Authors speak to millions and their words craft the unimaginable into reality, they push us to achieve more and they can make us see life with a whole set of new life. I had the chance to interview one gentlemen who is set to launch his second book. An inspirational writer with an inspiring writing background having his books being read worldwide, Tumisang is not going backwards but continues to uplift lives.
Tinashe: Who is Tumisang?
Tumisang: Tumisang Motsebe is a 28 year old man from Pampierstad in the Northern Cape born in Pampierstad and grew up in a village called Molelema in Taung district of South Africa.
Tinashe: Can you please share with us your writing journey
Tumisang: I started writing poetry from age 13 till age 21 then started writing books from there till now. My first book was Kingdom Mandate Exploring the spiritual and the second one now is I Am Not A Prisoner.
Tinashe: Wow great, you have a quite long writing background. Why the shift from poetry to books?
Tumisang: I wanted to grow as a writer not only as a poet so I challenged myself into a new field I wasn’t used to. I am one person who loves challenging myself.
Tinashe: Nice one. How did you find the challenge?
Tumisang: I enjoy it more now. I am already busy with my 3rd book.
Tinashe: Can see you really pushing. How has been the reception of your work, especially books?
Tumisang: Great response both internationally and locally the support is amazing. I am addicted to writing.
Tinashe: Inspiring. How have you been selling and promoting your book?
Tumisang: I have been using Amazon and I sell them personally to the local buyers and social media has been a great tool for me to promote my books.
Tinashe: I would like to believe marketing and selling is usually a challenge for most writers. How have you been achieving it, any strategies and methods you using?
Tumisang: Lol it’s true but I am using simplicity its working for me the, more hardworking you are the more things work for you. It’s mostly about word of mouth and social media promotions.
Tinashe: I like the simplicity. Comparing word of mouth against social media, which one has been more effective.
Tumisang: They both effective Sir because not all people are on social media and many are not around to get the word of mouth.
Tinashe: Nice one, let’s go back to your work. Where do you get your inspiration from?
Tumisang: Well my brother Tshokolo Sebeso pushed me and inspired me with his own work. I also read my books too.
Tinashe: Any mentor or someone you look up to?
Tumisang: My brother and my teacher Lungile Maloi mentored me.
Tinashe: How is the reading culture, particularly in your locality especially for the niche you in?
Tumisang: People are reading, I see book clubs being formed to ignite the love of reading so saying people don’t read would be a terrible lie.
Tinashe: Yes, even this side. Book clubs are being formed especially on social media, but the main challenge is that people are exchanging pirated copies. How are you fighting piracy your side?
Tumisang: In Amazon it’s hard for people to get your copy without paying for it so I thought it is safe to put it there. I greatly encourage people to support authors because of the hard work we put in.
Tinashe: Safe that way. Besides Amazon, any other ways you recommend for writers to combat piracy?
Tumisang: They must handle their books themselves let anyone who wants a book get it from the author not anywhere else it’s old school though it still works wonders.
Tinashe: Now let’s talk about your upcoming book. What are we to expect?
Tumisang: It’s a mind blowing book breaking down all the emotional prisons and physical ones it’s a book aimed at uplifting everyone and give them a new perspective about life.
Tinashe: Wow can’t wait for it. What’s lined up for the launch?
Tumisang: Launching of the book and some entertainment.
Tinashe: Great. Any special guest we expecting?
Tumisang: Tlhompho David my publisher and Author who will be there
Tinashe: Interesting. Any business you into besides writing?
Tumisang: Well I am into the clothing business. I am one person who love adventures.
Tinashe: Great. If you were to start again. What would you do for life?
Tumisang: Well I would still be self-employed as hard as the economy is in our country. I still believe having multiple incomes is the way to go and self-investment is worth it no matter how hard it is. I need to have time for my family and no pressure, I value family and giving them my time which is the best currency in my life.
Tinashe: Indeed self-investment is the way to success. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Tumisang: Want to expand my writing talent, get married and focus on sharing my talents with the youth too.
Tinashe: Humbling vision there. Any word of advice you would give to someone starting out or want to do what you do.
Tumisang: Patience pays off don’t be in a rush. Push yourself to do more even if your dreams may scare you. Understand that if they scare you, it proves you are in the right path challenge yourself.
Tinashe: Powerful Advice there. In case someone wants to buy your book or get in touch with you. How do they go about it?
Tumisang: +27662002183 or +27730405934 Email: tumisangmotsebe@gmail.com You can order there, and I will send the book anywhere. Tumisang Motsebe Facebook and Twitter and Instagram and WhatsApp is +27662002183
Tinashe: Thank you. It was nice interviewing you. Any shout out!
Tumisang: Let me thank you Botshelo Osupile for organizing this and I will like to thank Galaletsang Mocumi for pushing me to do more.
Tinashe: I wish you the best in all your endeavors, stay blessed.
Tumisang: Thank you sir.
