There are creatives and then filmmakers and then there are creative filmmakers. She would have been a filmmaker probably entertaining us on screens like Maria or Zora but here she is, putting them down with a pen.
Naomi Kinyua Alias Mama Lipsete is a creative writer with a pen in her arm ready to put down her films.. She would have stayed anonymous given a chance but we are here to explore the world right? This is what she had to say…
- Give us a brief profile of yourself
I like to stay anonymous but I am a woman and a writer, a mother of two wonderful children. I love to write simple stories about women, the African woman.
- Say something interesting about yourself.
I have films in my brain. My stories are movies in my head and my pen is the scriptwriter and the director, the reader watches. That’s why some of my stories have series.
- What attracted/inspired you to blog?
The films in my head. They were exploding. I needed them out even to just one reader. I had no video camera but I had a pen. So I chose the most accessible forum.
- You could have written anything, why this niche specifically?
I wanted to enjoy what I do and what I am. A woman with stories to tell. There is contentment where passion lies.
5. What accomplishments are you proud of?
The thousands of women and even readers I have reached through my stories. Here I am, a mere woman in a remote village of Meru nowhere near the capital city, or any other big city, with strangers asking for more of my stories. They don’t know me, just my handwriting. I am humbled.
- If you could sit down with your 13-year-old self, what would you tell her?
Put everything in writing. You will need it someday.
- If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Shy but bold
- If you could time travel where would you go?
I would get a sneak peek of the future and see how much time we have before the armageddon asteroid strikes. Wouldn’t want to be as unfortunate as the poor dinosaurs.
9. What is the weirdest food combination you have ever tried?
I like to yoghurt my porridge. Lots of people say that’s weird. I don’t.
10. If you were not a blogger, what would you be instead? Do you have a day job?
Yes, I teach literature to some amazing students.
- Of all the posts you have ever written, which one is your favourite? Why?
I spied on my son, https://mamlipsete.wpcomstaging.com/i-spied-on-my-son/
Literary non-fiction. It received the most reactions, especially from parents. A close friend even forwarded me the story, telling me to read it and learn something from it as a parent and guardian. I asked her where she found the story and she was like, “That story is everywhere, that’s what’s trending now!” Little did she know that I was Mam Lipsete, the writer of the story.
12. What is the most difficult thing you ever had to do?
Giving writing a break. I suffered a serious burnout. I would have few hours of sleep and then wake up and write and then when I got ill, that was what it took for me to have a change of plan. I thought to give it a break. I am now back, moderately though.
13. Who is the most influential person in your life and why?
I don’t have one person who would control my thinking but I will easily get intrigued by a strong woman who has a success story, however small. Sometimes I am inclined to Maya Angelou, her way of putting her thought on paper, or Oprah’s resilience, then that woman in the local village with six children but pays school fees for all them from her small kibanda inspires me. Then I meet this ‘disabled’ young lady competing in sports, almost oblivious of our perceived disability and I feel motivated…The list is endless proving everybody has something to learn from.
14. Besides blogging, what else do you do? What is your obsession?
I love to spend quality time with my children. They are my obsession, best friends though they have their own best friends…haha. They cause the most joy out of me, though they will sometimes cause the most ire still…children! Smh!
15. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
A song actually gave me the best advice. Fear by Blue October “ Fear will reel you in and spit you out …believe in yourself and you will walk…” I heard the lyrics over and over and then wrote my first public story…the rest…
16. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years
I want to be a published author. I am working on it now. I also plan to publish some of the best stories in my blog in hard copy. So in 5 years, I want to see my name on a review in a newspaper with a caption, “Bestseller!” So help me God!
17. Is there a quote/mantra you live by?
If you think your life is tough, think of a crime writer who has to explain their google history.
18. If you would be a superhero, who would you be and why?
PJ Masks. My kids would be so proud of me.
19. What lessons have you learnt the most from 2020 and how do you plan to make a difference?
No one is immune. One day you could be as healthy as a horse the next you could be buying God-given air to keep you alive. One day you could be boss to hundreds of employees, the next day you are closing shop and the people who come through for you are your former employees. One day you could be planning a date with a close friend, the next day you are mourning their death. So enjoy while it lasts. Love when you can. Save as much for a bad day. Walk away from people who cause you pain. Pray when you have the strength.
On stories written by women for women and the whole world, Mama Lipsete has had her eyes fixed on the good women. You can check out her blog for more