How surviving an accident made me decide to write

Zelda Kweyamba. PHOTO I ELIZABETH TUNGARAZA

Zelda Kweyamba is the author of a Swahili book “Niimbeje Wimbo wa Sifa katika Machozi?” She is a born-again Christian. She’s also currently a project director of FPCT Kihonda Student Center, a public speaker and a gospel preacher.

When and why did you begin writing?

I started to write this specific book in 2015. My journey as a survivor of a life-threatening accident is what inspired me to write the book; to share my testimony with other people. I believe this book can encourage someone out there going through a hard time and feels like giving up.

About the accident: I was involved in a fatal road accident on May, 2012 in Morogoro; which led to the right pelvis fracture and internal bleeding. That caused me to be admitted at Muhimbili referral hospital where I was unable to sit, turn, I just lay on my back for four months.

I have undergone 10 surgeries so far due to that accident, but I thank God I survived. I am now using one crutch as a walking support, but I am very much better.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Officially I’d have to say 2015. I had written a couple of articles. Some of my friends went through those articles and were so impressed, it inspired and encouraged me to take a further step of writing a book: this is when I first considered myself a writer.

How did you come up with the title?

I had several titles which I shared with few colleagues who had read my book then together we came up with conclusion that “Niimbeje Wimbo wa Sifa katika Machozi?” captures my story in-depth.

Is there a message in your book that you want your readers to grasp?

Definitely! As the title goes, the central message of my book is about unfailing love and mercy of God to us especially in darkest times.

My experience taught me that God is so close and gracious to his people more than we can ever imagine. The moment you feel like there is no hope anymore, just know that God is in control-preparing a miracle that will turn your life around for good.

So I want my readers to know that, no matter what situation they might be going through right now, it won’t last forever.

God can change it for their good if they pray to Him and believe. It is all the courage to trust in God no matter the circumstances. For with Him, there is nothing impossible.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor, and why?

I will choose Dr. Myles Monroe. He was such a visionary and inspirational author; his books transformed lives of people from all walks of life.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

Yes there are; my dear brother, Dr. Frank P. Seth, the author of a Swahili book “Usifanye kosa hili kwenye ndoa yako”. He invited me to contribute in his book, which was released January, this year. Pastor Emmanuel Edward, he also invited me to contribute in his book titled as “Shujaa asiyerudi nyuma”. My brother Fadhy Mtanga has already written several books, he mentioned my book to be one of the best books he read in 2017 and he keeps on insisting that he is waiting for my 2nd book.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Well, I would add some things rather than changing, I would put all the events that happened without skipping a thing.

Do you recall where and how your interest in writing had originated?

Yes! I used to write and document things since when I was in secondary school. This made my interest in writing build up with time.

Is there anything that you find to be challenging in your writing career?

Yes! Delay from publishers and lack of reading culture among many Tanzanians.

Who are your favorite authors and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

The late Dr. Myles Monroe. He was such a visionary and inspirational author. His books had content that often touched people’s lives and made them transform for the better.

What was the hardest part when writing your book?

The second Chapter of my book “Saa ya upweke na nafsi kuinama”. I really poured my heart out here, there was a time I couldn’t even write, tears were just flowing freely. Actually I had to skip some things because it was so overwhelming.

What are some of the lessons you learnt from writing this book?

I learned a lot of writing skills, which I didn’t know before. For instance, the need of explaining scenarios in detail, since the readers need to be able to visualize what you’re talking about.

Do you have anything specific that you would like to share with your readers?

Yes! I would like to tell them that, God is real; whoever calls and waits upon Him shall be saved. He saved me; He can save them as well, no reason to give up.