Q&A with Sue Nyathi
Author Sue Nyathi takes readers on a journey through themes of love, family, resilience, and cultural connection. She was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, and later moved to Johannesburg, South Africa. Sue’s stories are filled with her unique cross- cultural perspective. Here, she shares her journey in writing, her experience as a self-published author, and her reflections on the literary world with her characteristic warmth and insight.
Sue began her storytelling early on, inspired by books and a world beyond her everyday life.
Q: You started writing at such a young age. What sparked your interest?
Sue: I think what influenced me to start writing at an early age was largely that I was always a reader. I read a lot as a child and for me, reading was an escape.I began to travel through reading and wanted to create my own worlds.
This early spark grew into a passion that Sue carried through her teenage years,
eventually writing her first novel ‘Crazy Over You,’ inspired by the ‘Sweet Valley
High’ series.
Despite her clear calling as a writer, Sue’s career took an unexpected detour.
Q: You studied finance, a path far from writing. How did you balance your
professional life with your creative side?
Sue: I come from an era where parents wanted their children to have a ‘respectable’
profession, so I ended up in finance. But I never stopped writing, even if it was just in
the evenings or weekends.
During her finance career, Sue also delved into public writing by contributing to a
column in The Sunday Mail, where she adopted a Carrie Bradshaw-like approach,
sharing stories on love and relationships which resonated with readers.
Sue says: It was fulfilling to know that my writing touched lives, sometimes even sparking tears and deep conversations.
In 2008, Sue moved to Johannesburg, where a vibrant literary scene encouraged her to pursue publication more actively.
Q: What was it like moving to South Africa and finding that creative community?
Sue: Johannesburg opened up possibilities for me, the literary and publishing
industry here was thriving compared to Zimbabwe. I began attending book fairs,
meeting other writers and learning about the publishing process.
Her first published work, ‘The Polygamist,’ came out in 2012, introducing readers to
her bold storytelling.
Q: Self-publishing is a challenging journey. What was the experience like?
Sue: I knew the story I wanted to tell, but traditional publishers were not interested in
it at the time. So, with the encouragement of my editor, I self-published under her
imprint and that’s how ‘The Polygamist’ came to life.
On Social Media and Staying True to Her Voice.
With a growing audience, Sue has experienced both the highs and the inevitable
challenges of reader feedback.
Q: How has social media affected your interaction with readers?
Sue: Social media comes with the good, the bad, and the ugly. I’ve had people drag
me through the mud online, but I remind myself that not everyone will like my work
and that’s okay. She laughs.
Sue has learned to balance feedback and focusing on what she feels compelled to
write, rather than trying to please everyone.
Sue: Initially I wanted to read every review but now I focus on writing the stories I
want to tell. If readers connect with what I write, that’s a bonus
Legacy and Advice for Aspiring Writers
As she continues to write, Sue is intentional about the impact her books can have.
Q: What legacy do you hope to leave through your books?
Sue: I want my books to start conversations. I’ve always written about topics which I
feel are necessary, whether it is sexual exploitation, family dynamics, or cultural
struggles. I hope people find themselves or see their own experiences in my stories.
For aspiring writers, Sue stresses discipline and consistency: Writing is about persistence. Even if it’s just six hours a week, it adds up. You don’t have to write a book in a year but if you’re consistent, you’ll eventually have something that’s worthy of publishing.
As her works continue to reach more readers, Sue remains a literary voice that is both authentic and inspiring.