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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best book magazine in the UK“, author Njambi McGrath shares the inspiration behind her new book, Rinsing Mũkami’s Soul, and writing about the societal response to gender, sex and redemption.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed Njambi McGrath about her life and career, being inspired to write about gender, sex and redemption, and the story of her new book, Rinsing Mũkami’s Soul.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
I am a stand up comedian, author and political commentator
When did you first WANT to write a book?
When I was 15 something compelled me take a piece of paper, sit down and began writing. I only wrote a couple of pages and gave it to someone to read it. Their reaction was ‘did you copy that from somewhere?’ I was flattered and surprised but that was not the right time for me because teen life got in the way. Also there’s something about maturity and sharpens the eye. It wasn’t until years later after my father died that I felt I needed an outlet for all my emotional baggage.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
Soon after my father died, I wanted to scream to the world about all the rage and frustration I felt. I began writing in 2014 within a couple of months after his death. It was finished in 2018 and published in2020 so 6 years.
How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?
3 years
Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write Rinsing Mũkami’s Soul?
Writing my memoir Through The Leopard’s Gaze opened my eyes to the literary world. I rather loved writing and found I had a way with words. I loved the idea of sharing my creation with the outer world. I also knew after the book was finished that it wasn’t going to be the end of my writing. I still had so much I wanted to tell; stories of people in Kenya. Often narrators of African stories tend to be of a different perspective. A patronisising and paternalistic perspective. I wanted people to hear it from the horses mouth.
What were your biggest challenges with writing Rinsing Mũkami’s Soul?
As with any author, the toughest bit composing the story. Then narrowing the focus of who, when and where the characters are, their motivation and their end goal. Then of course writing is a real labour of love. It’s time consuming and you don’t even know whether anyone will publish or even want to read the book.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?
As a young teen growing up in the 80’s Kenya, I witnessed and knew people who experienced some of the issues Mũkami is experiencing in the book. Watching and hearing the struggle of young girls, how they are preyed on, and how they are blamed for being victims. Sexual assault and abortions afflict many people round the world. Like most women round the world, you couldn’t walk past mini busdrivers without being cat called, bottom slapped or even worse.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?
Antagonists are ubiquitous. Nairobi is a thriving and bustling city. Living in and around Nairobi, it’s clear to see who the protagonists and antagonists are. These are people I encountered, interacted with or even knew personally.
What is the inciting incident of Rinsing Mũkami’s Soul?
The events of the school disco where Mũkami finds herself in a compromising situation. This is the catalyst that sets the ball rolling in the opposite direction against of backdrop of a community under threat.
What is the main conflict of Rinsing Mũkami’s Soul?
Mũkami’s life is in peril. Derailed from a goal that seemed so close yet so far. She must find a safe abortion by navigating the backstreets of Nairobi. She must also somehow find a way of getting back to school without her mother finding out. All this in the backdrop of a looming eviction.
Did you plot Rinsing Mũkami’s Soul in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?
I’m not one of those authours that plot things out. I not a logical person but rather spontenous. I love to discover characters as the story takes shape and the road ahead begins to take form. I love to see where the story takes me. Once I have several chapters, a thread begins to emerge and only the do I begin to change the order of the chapters as new themes and character’s journey evolves.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Rinsing Mũkami’s Soul need?
I have a very disticitve style of writing so the editing I did was with a collaboration with my publishers.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?
Get started yesterday.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
Rinsing Mũkami’s Soul is derived from a draft I did about a group of residents in a rundown slum Reisdents of the Ministry of Works. Mũkami’s story was more pertinent and felt compelled to ciphen her off and tell her story first. Maybe there will be spin offs with other characters.
And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
Of course! And of course.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3QUMZrK
Hardcover: https://amzn.to/4ausNUH
twitter @njambimcgrath
tiktok @njambimcgrathcomedy
Insta @njambimcgrath
Facebook @njambimcgrath comedy
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