Who are you?
Tumelo Abotseng, a Setswana literature promoter, indigenous language writer and bringing educational Setswana content to kids. I was born and breed in a small village in Tswapong North called Lesenepole in central district.
What does award nomination means to you?
Recognition and validation of our voice, culture, views.
It’s time for exchange of knowledge amongst nominees and hosts. We get feedback in areas we need to improve and how best we can benefit from our work.
What do you think of Mulher Forte African literature?
It’s a celebration of voices, cultures and stories.
How are the book sales in Botswana?
Book sales in Botswana are good despite few challenges.
When we sell our books in partnership with bookshops we get lower royalties as compared to when i sell them direct to readers .For example they author get 60% while bookshop gets 40% hence leading to overpricing of books.
People view Setswana as a difficult language as compared to English hence they prefer English over Setswana. This means you have to come up with strategies to make them develop love and understanding of Setswana.
Setswana is viewed as a local or national language, we learn it to pass at school and forget about it. When compared with other languages like English or France they a given an upper hand because you can benefit from international market.
How do you feel about writing in Africa?
Is a platform for shaping future and preserving our heritage in a dynamic world.
What can be done to improve book sales?
Enhanced marketing- People buys what they see or hear about .
The more we make readers aware of our work which properly done they will easily buy. This entails using facebook pages and other media platforms.
Collaboration- as authors we need to work hand in hand with other stakeholders like parents, teachers, schools, bookstores and influencers.
Be proud of our culture and language- if we are proud of our roots we will be zealous to by things concerning our culture and language.
Are Batswana a reading nation?
Yes Batswana are readers with preference.If your work is well done they will announce it to others because of its value.
Digital literacy how is it in your country?
It is low.
More engagement online but we are still struggling with materials for such.
Do you plan to make ebooks?
Yes but in the next 5 years.
Any plans of audio books?
Yes but very skeptical about it.For Setswana or indigenous books is better we see words and put into practise what we have read because we are struggling when it comes to writing what we know or speak.
What category have you been nominated so far?
3 categories being;
- Educational Setswana
- Indigenous language
- Literature promoter
Who is your local role model?
A.Kgasa and Leetile Disang Raditladi( Raditladi was one of the pioners of not the first Setswana authors)
Where do you see yourself in ten years in literature?
A well published author in local and international market helping other local authors to reach my level too.
The concept of Unity, what can Unity do to authors?
Platform for sharing ideas.
It is a support system that enhances team work and accelerated process in reaching out to readers.
Do you have background training in writing?
I have been trained as a writer.
The things to consider before writing a book and ways in which you can use to take your work to people.
What do you understand by copyrights?
Diligently guard your work for your own good.
Have you protected your books?
Yes with Cosbots .
Your advice to upcoming authors.
Passion will take you to the top.
Passion without quality is nothing. Quality of work will determine your returns. One must have a teachable spirit and embrace correction and criticism.
Your last word.
Keep writing.
Mt Kenya Times