Today’s Open Book is a little different! We are getting up close and personal with a fellow writer – a poet no less! Linathi Makanda is a 24-year-old writer and photographer based in South Africa. Her love and passion for her crafts run deep and allows her to constantly learn and find her feet within them.
For me, there’s something very sensual and vulnerable about people who choose to share their property – and I guess it’s for this reason I was so excited about speaking about Linathi.
Please sit back and enjoy this interview which goes soul deep!
Open Book with Linathi Makanda
Tell me about your poetry collection, When No One Is Watching
When No One Is Watching is a project that gave itself legs from chance encounters and experiences. It dives into our need to keep certain parts of ourselves hidden and how that is to our detriment. The poetry in the collection appears to be personal at first glance but it challenges you look within and ask questions. What parts of myself have I not made space for? Are there places I need to revisit? It asks you to embrace the uncomfortable, to acquaint yourself with it.
All this being explored through themes of love, loss, trauma, healing and hope. The book challenges escapism yet reminds you that there is life after all those experiences.
“When No One Is Watching is a project that gave itself legs from chance encounters and experiences.”
Is this your first published book?
Yes it is.
Was your work always set for publication?
I Initially did not write the work to be published. A large part of the poems in the book are poems I had later realised hold the same themes. I then brought them together and added a few more and that was when the idea of getting published grew on me.
What was most rewarding and most challenging about the writing and publishing process?
What’s challenging is the editing that sometimes comes with self-doubt however seeing your work take shape and also resonate with people is the rewarding part. I believe the work is there to also heal me first and that on its own is a huge reward.
“I believe the work is there to also heal me first and that on its own is a huge reward.”
Can you name a favourite poem from your collection, and tell us why?
My favourite poem from the collection is:
“You have taken your own two hands
Mended and moulded what was once broken
You are the god in your story
Weaving your own redemption
Weaving your own healing
Weaving your own healing”
It’s dear to me because it is a reminder for myself and anyone who picks up the book, that we are capable of working and manifesting towards our own healing.
Advice for other writers and aspiring authors?
I believe the work is there to also heal me first and that on its own is a huge reward. You need to be as patient with yourself as you’re being with your work.
Click to read more awesome black women interviews!
Do you have any other jobs, businesses or side hustles?
I’m also a freelance social media manager and writer. This involves me leading brands with ideas that will grow them within the social media space; to create content for that purpose by designing and writing for that purpose as well. My niche so far has been self-care and wellness brands and I am looking to grow my client base as time progresses.
“I believe the work is there to also heal me first and that on its own is a huge reward.”
What keeps you motivated?
The future and what I want out of it. That keeps me pushing to be better almost every day.
What scares you the most?
Sometimes, the parts of me still require healing. They do not scare me more than they make me uncomfortable. However, I still move towards them. It’s not easy but it’s necessary.
Can you share your thoughts on love?
Love is a liberating feeling, however it presents itself. I’m just hoping that in the generation we are in where people almost seem to be rebelling against it and trying not to give into it, that we will realise that love is a governing system. We cannot live without it.
“Love is a governing system. We cannot live without it.”
What other passions do you have?
I’m also a podcaster. A society and culture podcast called And That’s The Chat where my co-host and I speak on topics that encompass life experience. You can take a listen at https://anchor.fm/and-thats-the-chat
What is next for you as a published author?
More books that challenge and heal me.
What was the last book you read? (Hello, this is a book blog!)
Lately, I haven’t been reading full collections as such, Maya C. Popa shares quite a lot of beautiful poetry on social media from various writers and I’ve been taking in those.
You may also want to read: Open Book | Berry Dakara
Where can we catch up with you online? (Please share your socials)
I’m on Twitter and Instagram with the handle @linathimakanda
I also have a newsletter called The Next Best Thing where people can read on various topics and connect with me past the socials. Anyone interested can sign up: https://www.getrevue.co/profile/linathimakanda
Where can we purchase When No One is Watching?
The collection is available at all good bookstores. This is a list of online places to purchase it as well.
Thank you so much Linathi.
I told you you won’t regret reading this! Let me know which part of Linathi’s Open Book touched you the most.
