05 Oct 2015

An environmental officer based at Kasane, Senikiwe Kgatlhegang has published her first book as a fiction writer.   

Kgatlhegang is delighted to have fulfilled a passion she had long put off as she committed her time to studying and finishing school.    The 24-year-old, Nkange native, who was raised in Gaborone, said her sterling performance in English at primary and secondary schools contributed immensely to her writing skills.   

She later on studied Environmental Health Sciences at Lobatse’s Institute of Health Sciences (IHS).    Speaking in an interview recently, the author indicated that the short story book titled ‘Tears of a bleeding heart’ was her first fictional book to be published.   

“I have always aspired to become a published fiction author and this is a testament to my writing abilities,” she said.    ‘Tears of a bleeding heart’ is a short story of a young woman named, Refilwe who lives in Kasane and fell head over heels in love with a man who is deceptive.   

Refilwe was heartbroken and loses everything that she once had including her possessions, dignity and friends.   Kgatlhegang, who worked on the fiction book since February, said in thorough the book, she wanted to relate to the Biblical concept that warns against wolves that put on sheep’s skin so that they could fool the shepherd into believing they were lambs.  

 “This basically translates to people pretending to be who they are not, therefore this speaks to young women and men out there to be vigilant in relationships they get into,” she said.    She said the book aims to empower young people and individuals to live peacefully with or without partners.   

The writer indicated that she was drawn to fiction because she wanted people to relate to her books and also to be equipped, motivated, strengthened and learn from them.   “After reading this book, readers will be in a better position to make wise decisions in their relationships,” she added.  

She pointed out that that she was currently working on a sequel to the book alongside her second book titled, ‘Dear Daddy’. Publishing her first book, she said had boosted her confidence as a writer.   

She said she was content to have fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a published writer.     “I still have unpublished stories and poems that I am currently working on”.

Kgatlhegang, who grew up reading numerous novels from best-selling authors in the world, such as Danielle Steel and Sidney Sheldon pointed out that they inspired her because their novels were about real life stories. 

Her love for novels and magazines helped her to refine her writing skills and ideas with the hope of becoming a published writer.   

Her book was published and printed by Molly Thokwana of Showcasing Talents and African Portfolio Models in Francistown.   

Funding, she said was a challenge and ended up sponsoring her project. 

She urged other youth to follow their passion, saying writing like any other career takes hard work, drive and dedication.   

“The only way to be a writer is to constantly read and write to stay on top of your game,” she said. ENDS