Writer's paradise
Renowned novelist talks about his work
By Jennifer Krisch
Zakes Mda is having a very good year. Already an internationally acclaimed, award-winning author for his previous works, Mda is gaining even more global attention for his latest novel, "Cion." The book, which has been widely reviewed, was nominated for an NAACP Image Award and the 2008 Commonwealth Writer's Prize for the Best Book in the Africa region. At Ohio University, "Cion" has been selected for the Common Reading Project and will be read by incoming freshmen next year.
Here, Ohio Today asks Mda a few fun questions about what makes an author tick.
Which of your novels is your favorite?
Besides the latest, it would be "The Whale Caller." And it is the only one that has never won an award and I think it is my best one, my best work.
How long did it take to write?
Six months.
Which of your novels do you think would make the best movie?
All of them.
What are you currently reading?
"Uselessly: A Very Funny Book About Me, My Dad, the Devil and God" by Aryan Kaganof. I am reading "No Country for Old Men" by Cormac McCarthy, only because it was a best-seller and I am trying to get the sensibility of American readers. What makes a best-seller? And "A Song Yet Sung" by James McBride, because it was highly recommended by The New York Times and it is about slavery and touches on issues I touched on in “Cion.”
What one book to you recommend all of your students read?
We just talk about books we love generally. There is no single book.
When not writing, what is your favorite pastime?
I always write. But when I am not writing? I am painting. I am a painter. And I compose music. And I play the flute.
Jennifer Krisch is a media specialist for University Communications and Marketing.
Posted 05-16-2008
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