S03 E01 Qarnita Loxton

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In their first-ever remote interview, Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel are joined by the charming and delightful Qarnita Loxton. As well as being an award-winning novelist, Qarnita is a regular listener to the podcast, so it was great to have her on this side of the microphone.

Qarnita is the author of the 'Being' series of novels, including Being Dianne, Being Lily, Being Kari, and Being Shelley. Qarnita describes how she recently submitted a new manuscript to a publisher and is now feeling bereft without it, as she waits to be drawn into a new idea. She tells Fiona and Gail how a writing course run by Mike Nichol got her into authorship, and how she situates her plots within detailed timelines.

Gail asks Qarnita whether she feels obliged to use her voice to speak on behalf of the South African woman's Muslim community or feels free to write about whatever she likes. Fiona asks about the importance of women's friendships in Qarnita's books and in real life.

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18 Mar 2024 English South Africa Books · Arts

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