Discovering Myth, Magic, and Mystery in My Writing Journey

Everything I Write Starts With a Feeling

Every story begins with a character. There’s always one who captivates my imagination. I build the narrative around them, hoping they will succeed, survive, and ultimately win. To be honest, my characters truly are the bosses of the storyline. I don’t control their actions. My plotlines barely hold, and outlines serve merely as polite suggestions. Ultimately, my characters guide me through their peculiar, breathing worlds. I follow their lead, wherever it may take me.

The Darkness That Doesn't Exist

Tokoloshe didn’t stem from diligent research. Instead, it emerged from wild stories I grew up with—whispered warnings that sent shivers down my spine, compelling me to check under the bed several times. Initially, I avoided writing the word Tokoloshe. I felt an irrational fear, as if the word carried an enormous weight. Silly? Perhaps. But it felt overwhelmingly real.

Now, I utter it like any mundane expression.

In my narrative world, darkness isn't simply an absence of light; it crouches, it eavesdrops, and it recalls. The Tokoloshe? They’re not merely villains. They are something more complex—lonely yet necessary entities.

Feel free to dive into the story—it’s not as terrifying as it sounds. Or maybe it is, but in a different way.

Written in the Stars

Pisces Family originated from my desire to write something a bit lighter—or at least lighter for me. I craved less doom and more heart. I had been mulling over the concept of star signs for a while. Initially, I thought I’d delve into Greek mythology, but I soon realized that I wasn’t prepared to research it thoroughly. A thought struck me: What about the African tales I already cherish? Why not create a world grounded in those narratives but filled with deeply human experiences?

I’ve always had a fondness for family stories. Those where everyone speaks over one another, loves badly, fights, and forgives, only to repeat the cycle. That’s the dynamic I wanted to capture. Something beautifully chaotic and magical. Pisces Family serves as a love letter to families—their messiness and beauty, and their brokenness. The catch? In this story, they are all gods. Thus, the stakes are considerably higher than what ordinary families face.

Spirit Walkers

Totem is the most challenging series I’ve ever undertaken. Its style differs significantly from my usual approach; it leans towards the structured and careful. When it comes to world-building, I can’t rely on existing frameworks. I must create everything from scratch.

This world operates on an alternative order. Women hold the top positions. Men do not. This imbalance brings a unique form of chaos. It’s not a utopia; rather, it's flawed in a different manner. I wanted to analyze the ramifications of a society swinging too far in favor of one gender. What gets sacrificed? Who gets trampled?

I envision it as a blend of political drama, dystopia, and slow-burning mystery. Unlike my other series, this one features a narrator; however, the story's heart resides within the other characters as well. Their secrets, their anger, and their hope contribute significantly to the narrative. At some point, I inevitably feel the need to construct a family tree. The presence of numerous ghosts and a multitude of grudges creates rich complexities.

And that’s what makes it worthwhile.

Why I Write

I write stories for myself. I create for the younger version of me who longed for this kind of storytelling—where the fantasy is vibrant, but the characters feel authentic.

Take Imari from Tokoloshe, who instinctively flees from danger instead of confronting it. Honestly, I can relate—I would likely run as well.

Or consider Leo from Pisces Family, who constantly clashes with his older brother because, well, that’s what families do. Fighting is part of reality.

And let’s not forget Nandile from the Totem Series, who battles self-doubt since not everyone is born with confidence. Sometimes, you must carve your own pathway toward it, one tentative step at a time.

Ultimately, I write because I enjoy it. If even one reader connects with my stories and feels what I feel—that’s incredible. But honestly, I revisit my stories primarily for my own enjoyment. I find myself laughing at my characters, cringing at their decisions, and aching for their struggles. In that process, everything becomes just a little bit brighter.

If you're wondering where to start, why not dive into Pisces Family?

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Pisces' Family