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PA says she must find time to write

jackie

Jacqueline Njambi Kamau, author of e-books Sons of Women and Supremacy Snatch. PHOTO | SALATON NJAU

For Jacqueline Kamau, writing is a must even when her busy schedule as a personal assistant to a sitting member of Parliament tries to get in the way. She has published two e-books – Sons of Women and Supremacy Snatch, the latter on women leadership.

She regularly posts on her blog and is getting ready to represent Kenya in the 2015 Writivism – an annual competition for emerging writers sponsored by Uganda’s Centre for African Cultural Excellence.

When did you start writing?

In 2003 while in high school. I first wrote a poem, then a song, then a script for the drama club, then a novel and short stories.

Professional writing began after high school where I wrote scripts for Talents Theatre Group and the Go-Down Art Centre in 2007.

While at Egerton University, I founded the campus magazine Egerton Mirror and was the editor for three years. I have written novels, plays, poems, short stories, flash fiction, essays and academic papers. I publish most of my pieces on my blog, jacquelinewords.blogspot.com.

Where did the inspiration for Supremacy Snatch come from?

I have always been interested in women leadership. In high school, I was the school captain. After university, I worked in my constituency as a youth mobiliser. I would like to be a leader, but not a politician; maybe an advisory role.

I read a few books on feminism to create strong female characters for the book.

The leadership theme is driven by male and female characters in Thayu Forest Community. Alfayo Kamakura, the chief medicine man, and Askander are the male characters holding positions of power.

Women leaders, led by Askander’s wives, have united and brought together women to solve the community’s problems while the men are competing politically.

Considering you have a degree in Kiswahili, why not write in Kiswahili?

I have written poems and a novel in Kiswahili. From editors and writers I have interacted with, my English pieces are better. Thus, I decided to perfect them.

However, on my blog the Swahili essays have the most hits. I prefer to write in English since the language fits my stories and audience. I am still working on my Kiswahili manuscript.

Is it difficult to write in Kiswahili?

The language is condensed, unlike English where someone can play with it and come up with exciting descriptions. With Kiswahili you have to use sayings and proverbs. Then again, they are not so many Kiswahili editors.

You will represent Kenya in Writivism 2015 in Tanzania. What opportunities are you hoping to explore?

It gives me the opportunity to perfect my short story Married by Mother-in-Love and make it the winning story next year. I will be able to write two flash fictions that will be published in the local newspapers after the workshop.

I will also be able to interact with my mentor, Zukiswa Wanner.