read and read and read.

Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t asked?

Two things. First, the book ‘It Can’t Be True’ is about youth as they endeavor to pursue their lofty dreams of careers, partners, and life purpose and love. The common thread on almost all the main characters is dysfunctional families due to civil wars, HIV/AIDS, and family feuds among others. It also bares the hypocrisy of multinationals and faith-based missionaries who exploit Africa natural resources under the guise of religion by manipulating the masses and violating human rights. Second, the book is dedicated to Salay Sambogo and Steve John.

How can readers discover more about you and you work?

Readers can access my book from various bookshops and other frequently visited places like Shear Illusions at Mlimani City and Hillpark Super Market at the University of Dar-es-salaam. They can also follow me on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/john.mwakyusa.3. My readers from across the globe can access the books through https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Be-True-Uganda-Africa

Tell us about the cover and how it came about.

This is one of the questions I have been asked severally by whoever has seen the book but has not read it. However, I challenge readers of the book to decipher the meaning behind the cover. The cover is a combined work of my own ideas and those of the designers of the publisher. I threw them the ideas and they came up with several options. I ended up with the one you see.

Do you read much and if so who are your favourite authors?

Mhhhh, I don’t read novels as much as I used to. I generally prefer local authors such as the late Prince Kagwema, Agoro Anduru, Shafi Adam Shafi, Maundu Mwingizi, Elieshi Lema, Elvis Musiba, Lorna Dadi, Hussein Tuwa, Beka Mfaume, Laura Pettie and many more. Each one of these brings something unique to the table. I find it hard to pick my favourite. Two books by non-Tanzanians that left an indelible mark in my life are Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer and A Stone for Danny Fisher by Harold Robbins.

For your own reading, do you prefer e-books or traditional paper/hardback books?

I am a traditional person. I would always go for traditional paper/hardback books.

What book/s are you reading at present?

I am at present reading WHO WILL CRY WHEN YOU DIE by Robin Sharma.