Each year, the Writing University conducts interviews with writers while they are in Iowa City participating in the International Writing Program's fall residency. We sit down with authors to ask about their work, their process and their descriptions of home. Today we are talking with Ndongolera C. MWANGUPILI, poet, fiction writer, scholar and culturalist from Malawi.
Ndongolera C. MWANGUPILI (poet, fiction writer, scholar, culturalist; Malawi) is the author of Fragments of my Broken Voice a poetry book; Sons of the Hills, a novel that is in the secondary school curriculum in Malawi, and A Gift to the People: Sr. Beatrice Chipeta’s Legacy, a biography. His works also appear in Southern Humanities Review and Florilege. Others have been widely anthologized including in The Caine Prize for African Writing 2024: Midnight in the Morgue and Other Stories. Mwangupili is currently working on a novel, set to reflect on the social reality in his country. His participation is made possible thanks to the generous support of Hugh F. Culverhouse, Jr. and other donations made to the International Writing Program.
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1. Do you have a plan or project in mind for your time at the residency?
I am writing a novel. This novel I have decided to title it 'I'm who I Am' as it is a reflection of my village, my people, and I am part of them. I see myself within the story, despite it being fiction. It is a reflection of the reality in my village and district and, in the end, my country. Its poverty, hopelessness, and identity loss. At first I wanted it to be 'Land of Flames' or 'Land and Flames' as Malawi means flames. But I thought I will be missing out in the inner reflection of the protagonist as a person who experiences what happens around him. There is murder, witchcraft, politics, human rights, democracy and freedom in this book from the perspective of a boy in a village. I look forward to what the story would turn to be like. But I am crazily determined to finish it in the residence. I am sure to achieve this. And find a publisher who can find this story worthy publishing for the international readership.
2. What does your daily practice look like for your writing? Do you have a certain time when you write? Any specific routine?
I wake up at 4am, do a bit of exercises and drink warm water. Then I begin writing. I work up to around 7am then I get a bath and take my breakfast. I see what the program for the day is. If free I do some more reading and writing. 5pm I am working again up to 10pm. I take a glass of wine or whiskey and try to sleep. This routine is not different from what I do at home. My daughters are used to this routine of mine and I am doing the same here in Iowa. And I haven't yet switched on the TV in my room. I am glued to this routine. A crazy routine. So much of city exploration is usually at noon and it is more about getting inspiration. I am learning a lot through that too.
3. What are you currently reading right now? Are you reading for research or pleasure?
I am reading two novels. Steinbeck and Vonnegut, 'Grapes of Wrath' and 'Slaughterhouse-Five' respectively. I have read Steinbeck's 'the Pearl' before. His social realism comes close to my project. Vonnegut, I am reading him for inner reflection of characters, the science fiction will help me in developing the magic and ritualism aspect in my novel. I have been introduced to him by a friend. I read this book years back by not on a serious note. Now I am reading it for research as I write my novel.
4. What is one thing the readers and writers of Iowa City should know about you and your work?
I am a social realist. I write to depict the reality in my country. My philosophy as a writer is that I write to liberate and enlighten my people. My work should stand that test as the work that has a purpose to influence change through genuinely reflecting the society.
5. Tell us a bit about where you are from - share some favorite details about your home.
I am from Malawi, Africa. Malawi is one of the poorest countries in Africa but quite beautiful and peaceful with lovely people. My home is up north of the country in Karonga, amongst the Ngonde people, one of the minority tribal groups. Very conservative and highly believes in witchcraft and strict traditions. A village along the Lake Malawi called Mwanjabala is where I come from. This village is an inspiration of the work I am writing here and several others written before. Actually, my whole district Karonga is my inspiration. Of course, I live in one of the secondary cities in my country, Mzuzu. Far from my home, but I frequently visit my home.
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Thank you so much Ndongolera!