Joel went to school at Kibaha Secondary School from Form One to Six before studying commerce and management at the University of Dar es Salaam. He then undertook a post-graduate diploma in economic diplomacy from the Centre for Foreign Relations (CFR). He shares his story with Success.
Joel Nanauka, author of “You Can Rise Again,” is also a life development coach and public speaker and heads IQ Management Solutions Company Ltd.
Joel went to school at Kibaha Secondary School from Form One to Six before studying commerce and management at the University of Dar es Salaam. He then undertook a post-graduate diploma in economic diplomacy from the Centre for Foreign Relations (CFR). He shares his story with Success.
After being involved in several public talks on radio, television, live conferences and workshops; I wondered how many people I would be able to reach if I put the same materials in books? I realised that I would have an unlimited audience to reach. In fact I was focused on reaching people in other countries, and the best way to do that was to write a book that could go where I can’t go for now.
What was the book that made you want to write or changed your life?
The “Biography of Martin Luther King Jr” changed my life. I read it when I was a young boy in secondary school. This book was so emotionally moving, the sense of purpose that Martin Luther Jr had in bringing social and racial equalityin the USA moved my heart. His readiness to sacrifice for what he believed was a great lesson to me. After reading it twice, I started searching for the one thing in my life that I believed in that would allow me to impact society. His speech, “I have A Dream” is still in my heart, it energises me and keeps me aspiring for my dreams.
What topics interest you right now?
My interests are mainly in personal and national development areas, especially issues of leadership. I’m also interested in vision realisation and the maximisation of our unique potentials.
What do you hate the most about being a writer?
I wouldn’t say there is something I hate about it because I really enjoy writing. However, a great challenge for me is what to write about among the many thoughts that are on my mind. As for now, I have a lot of book drafts that I’m working on and I have yet to choose which will be my next release.
What do you think makes you a good writer?
The first thing is; the practical approach of my material. It’s not only about filling the pages with words, but rather sharing applicable ideas which can be used to improve everyday life. Secondly, I always tackle real life issues which I know we all suffer on a personal basis and as a society.
How has writing changed you?
It’s made me a very serious reader; there’s not a day that goes by without me reading. You can’t be a good writer if you don’t read.
What is your writing process ?
It’s always a particular societal challenge that gives me an idea of what to write about, because I always write to solve a problem. So after identifying the challenge, I research what other writers have said and how they have addressed the challenge.
After finding the gap, I come up with my own thoughts on what could be done to address the issue in a more effective way. I jot down my major thoughts and keep on expanding them. However, I can’t determine how long this process takes because ideas come through inspirations. After compiling everything, I will have a few people to read my manuscript and give their input before finalising it.
What advice do you give to young aspiring writers?
I would quote what Henry Ford said,”You are old when you stop reading, whether you are 20 or 80.” To be a good writer you will need to be a good reader, invest in knowledge and learn from other authors whom you admire. But also, the first motive shouldn’t be making money through book sales, but rather to change lives. When people are changed by your writings they advertise your material.
What are your future plans?
I want to write more books and achieve a broader readership beyond Tanzania and Africa. I wish my books to be published by major international publishing houses such as Penguin, Random House, Harper Collins or Pearson one day. Also, I want to help more young writers like myself to become better writers through my mentorship programmes. I’m conducting online trainings through social media; people can access them on my Facebook wall or www.joelnanauka.com
