An Interview with DBharo
NOVELTY FICTION – Your native language is Shona, but you chose to write your novella in English. What made you decide to write in English rather than your mother tongue?
DBharo – I discovered that investors, producers, and agents wouldn’t notice the gift in me for storytelling if I stuck to writing in Shona. I believe that by squeezing myself into English, things may work out better for me, and doing so also helps me improve my skills. Had I written this book in my mother tongue, the prospect of recognition would have remained a farfetched dream.
As for Africa, all my hopes are lost. I seek global recognition through the entertainment industry, aiming to engage myself with film executives who would like to adapt my books – not only Echoes of Trauma – into good movies.
NOVELTY FICTION – As far as the English you used in “Echoes of Trauma” and other manuscripts, you once mentioned that it is self-taught but reflects your grandfather’s way of speaking. Please explain in specific terms your interactions with him that enabled him to influence you in this important way.
DBharo – My grandfather and I never met; he died long before I was born. From the information I gathered as a person who loves tracing the roots of my descent, Bharo was a seer. Hence, I believe that a spiritual connection exists between my late grandfather and myself. It’s hard to explain, but I believe we connect through the spiritual realm and dreams.
Whenever I write, I feel his presence guiding me, and hear the echoes of his voice escorting me through. I can hear him in my imagination. This bond inspires my writing and shapes my storytelling. In fact, I am a tradition-bound man believing in unimagined life and mystery.
NOVELTY FICTION – Apart from “Echoes of Trauma,” you showed us three other fictional manuscripts. Have you subsequently brought your dialog and prose into line with conventional written English? What methods did you use?
DBharo – Yes, I have done this by studying the work of other authors, practicing writing in different styles, and getting feedback from colleagues. I have worked on refining my prose and dialogue to make them understandable, at a minimum. I’m still learning and growing as a writer, but am committed to crafting engaging stories that resonate with my audience. I believe my manuscripts can become more polished and accessible if I continue to engage myself with editors and beta readers.
With their patience and understanding, your editors have helped refine my work, making it more understandable. As a non-native English speaker, I sometimes struggle with expression; but while writing, I primarily listen to the inner voice that guides me. In “Echoes of Trauma,” I drew upon personal experiences, and the story unfolded naturally.
NOVELTY FICTION – Your main character, Jai Sky, leaves his wife and children behind to travel to East London, hoping to repatriate the body of his good friend Troy. As the story develops, he puts his life at risk and takes a mistress. His family at home never seems to concern him. What made you portray this key character as a romantic for whom loyalty to a friend is apparently more important than the well-being of his own family? Does this reflect your own values in some way?
DBharo – No, it doesn’t actually reveal my true self, or how I behave as a man. Ultimately, friendship is just that – friendship. It’s essential for personal growth, but its importance varies depending on individual goals and interests. For me, family comes first, then friends. I don’t think friendship can replace family, except under extraordinary circumstances.
We, as human beings, are driven by emotions. In the world of crime and injustice, Jai Sky got tempted for a good purpose. His interaction with Noni was meant to be a one night stand but then extended into betrayal. The spirit of his friend Troy drove Jai Sky into the heart of a humble and honest person who could help him reveal the truth. As the story unfolds, his wife will eventually come to know about the mistress and her pregnancy. Let’s wait and watch what’s the twists will be like!
NOVELTY FICTION – Considering its depictions of the rough landscapes where Jai Sky and Troy walked around in search of work, “Echoes of Trauma” reminded our editor of John Steinbeck’s novella “Of Mice and Men.” Was your story inspired by his literary classic or similar works?
DBharo – I hadn’t read “Of Mice and Men” before writing “Echoes of Trauma.” My influences come from other books like “Shane” by Jack Schaefer and “Treasure Island” by R.L. Stevenson. These stories shaped my narrative skills, but my genre is more mystery-focused.
NOVELTY FICTION – Although your novella is plot-driven, it features more than a handful noteworthy characters. Describe your work developing these characters. Were you infatuated by all your characters, including the “bad guys” and those with a flawed character?
DBharo – I started with a diary, but it evolved into a full story. I introduced more characters to flesh out the plot and explore themes of crime and justice. The “bad guys” emerged naturally from the story, driven by their own motivations and flaws.
NOVELTY FICTION – Your novella has graphic depictions of East London and some desolate areas in that region. What are your own experiences with living, working, and traveling in South Africa? Does this book reflect your personal observations, research, and/or your imagination?
DBharo – I’ve spent time in Rustenburg and George, and researched East London to bring the setting to life. While some places are real, others are imagined. I drew from personal experiences to create a sense of authenticity.
I have been surviving in South Africa for sixteen years now, which is half of my life in diaspora. Rustenburg is my second home, where I am witnessing the crimes ravaging on the southland. Living away from my native home for so long influences and inspires the build-up for many of my stories.
NOVELTY FICTION – Anything else you would like to share with our readers?
DBharo – Readers, take a deep breath! “Echoes of Trauma” is just the beginning. I’m working on a series, delving deeper into my journey as a writer and filmmaker. Expect more mysterious events and personal stories to unfold.
(c) 2025 by Novelty Fiction
