TWO Publishing students officially launched their first book titled “The Curse of Red Bottom Heels.” The book launch was held in the Council Chambers on the 17th of October.
The ‘Curse of Red Bottom Heels’ is a fictional story based on real life troubles faced by two female students during their university life. The book explores the lifestyle chosen by these students due to financial troubles and the urge to live a lavish life.
The authors who are part of Zimbabwe Academic and Non-fiction writers Association stated that they used the book as a medium for addressing real life socio-economic issues. According to Mr. Ndabezinhle Mpofu the book also addresses adultery in marriages and consequences faced.
He added that they faced difficulties while writing the book as they initially pondered the book idea in 2016. However, on their industrial attachment year they made efforts to complete the book as they used the time to share ideas and compile the chapters.
“The whole experience was exciting because you learn new things when you are writing,” Mpofu said.
Ms Fikile Nyathi also added that writing the book was a long journey and there were times when they’d feel like giving up but they helped each other to finally finish the book.
The Vice-Chancellor Prof. Eng. Mqhele Dlodlo applauded the authors for their determination to write and finish a book while they battled with school work. He advised them keep up their momentum and continue writing more books even in different languages.
Dr. Ndabezinhle Dlodlo, a lecturer in the Publishing Department, became an outstanding contender who bought the first copy of the book for $250 along who matched his amount for a similar signed copy. Authors present at the launch had signed the copy which was auctioned for sale.
Dr. Dlodlo, stated that when the Department of Publishing studies was created in 2008 the main objective of the programme was to train a cadet of professionals that would cope with freelance editing and design in a digital era. He said that he was proud of the authors who went beyond the departments expectations by creatively and skilfully writing a book while they were still studying for their degrees.