The Sunday Mail
Andrew Moyo —
THIS week I will not be reviewing any particular book, I have decided to share my thoughts and those of my colleagues in the literary industry concerning the decrease in the number of fiction novels amidst a rise in the publication of motivational books.
For a country that has had its fair share of creative fiction writers, it is sad to note that the culture has been spiralling downwards. Numerous veteran writers seem to have called it a day.
There was a time when local writers were churning out brilliant fiction novels, with the likes of Shimmer Chinodya, Aaron Chiundura Moyo, Charles Mungoshi, Chenjerai Hove and Ignatius Mabasa to name just a few, using their creativity to tell Zimbabwean stories.
When I was growing up, there was a vast selection of local fiction novels that were being published but of late, it has become more difficult to come across new works of fiction written by local authors.
While there are many young and upcoming writers who are venturing in the industry, the greater number of books coming out are motivational, with just a few writers expressing themselves through fiction.
As a book review columnist, I am always getting calls from writers who want me to take a look at their work and I have noted with great concern that out of 10 books that I receive, on average only one will be a fiction novel, with the rest being motivational literary pieces.
There are numerous novelists who have kept the fire burning with several new books being released every now and then, but the rate of release cannot be compared with motivation books.
This is not to say that I am against the publication of motivation books, but many literary enthusiasts would agree with me that there is a need to re-ignite the storytelling flame among local writers.
During discussions with several players in the literary industry, a lot of points and concerns were raised relating to the current boom in motivational book publishing and the demise of fiction writing.
Some were of the notion that the current crop of writers lack creativity, thus the shift into motivational publications, which usually thrive on obvious theories and lack valuable and extraordinary substance.
Another interesting point that has been raised is that there is a greater demand of motivation books rather than fiction novels as more readers are now seeking avenues of success and how best they can navigate the country’s current economic climate.
The dwindling demand for fiction novels has led to publishers channelling their efforts towards inspirational and academic work. I have also noticed that most motivational writers publish their work independently, which makes it easier for them to release more books.
There are many fiction novels, however, that have motivational storylines and do not just entertain but also serve to inspire readers. However, as it turns out, many readers are now looking for direct and straight forward solutions.
While fiction writers might feel discouraged with the way the local market is operating, they should not put their pens down. Rather, they should expand their influence on the international scene.
Meanwhile, other critics have blasted most local motivation writers for repetition as most of the writers have on many occasions written about the same thing, with the only difference being the titles.
Some of the writers have not even reached any degree of success, which is a bit absurd considering that they are trying to give other people solutions on how to be successful.
There is an urgent need to come up with strategies on how best the culture of fiction writing can be cultivated among upcoming writers.
Rather than looking for the easy way out in writing simplistic inspirational books, writers should dare to tell stories in a more creative manner. If market trends are the major influence behind the demise of fiction writing, then it is high time new channels are explored to expand the reach on local fiction at a global level rather than just depending on the local market.
Creative writing plays an important role in the telling and preservation of the Zimbabwean story, which is why the spirit should be kept alive.
