In this month’s edition of the magazine, I had a chat with the an incredible author who is involved in several activities geared at bettering not only herself, but her immediate community too. Make welcome Khumoetsile Magonare D’Arcy all the way from Botswana.
PPBlessing: Could you briefly introduce yourself?
Khumoetsile: I am Khumoetsile D’Arcy born in 1993 into a family of 7. I am married with three kids. I studied Bachelor of Science in Computing.
PPBlessing: How did you get into writing?
Khumoetsile: I have always loved writing and reading since I was a child. I would ask my mother to buy me magazines and booklets to read. In primary school, I was writing short poems. In Junior school, I read a lot of books and wrote presentations for assembly. Then when I was in form 3, I entered an essay competition which was about an African child; it was a five page essay. I wrote it then submitted and after two weeks, I was declared a winner in one of the local newspapers, Mmegi.
In 2013, in university, I became one of the newspaper’s freelancers. I then published my first book which is about Seretse Khama Ian Khama who is the former President of Botswana.
PPBlessing: That’s interesting. What’s the title of the book?
Khumoetsile: A Pillar of Hope.
PPBlessing: What inspired it?
Khumoetsile: A pillar of Hope the book was inspired by the fact that I did attend the former President Seretse Khama Ian Khama’s inauguration at parliament.
I dodged school and went to parliament that day when I was in form 2, with my cousin and a friend.
PPBlessing: The inauguration must have really impacted you to get a whole book written. You have another book about Kofi Annan which was published in 2019, titled An African Dream. Tell us more about it.
Khumoetsile: Yes, the book is about Kofi Annan’s quotes, revelations on Africa and the world. Mainly during his tenure as the UN Secretary General.
PPBlessing: Do you have other books aside these 2?
Khumoetsile: Those 2 are the only ones which have been published but I’m working on another one titled I am A Good Mother which is to be launched soon.
PPBlessing: When exactly should we expect the launch?
Khumoetsile: The book readiness will be determined by the availability of brown paper which is rare to find locally but I really need it for this book.
PPBlessing: Why this peculiar choice of paper?
Khumoetsile: For my previous 2 books, I used black and white and I want to be more solid in this book, like I have been learning and getting inspired by the brown paper version.
PPBlessing: Are you working with a publisher or self-publishing?
Khumoetsile: I did meet up with various publishers but at the end I decided to self publish my books. I outsource when I need extra hands in compiling the books though.
PPBlessing: Considering that you’ve written about 2 notable African figures, one from your home country, Botswana and one from Ghana, should we take this as an indication of your interest in leadership and politics?
Khumoetsile: I have not shown any interest in politics but I believe I am a leader. Taking you back while in Moeding College, my high school, I was the house captain. I like leaders because I relax more in an empowering environment. I do not think I will say no to leadership in any point of my life. If I desire change I should be able to innovate, implement and lead it.
PPBlessing: Very true. That leads us to the campaign you founded, Be A Go Getter Campaign. Tell us about it.
Khumoetsile: Be A Go Getter was founded and launched at Botho University. This is mainly a campaign to lead change that includes everyone. I believe in the inclusion of kids, women, men, as well as people with special needs. As a result of me being active in journalism, I voiced out in the articles and features I wrote which were mostly about youth engagements, education, and health.
Through Be A Go Getter Campaign, I was one of the founders of Girl Power Club which had regular meetings and workshops in campus inspiring and helping the course of women leadership and growth.
PPBlessing: Is the campaign still on? What milestones have you achieved with it aside the Girl Power Club?
Khumoetsile: As a writer, the campaign is still on. I found my balance and my inner power in writing. I did campaign in my former Junior School, I remember we had a donation to the underprivileged in our Kgotla from where I grew up in Kumakwane. Be A Go Getter has been and is still my brand.
I managed to seat in tables with decision makers to find a way to create a sustainable and healthy future for the youth and coming generations.
PPBlessing: That’s commendable. Tell us about your modeling life.
Khumoetsile: I have always participated in modelling outside and in the University. I joined some agencies but the interest just did not materialize. I remember I ended up hosting a teen fashion show which was very successful in Gaborone. It even had shops like JB sports and some local fashion designers sponsoring the event.
PPBlessing: That must have been awesome. Why did you stop?
Khumoetsile: I had my first born and a degree to finish so I had to stop or cut some things as I was staying with my child full time.
PPBlessing : Considering that you studied computing in school, how did you make the switch to journalism?
Khumoetsile: I just believed I must study something new, add a skill to what I have acquired or learnt. Journalism is not what I studied, it’s a passion, and, I have been doing the creative writing since primary school.
PPBlessing: Do you use your computing skills professionally though?
Khumoetsile: I worked with Botswana Telecommunications as a field technician. And yes, I use the computing skills everyday as a writer that’s why I am able to write and self publish my books. I make my own pitches when I seek sponsorship and I design my flyers as well.
