Rising novelist Eunice Urio weaves honesty
and culture into every history. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
Recently
launched by Minister of Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Adolf Mkenda,
Eunice Urio's fictitious masterpiece, A Tangled Web, targets young
readers with a barrage of life lessons. Eunice Urio, the celebrated author,
revealed that her book delves into the consequences of lying, the allure of
wealth and money obtained through illegitimate means, and the critical
importance of morals and life discipline.
Urio
doesn’t just stop at storytelling; she passionately addresses the numerous
challenges writers face, particularly the lack of financial resources. She
urges the government to create a supportive environment for the entire value
chain of book production, making it easier for authors to thrive.
"Books
narrate our culture and preserve the memory of our lives and the eras we live
in. If people do not write, there will come a time when they will ask what used
to happen in the past. People must document these memories, as it is also a way
to teach future generations and preserve our traditions and customs,"
emphasized Eunice Urio in an exclusive interview with above mentioned senior
reporter
Dive
into this thrilling feature story to uncover the profound insights and
relentless advocacy of Eunice Urio as she champions the power of literature and
the necessity of preserving our cultural heritage through the written word.
Q:
What inspired you to write A Tangled Web and what key message do you
want young readers to take away from it?
What
inspired me to write A Tangled Web was the concept of lies and their
consequence. In our communities, people often tell lies, but instead of
addressing the root causes, we focus on the lie itself. In my book, a girl lies
to her family about having a fiancé, even though she does not have one. This
reflects the pressure women face in African traditional societies to marry by a
certain age. The
story delves into the profound impact of deceit and the often-hidden hypocrisy
that can exist within families.
Through engaging narratives, it underscores the value of truthfulness and the significance of empathy. By understanding the motivations behind people's actions, rather than hastily passing judgment, young readers are encouraged to cultivate a deeper sense of compassion and integrity. This tale serves as a poignant reminder that honesty is not just a moral obligation but a pathway to stronger, more authentic relationships. The lessons learned here aim to inspire young minds to prioritize truth and understanding in their interactions.
Q:
How do you address the challenges of financial resources and support for
writers in your book, and what solutions do you propose?
Many
local authors opt for self-publishing where they can get more returns for their
efforts, paying all costs themselves, while others work with publishers who
provide royalties after sales. In developed countries, publishers often give
big authors advances which help them to focus on writing. I propose creating
more opportunities for grants, writing residencies, and workshops that offer
financial support. As well, fostering collaborations between private sectors
and government to create initiatives that support emerging writers can make a
significant difference.
Q:
In what ways do you believe storytelling contributes to preserving culture and
documenting the history of future generations?
Storytelling
is vital in preserving culture and documenting history. It captures the essence
of a community’s traditions, beliefs, and experiences, serving as a bridge
between generations. By documenting cultural narratives, literature helps
future generations understand their heritage and the societal dynamics of their
ancestors. It also dispels myths and provides context for cultural practices,
ensuring that history is preserved accurately and meaningfully.
Q:
Can you describe a particularly impactful moment or lesson from your book that
you feel will resonate with young readers?
A
particularly impactful moment in A Tangled Web is when Upendo, who is
attending the wedding between her ex-fiancé and her cousin, enters into a
heated confrontation with the bride and lies that she has a fiancé of her own.
The outright lie highlights the pressure to conform to societal expectations,
and the negative consequences. The lesson here is the danger of dishonesty and
the importance of being true to oneself. This moment teaches young readers that
integrity and authenticity are crucial, even in the face of societal pressures.
Q:
What role do you think the government should play in supporting authors and
promoting literature in Tanzania?
The
government should play a significant role in supporting authors and promoting
literature in Tanzania. It needs to create policies and regulations that foster
an environment where the book publishing sector can flourish and grow. This
includes funding for literary programs, offering grants and subsidies for
writers, and creating platforms for local authors to showcase their work.
Additionally, reducing taxes levied on the entire book production process can
also make the literary market more accessible, allowing writers to earn more so
they can focus on their craft and contribute to the cultural and educational
landscape of the country.
Q
How do you balance writing with the demands of the development sector and how
has your professional experience influenced your work as an author?
Balancing
writing with the demands of the development sector requires effective time
management and passion for both fields. My professional experience in
development issues and community dynamics enriches my storytelling, allowing me
to create authentic characters and scenarios. I often work late into the night,
using my flexible schedule as a private consultant to my advantage. My
background in communication has also helped me in ensuring that my writing
effectively conveys messages to my audience. This dual expertise enables me to
write compelling stories that reflect real-world challenges and experiences.
Q:
What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are facing similar
challenges and striving to make their mark in the literary world?
To
aspiring writers, I would say: stay persistent and passionate about your craft.
Seek out writing communities and mentors for support and guidance. Continuously
improve your skills through reading, writing, and workshops. Every writer faces
setbacks, but perseverance and dedication will lead to success. Consider
self-publishing if traditional routes are challenging, and draw inspiration
from successful authors who persisted despite numerous rejections. Keep
writing, never give up, and find a publishing system that works for you.