For The Love of Mia by Carter Msilisi @getpublshdbooks

About the Author

Carter Msilisi is an up-and-coming author. Msilisi has been writing ever since he was a teenager. He won multiple awards in arts festivals in South Africa for his short stories. Msilisi has just released his debut book Mass Hysteria under his indie publishing company PUBLSHD. Msilisi continues to explore his love of storytelling through books and a podcast.

Qn 1: Can you tell us more about your book What is it about?

I had struggled for years to find the right medium for this story to be told. It went through multiple forms and iterations before I settled on Poetry. it was a big risk because I was not well versed (pun not intended) in poetry but, the outcome was a book I was proud to share. This book is about a man who has been in love with a woman for 10 years of his life. He must learn to let go of her and writing these poems to her is his way to let go and heal. It might or might not be based on true events. The main message or theme of the book is “love”. How we perceive love and how we don’t always know its true meaning until it’s gone. We want to mean what we need to mean and that can lead us to lose relationships that were important to us.

Qn 2: Who do you think would be interested in this book, is it directed at any particular market?

This book is directed to the wider public but, if I were to gear specifically to any particular audience I would say to anyone who has been in love. Anyone who knows how it feels to have a one-sided love affair. Anyone who knows that love is and can be messy. It is for those people who have ached for someone and had their feelings crushed. I want to let people know that there is a way forward. You can let that person go and find the love you deserve.

Qn 3: Out of all the books in the world, and all the authors, which are your favourite and why?

It’s actually funny because I am usually a thriller and fantasy writer so I am inspired by authors like Vince Flynn (American Assassin and Gillian Flynn (Sharp Objects) but recently I have gotten really into the works of poet Megha Rao. Her poetry inspired me to try this form of writing. Her work is so raw and emotional it made me fall in love with the genre.

Qn 4: What guidance would you offer to someone new, or trying to enhance their writing?

Write about the things you are passionate about. Don’t write about what you think people want to read. With my first book, I made the mistake of writing the safest book I could write. It felt like a chore. Once I embraced what mi=y mind and heart desired to convey it all became clear and writing became enjoyable. Be patient with your work and keep writing and realizing your works. Write for yourself and eventually, people will slowly start to recognize your work. The only person whose opinion matters in your writing is you.

Qn 5: Where can our readers find out more about you, do you have a website, or a way to be contacted?

You can find more about me on my website: https://getpublshd.wixsite.com/cartermsilisi or send me an email at cartermsilisi@gmail.com.