PPBlessing: What has been most challenging for you as a writer?
Khumoetsile: Finding the right resources which sometimes makes me to jump in to the available options which I mostly do not need. But I have learnt that a good-quality book production can not be rushed. Research is very important when compiling a book. Research your competitors, research the market, research current books, etc.
Also, funds are always a challenge. Book production to marketing and selling needs finances. I usually get sponsors but mostly I use my own money that I have saved particularly for the project.
PPBlessing: What’s the major inspiration behind your poems and books?
Khumoetsile: I’m inspired by life, the people around me inspire me a lot. I like to align myself with reality. I love expressing how I feel in writing as it is the moment that’s real to me and the universe around me. So why not write about it? I have a lot of unpublished poems as I write anytime. Even at night or early morning I take my diary and write what’s in my mind.
PPBlessing: How are you able to manage being a mother, technician, businesswoman, content creator, author, and journalist?
Khumoetsile: I believe that everything I have or I am able to do is a blessing from God. Everything he gives is manageable and yes, I have a balance of life in between my profession and fulfilling my passion. It is always not easy as some days missions are affected and dreams or goals delayed but positivity and good health is what keeps me going.
PPBlessing: When should we expect a poetry collection from you?
Khumoetsile: I think when I’m ready. For now I just need a platform to share them in a spoken word because that’s what I relate to. This is how I feel my words when I recite them.
PPBlessing: Have you found the platform yet or you’re still looking?
Khumoetsile: I used to have some performances and there are a lot of opportunities for spoken word poetry but I will have to get up and get going as those opportunities won’t come looking for me!
PPBlessing: Most definitely. I hope you rekindle that fire soonest.
Khumoetsile: Sure I should.
PPBlessing: Which are your top 3 books of all time and why?
Khumoetsile: My first of the top is a Long Walk to Freedom about Nelson Mandela—I read it in 2011 in senior school. I fell in love with it. I met Nelson Mandela in this book, it will always be my favorite.
The second one is Michelle Obama’s book, Becoming Michelle Obama, this book spoke to me and took me back to years I was a little girl with dreams, to realizing them and building them. It also talks about motherhood and how to raise well behaved kids which as a mother speaks to me.
My other top 3 book is Kofi Annan: An African Dream, I look at it everyday and I’m like wow I did very well. I still doubt it’s actually my book. The reception I get makes me ask those questions too.
PPBlessing: Have you had a particular author whose works have inspired any of you written pieces?
Khumoetsile: I mostly watch movies and listen to podcasts that’s where I get inspiration. I even watch some journalists who have earned the badges and inspired my writing. So far I have not been inspired by a book per say, I do follow other content which serves my heart and soul apart from books.
PPBlessing: Tell us about your time freelancing at Mmegi Mynews, what did you write about in your column?
Khumoetsile: I covered stories on youth development, entrepreneurs, live events on education and women.
I interviewed an ambassador, deputy secretary, and some other public figures. Ya, it was a beautiful experience. I got endorsements from the government and support locally. My special moment was when I interviewed Bonang Matheba.
PPBlessing: Why was that particular interview special?
Khumoetsile: I was thrilled to interview Bonang Matheba, it was an achievement. She is a woman who holds many badges and does inspire a lot of young people.
PPBlessing: What achievement would give you the most satisfaction as a writer?
Khumoetsile: My greatest accomplishment as a writer is that I sit down and write. Nothing makes me feel better than putting my idea down!
PPBlessing: What tips can you share with individuals who really want to write but can’t seem to find a balance considering the other things they are involved in.
Khumoetsile: Our most tricky part is our routines. I break routines often times. If they don’t work for me, we part ways and I start afresh. I write my books mostly at night when the house is calm but sometimes I see myself flowing and motivated in the morning. I would pick my laptop and disappear to the nearest library and write.
PPBlessing: As a mentor what milestones have had the most impact and feeling of satisfaction for you?
Khumoetsile: Friends, personal development, health and wellness, and family are the milestones that keep me going in life. As people we need true and supportive friends. Individual growth is also important, having my own goals and dreams on its own satisfy me and keeps my spirit alight. In addition, good health is vital. With a healthy body and mind, I can do everything, that is why I don’t take my health for granted. I’m always up to date with my health.
PPBlessing: Aside from writing in your diary, do you have other routines that have been helpful in aiding you write?
Khumoetsile: My phone is also important.
Sometimes I quickly put an idea into my phone as notes or a reminder. This happens when I’m jogging or at the back in a queue or clinic and I get an inspiration. A phone is efficient as I can type while standing and that will be all; the beginning of the master piece! Born in 1993 in a family of 7. I am married with three kids. I studied bachelor of science (h) in computing.
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