Today we’d like to introduce you to Rudo Alice Takawira.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Writing and storytelling have always been my first love. I wrote my first full story at age 13 in my school notebook. I was a high school student in Zimbabwe, where I was born and raised. As the years progressed, I continued writing stories that were enthusiastically read by my friends and family but never published.
My writing took a back seat when I began my undergraduate studies in physical therapy, then to advancing my career post-graduation, and in the later years to being a wife and mother. However, I still yearned for the undeniable joy I felt when I created intriguing characters and memorable storylines and the satisfaction of seeing them come to life in the written word.
The spark to begin writing my debut novel Turning Tables was a casual lunch break conversation with my work colleagues. As we exchanged stories, I was pleasantly surprised at how everyone seemed to enjoy the way I described people, places, and the drama I had experienced as an immigrant living and working in London and then Atlanta. That evening, when I turned on my laptop, I was more than fired up to write again.
My husband who has always been my greatest cheerleader was instrumental in helping me achieve a good work-life balance that allowed me to work part-time, be a hands-on mom, and be a writer. My writing journey, which began in 2018, led to the publishing of my book in May 2022. Since then, I have had book events in Dallas, New Jersey, Atlanta, London, and Toronto, and now I am participating in literary events and book festivals.
I am motivated to continue writing and telling stories, and as I have begun to plot my next book, I look forward to what the future has in store for me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I faced some obstacles and challenges as I navigated the writing and publishing world. Finding the time to write was my biggest challenge. I was working as a full-time physical therapist and also raising our two children. Fortunately, I was able to change to a part-time work schedule, allowing me more time to write.
As an independent author, another hurdle I faced was the financial responsibility of developing a good-quality book. This included hiring professionals for the various rounds of editing and designing my book cover. Saving money for each stage of the publishing process took time, and this impacted the length of time it took to get my book published.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a physical therapist and I work with the elderly in Skilled Nursing Rehabilitation Facilities and Assisted Living communities. I enjoy working with the elderly, helping them to achieve optimal function and to have a good quality of life following illness or injury.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I enjoy learning languages and I speak three different languages fluently. I can speak some Spanish which I learned after living in El Paso, Texas for three years.
Pricing:
- Amazon Paperback $16.99
- Kindle $7.99
- Audible
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alicetakawira.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/alice.takawira.writes?igshid=MWZjMTM2ODFkZg==
- Facebook: @alicetakawirawrites
