About the Author: Rachel Banda

I am Rachel Banda, a retired professional secretary, devoted mother of seven children, and proud grandmother of fourteen. Born and raised in Zambia, I hail from Petauke and currently reside in Kabulonga, Lusaka.

Background and Education

I was born on 20th May, 1957, in Kitwe, Copperbelt Province. I am the second-born in a family of six women and one man. I spent most of my life on the Copperbelt until relocating to Lusaka in 2019.

My educational journey began in 1963 at Mutende Lower Primary School. I later attended Kawama Upper Primary School from Grade 5-7. I then attended Mindolo Girls Secondary School from 1970 to 1974, where I completed my Cambridge School Certificate Examinations in Form 5.

In 1975, I underwent compulsory National Service training at Masaiti Camp in Ndola. I was part of the first school leaver recruitment intake. The following year, I travelled to London, United Kingdom, to pursue a secretarial course.

Inspiration and Motivation

As an avid reader and lover of literature, I draw inspiration from various foreign authors who have written about their countries' lifestyles. I feel compelled to share my own Zambian experiences, and my writings are a testament to my rich cultural heritage.

As a fiction author, I draw inspiration from real-life Zambian stories that unfold in our communities. I combine real-life events with fictional stories to share my views on important issues and highlight Zambia's unique culture.

The driving force behind my writing is the positive feedback from readers. Their encouraging reviews motivate me to continue crafting stories that resonate with my audience.

What sparks my creativity is the desire to address societal problems and offer solutions. Whenever I encounter a challenge in our community, I feel compelled to write a fictional story that presents my thoughts on the issue.

Challenges and Growth

Throughout my writing journey, I have faced significant challenges. The high cost of producing books and the difficulty of selling them in a market with limited outlets for Zambian-authored books have been notable obstacles. Additionally, bookstores often charge exorbitant fees without providing adequate advertising support.

Despite these challenges, I remain committed to my craft. When faced with negative feedback, I view it as an opportunity to grow and improve.

Hobbies and Interests

In my free time, I enjoy baking and tailoring. Although my busy schedule has limited my ability to pursue projects in the past, I remain dedicated to prioritizing my family's needs while continuing to write.

By balancing my passions and responsibilities, I strive to create stories that not only reflect the beauty of Zambian culture but also inspire positive change in our communities.