Author's Interview with Christa Gumede Buthelezi

Author's Interview with Christa Gumede Buthelezi
First, before we move forward with our Author's Interview, I would like to start with an introduction.

1. Could you please introduce yourself to us?

I'm American by birth and South African by choice, having moved to SA almost nine years ago. I am an intuitive and a creative, both of which encompass a number of roles I fill. My memoir, UBIZO; A Story of Coming Home, was self published a few years ago and I'm currently working on a creative non-fiction book called UCU: Love Letters to South Africa as well as a couple novels. I live with my family outside Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

2. Congratulations on your book. So what inspired you to write this book?

The short answer is that I was asked, so often, about what brought me to South Africa and apparently that reply needed to be a couple hundred pages long! I guide people through recovery and through making big changes so writing UBIZO was a way for me to both reflect on and share my own journey.

3. What is the book all about?

UBIZO tells my life story, with emphasis on my first years in South Africa. It gives enough background, I hope, for the reader to understand how deep my healing process was and the history to comprehend why such a huge change was quite inevitable. And then it shares the gifts and challenges that moving to the other side of the world, immersing in a very different culture and allowing myself to be who I truly am brings. I hope it also shows more of the real South Africa than is often seen in the media.

4. Why did you choose this genre for your book?

I really believe we can only tell our own stories truthfully and if it were fiction, I'm not sure people would see this journey as possible in real life.

5. How much time did it take to complete this book?

I wrote in spurts, off and on, for a couple years. Ultimately it took the pandemic and lockdown to get me to finish it.

6. What makes your Book Special?

It's real, authentic and no hold barred, giving access to an unusual life and way of thinking, as well as sharing insights into traditional African ways that few people have experienced.

7. When is your second book coming?

I'll be going the traditional publishing route with UCU so I'd hope in late 2025 or 2026.

8. While writing did you get any writer's block? What is the Tip that you will give others who are facing writer's block?

Of course, I think everyone does - it's just part of the process. As an artist, I tend to alternate painting or making pottery with writing when either starts to feel difficult. Getting outside, in nature, and moving my body always helps too. A change of scene, somehow, seems to be key.

9. What are your other hobbies besides being a talented author?

Making art, photography, travel and spending time with my kids.

10. Last but not the least, How did you feel, while giving this interview?

I'm happy to do this, it is a good opportunity to reflect, especially as I write my next book, on why I write. Thank you.

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