Q&A with Author Masande Ntshanga

Masande Ntshanga won the inaugural PEN International New Voices Award in 2013 for his short story “Space”, which was also recently shortlisted for the Caine Prize 2015. His debut novel, The Reactive (2014), was shortlisted for the 2015 Sunday Times Barry Ronge Fiction Prize and the 2014/2015 University of Johannesburg Prize for South African Writing. Masande recently signed two international book deals (one of which included film rights) for The Reactive to be published in North America and Germany. He has also been selected for the 2015 Civitella Ranieri Fellowship in Italy, along with PEN SA President Margie Orford.

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m working on a second novel.

Favourite part of the writing and publishing process?

My favourite part of the writing process is when I figure out a particularly difficult line, and it falls into place in a way I didn’t anticipate.

Any characters (yours or another writer’s) that have stuck with you?

Anthony James from The Ecstatic by Victor LaValle.

Any advice / tips for writers starting out?

Read as widely as possible, from different parts of the world, and when you feel equipped enough in the mechanics of the form, turn your attention to your own society, but before taking a position, try to prioritize observation.

What was the last book you recommended to someone?

Tales of the Metric System by Imraan Coovadia.

Hardest part of the writing and publishing process?

The hardest part of the writing process for me is often the middle of a first draft, after the push from the initial inspiration. It’s the part that requires the most tenacity, I feel, and often the difference between starting and finishing. The hardest part about publishing are the deadlines during revisions, and also having to avail yourself to talk about the work after what could be years of working on it in solitude.

South African writers or books that have made an impact on you?

High Low In-between by Imraan Coovadia and Penumbra by Songeziwe Mahlangu.

What are you reading at the moment?

The Book of the Aron by Jim Shepard.

Any other genres that you’re interested in trying your hand at?

I’m also interested in speculative fiction and science-fiction.

Proudest moment of your writing career?

It’s a tie between being in Reykjavik for the inaugural PEN New Voices Award and receiving the proofs for my first novel.