Karabo Finger – Author Interview

About the author

Karabo Finger is a writer, a researcher, and a creative entrepreneur. The 37-year-old pursued a career in fashion as a designer before following her spiritual calling in 2014. Her chief interest as an author is based on the Spiritual and Cultural history of Africa. Legacy of a Rain Queen is her first publication.

Getting to know the author a little more…

#1 Who is Karabo Finger?

I am a writer, a researcher and a creative entrepreneur.

#2 What inspired you to write the book?

I like taking South African history and heritage and creating stories out of it.

#3 What inspired the cover design?

The narrative of the book is steeped in symbolism. The cover design features talismanic stones of turquoise and citrine symbolizing genetic family lines merging in pursuit of a common purpose; it also symbolizes the gifts of healing and clairvoyance that are passed on from generation to generation.

#4 What did you learn while writing the book?

Once you set out to accomplish something, help and support often come from unexpected people and places.

#5 What surprised you the most about the process of writing the book?

What surprised me is that the story is driven by the characters. To me, it felt as though they are actually alive.

#6 What does the Title of the book mean?

The legacy of rain making is legendary, almost mythical. It is a proud heritage for Balobedu, the tribe for which Queen Modjadji is a central figure. Book 1 is titled “The Eagles Martial”, inspired by the martial eagle. The bird symbolizes the main character – Nolwazi’s – spiritual calling, her totem animal, and whenever it appears in the story it is a messenger from her ancestors.

#7 Why did you choose indie publishing instead of traditional publishing?

As an entrepreneur, indie publishing makes sense. I am learning a lot about the business. Also, I want to retain full ownership of the IP of the series.

#8 How long did it take for you to write the book and what are some struggles you faced while writing?

It took almost two years to finish the first draft. A lot of research went into it, especially historical events, and visiting places of antiquity such Great Zimbabwe and Mapungubwe. The challenge was to place fictional characters and events within known historical records.

#9 What advice would you give a new writer?

Just write, a little bit every day, make it a habit. A story will find you along the way; and it will take over.

#10 What came first; the plot or the characters?

The characters. Nolwazi came first, in the form of a poem. Mohale, the hero, followed soon after that.

#11 Describe your writing space, refreshment of choice, and writing playlist?

The desk, the couch, the bed! Tea, sometimes wine, sometimes beer. Mozart, Selaelo Selota, Thandiswa Mazwai or Simphiwe Dana in the background.

#12 What does success mean to you?

If this story moves the reader, stirs their inner passions, inspires them to be and do more, then this book would be a success.

#13 Where can the reader purchase the book?

It is available at Book Circle Capital in Melville, online at Helpmyworld.co.za
The eBook is available at Kobo.com

#14 Would you like to take your writing internationally and how would that impact the reader outside of South Africa?

Yes. It is my international friends who find the legend of Modjadji most fascinating. Our history remains an untapped source of wealth. Let’s learn to tell our stories.

#15 How much is the book?

Paperback R295, eBook R201.

#16 What are your social media handles?

Instagram: karabofinger_za
Twitter: karabofinger
I am also available on Facebook, also follow the Legacy of a Rain Queen page.

#17 Should we expect another book from you in the future?

Book 2 is coming out in 2021.

#18 Would you consider translating the book into an audio book?

Yes. Follow our Facebook page for updates about when it will be available.

#19 Can you share a snippet that isn’t in the blurb?

Nolwazi is not her real name. She’s also not aware of this fact. Something is amiss about her upbringing.

#20 What is the key theme or message of the book?

Initiation or having a ‘calling’ is not necessarily about becoming a healer, it is about coming face to face with who you really are. It is up to us what we do with the gifts we receive from our forefathers.

About the book

Nolwazi Rahlaga is a survivor of a car crash that killed both of her parents. Set in Nelspruit, South Africa, where she lectures at the local university, Nolwazi meets Mohale Motlalepula, a man who triggers her spiritual awakening. We discover their shared past lives in seventeenth-century Great Zimbabwe where he was a powerful warrior who helped her escape her father’s plot to have her destiny as the first rain queen denied.
Follow the story of her awakening to her true identity as she undergoes a unique and painful initiation in order to reawaken the spirit of Modjadji, the rainmaking queen of the Balobedu tribe.

Publisher: Helpmyworld Publishing
Author: Karabo Finger
Title: Legacy of a Rain Queen
Distributor: Book Circle Capital & Helpmyworld.co.za
E-Book: Available on all main platforms
Pages: 420
RRP: R295.00
Publication Date: 29 September 2020
Format: Paperback & E-Book
ISBN: 978-0-620-85721-5
Size: 210mm x 150mm
Genre: Realistic Fiction

That’s it for today! I hope you enjoyed getting to know Karabo and seeing the author behind the book.

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