Interview with Author, Matina Genkova-Mpofu

What inspired you to be an author? Where do your ideas come from?

As my child was very inquisitive and started asking questions before he could even speak properly, the first three books I wrote were answering his "future questions".

Later on my inspirations came differently: sometimes a single word will do the spark, a sentence, and some ideas came during workshops.

One of my stories was inspired by an all favourite 100 year old Bulgarian book. At the same time I wanted to bring to the world of kids less known African animals especially those which are endangered.

What do you find challenging in the book world?

Though I've improved a lot, speaking in front of big crowds of people. Plus marketing and promotion.

What are your proudest achievements to date?

The 2021 nomination for South African Literary Awards of "Thingamagic" and the nomination of its isiZulu translation "Nto Thizeni" the following year.

And on a more personal level:

- When a friend of mine was relocating back to Bulgaria she asked her son to choose only three books out of his library. "Thingamagic" was one of the chosen ones.

- Recently, after reading "Thingamagic" at a primary school, out of the blue a boy said "9 out of 10 and it's only because you didn't read to us the ending" ( by the way, I didn’t request any rating).

Do you have a favourite place of work?

Nope. But most of the time I prefer to write when it's quiet and when I'm alone. However, if my muse is around, anything is possible.

What advice would you give to aspiring children's book creators who would want to break into the industry and create meaningful books for young readers?

Write from your heart.

Always have your work edited by experienced people (definitely more than one). Family and friends are okay but just in the beginning. You'll need honest constructive criticism. Take a note of all the comments but listen to your gut - after all the story is yours.

If you’re self-publishing, pay great attention to detail and quality.

What types of children's books do you enjoy working on the most?

For now I've been working mostly on picture books.

Can you describe your creative process when you start working on a new children's book project?

Every time is different. No formula.

How do you maintain a balance between creating entertaining stories and educating or inspiring young readers through your work?

Probably because of the folktales and stories I grew up with, I try to include a message in each of my books.

The first four stories I wrote, three of which have been published, are realistic fiction.

The first one, which put me on this journey, is dedicated to my son. It teaches that it's ok to be different as we're all special and unique. The book touched more people than I originally imagined, way above only mixed-race kids.

Do you have any favourite children's books creators or literary influences who have inspired you?

They're so many excellent creators of children's books out there. I admire the books by Jamie Lee Curtis, Mwenye Hadithi and Adrienne Kennaway, Valerie Thomas and Korky Paul.

Out of the local ones huge inspirations are Joan Rankin's books and illustrations, Wendy Hartmann books. The most amazing storytelling of Gcina Mhlophe is out of this world.

Collaboration is essential in children's books publishing. How do you work with authors, illustrators, editors, and art directors to ensure all the elements align with the overall vision of the book?

Most of my books are self-published.

The first and the second were done simultaneously. The person who helped me is the talented Tichaona Tongoona. As I had already created a dummy book for my first title, I had clear vision for most of the pages. Very often my ideas come as I start the creative process and I had some ideas for the second book as well while we working together on it. At the same time I loved his stick people and other illustrations. As both of the themes were very abstract for little ones we used photographs too.

As for "Thingamagic", I trusted Themba Mabaso who has been writing and illustrating his own books for a long time now. He is also an SCBWI member. The former member of SCBWI - Adelle Van Zyl did the design and layout of the book. I really enjoyed our team work.

However, when two of my titles were done by Qualibooks I had to completely let go and totally release the control. I managed to make two remarks on the illustrations of one of the books. Only one of them was taken into consideration. The second story I saw only once it was printed. The anticipation and long wait were another part of the process I had to learn from.

What do you do in your spare time?

I enjoy reading, meeting up with my girlfriends for a hike or coffee, going to exhibitions, watching movies, cooking and baking.

What was your favourite children's book and why?

When I was little I loved "Snow White". Probably because of the beautiful illustrations and descriptions, and most probably because of the happy ending.

In primary school one of many favourite books was "Pippi Long Stockings" by Astrid Lindgren. I loved the unusual adventures, the strength, confidence and ingenuity of the little girl.

Matina Genkova-Mpofu's published books in order of writing are:

"Mom, why am I different?"

"Twins"

"Is our family complete?" – published by Qualibooks

"Thingamagic"

"Nto Thizeni" translated into isiZulu by Vesper Nkoane

"Sunday Scones" - published by Qualibooks

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