Norkem author’s latest book nominated for several awards
When you pour your heart with love and peace into your writing, then it will surely touch the reader.
Norkem Park author Octavia Masipa (24) has found ways of turning obstacles into opportunities in order to encourage residents to stand their ground through thick and thin.
Masipa is a talented Christian who walks with God to win souls.
The Christian author holds a BA degree and honors in publishing from the University of Wits.
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She wrote her first book titled The Portrait of God’s Mercy in 2015 at the age of 19. The local author has written eight books thus far.
Her third book, The Harvest Worker, was nominated for the African Authors Awards 2020, South African Literature Awards 2020, African Print Authors and poetry awards 2020.
The book speaks to those ministering in the Kingdom, no matter in what field, on how individuals are called for different purposes but have one goal of establishing the glory of the Lord in all they do.
As a child she wanted to be an architect as she loved planning and drawing. The doors in this pursuit never opened.
“I realised that God had a different purpose with my life. The first time I realised I wanted to be a writer was when I read the book Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. I was fascinated by the power of words. This inspired me to write books that could inspire others.
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“I started making handmade books and wrote my motivational prose and poetry. Soon I realised my passion for writing.
“The duration of writing a book depends on the word count or pages. It takes me two weeks to write a poetry book and about two months to write a novel.
“At first I believed that writing required too much time. I changed this mindset when I started creating deadlines to get the book done. I write in intervals, between home chores, work and art. I write every day without any fixed timetable, it can be from a chapter to eight chapters a day.
“I just love writing, it is my passion. I will cry when I get a revelation and I jump for joy over the most amazing paragraph. I also love writing books for adults because it pushes me to think beyond my age. That often challenges me to depend on God’s wisdom.
“Culturally, it appears disrespectful for youth to provide adults with advice, but I have challenged the status quo. I believe my advice found in my writings is done in a respectful, positive and spiritual way.
“To hear how my writing is appreciated by the young and old gives me joy, for I am therefore making a difference. The feedback from family and readers is always positive and inspiring. It keeps me going.
“They will say for example that my writing gives them hope to press on and that what I write is relatable and their faith is strengthened.”
In her opinion, to become a better writer you need to read more books.
“Also, think positively about your writing. You may feel that the words are not meeting your desired goal but if you judge your own work negatively how can someone else receive them positively. When you begin writing, your spirit and your energy is embedded in your writing and when you feel negative about your own words, it will also be criticised negatively.
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“But when you pour your heart with love and peace into your writing, then it will surely touch the reader.
“Endure until the end. Most aspiring writers find it difficult to persevere due to a number of challenges, such as running out of ideas. They then terminate the dream,? said Masipa.
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