Author forges his path with debut novel

In an inspiring journey from struggle to success, 24-year-old Vuyo Kanjana from Daveyton has emerged as a beacon of perseverance in the literary world with the release of his debut novel, Find.

Published last August, the book is a love story entwined with themes of betrayal and redemption, reflecting on Kanjana’s battles and aspirations.

The novel is about a man and woman who are deeply in love but face family problems and personal struggles. It looks at how their love helps them deal with their pain and challenges.

“The female protagonist discovers that the man she loves might have been involved in the death of her sister, while her family has wreaked havoc on his life. It’s an illustration of love conquering all odds,” said Kanjana.

Having once struggled with drug addiction, Kanjana found solace and inspiration in books like Rich Dad, Poor Dad and Think Like a Monk. These two books motivated him to seek a path of self-improvement and led him to channel his pain into writing.

“Writing became a form of therapy for me. I wanted to help others who have faced similar struggles. The process of writing the book was a tiring one for me because it took me about four years to complete.”

Kanjana described writing his book as an emotional roller coaster.

“When it was time for the book to be published, I faced challenges such as poor editing and inadequate support. This also negatively affected the book launch because I struggled with marketing and public perception, which often felt like I was overlooked due to my age.”

Despite these setbacks, he remains resolute.

Currently working a minimum-wage job to fund the re-publication and promotion of his book, Kanjana is determined to see his work reach a wider audience.

He plans to explore self-publishing avenues to avoid the pitfalls he encountered, and a vision to support emerging writers through his own future publishing company drives him.

“I want to create opportunities for other young authors and ensure they have the support I lacked,” he said.

Currently working on five other manuscripts, including one that will delve into African history and celebrate its notable figures, Kanjana’s literary influences include EL James, William Shakespeare and modern thinkers like Jay Shetty.

These influences, coupled with his own life experiences, have shaped his writing style and themes.
Kanjanao’s admiration for authors like Jane Austen and his uncle, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, underscore his diverse literary tastes and personal connections.

“Books are vital to the mind. They teach and heal. I hope my work can make a difference, even if it’s just for a few readers. Our problems don’t define us. It is our response to them that matters,” he concluded.

To buy Kanjana’s book, call him on 060 505 8389.

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