Our blogger of the month is  Fadzai Nova!

Fadzai Nova (F Nova) is a writer, poet and performer. Her writing explores the nature of life and what it means to simply be human. She honours the power of words and uses her writing to heal, entertain and provide philosophical insights.  She is a University of Cape Town graduate and currently lives in Pretoria, South Africa. Her latest work is a book titled The Red Flowers which is a collection of insightful poetry and surprising short stories. Fadzai has built a solid foundation as a writer. In March 2021 she completed a publication with the South Africa Cities Network aimed at co-creating cities with young people between the ages of 18-35 in her country.

In May 2021 she co-wrote a poem titled “A Celebration” which was translated into a wall mural by 8 visual artists and facilitated by Alexandra Grant. The mural stands in E’skia Mphahlele library in Pretoria and was made possible by the American Arts Corner and the Embassy of the United States. Fadzai’s mission is to uplift Africa through the arts. When she is not writing you can find her planning an Afridrum event where she helps promote developing artists

Location: Pretoria, South Africa 

Q. What is one productivity app, gadget, or tool you use consistently?

I use exercise books (like the ones I used in primary school) to keep track of my productivity. I enjoy the manual act of writing things down and if my own mind can’t help me stay productive, nothing will.   

Q. How do you practice self-care in your life?

I practice self-care in many ways, the main ones are:

–   Early mornings focused on connecting with myself, nature & Spirit  

–   Meditation & trusting my intuition

–   Living a balanced, healthy lifestyle with frequent exercise

–   Being gentle, patient & loving with myself as best I can

Q. What is one pet peeve of yours?  

People who judge others based on differing spiritual beliefs, race, class, sexual preferences ect.   Whooooo! This really makes my blood boil. I have to remind myself not to judge in return.

Q. What is one thing you love about yourself?

My sensitivity, I used to think it was a weakness. Now I realize it’s a precious gift to be able to feel & see deeply.

Q. What is one thing that makes you laugh hard?

Tik Tok, there are some really funny videos on there.

Q. What is one thing about you most people don’t know?

I can cook ?  

Q. What is one cause or initiative you believe in and support?

Women and children’s safety, wellbeing and education.   

Q. What is one way you practice kindness to women in your life?

I try to be a compassionate and an active listener.

Q. What is one personal or professional development resource (book, podcast, course, video, song) you recommend?

An audio podcast called The Strangest Secret by Earl Nightingale (YouTube)

(The Strangest Secret Earl Nightingale Conant 1950’s Original FULL – YouTube)

Q. What is one of your favorite mantras or quotes?

“And some want us to be ashamed of our beauty, give them no second thought. Blossom, you beautiful flower.”

Bonus Question:

Q. Who is one woman in your network you’d like to see featured on the blog and blogger spotlight series? 

A fellow Pan African Women Empowerment Network (PAWEN) student ― Juliana Joy Odhiambo from Kenya.  A young and talented writer, Juliana has started an online magazine for women.