1. Full name: Maryfridah Kathure Kiaira a.k.a Mayfee
2. Favorite food: Savoury soft meat with anything
3. Favorite song: Emeli Sande 'Read All about It'
4. Favorite book: Do I have to pick one? Uh, The Bible,
5. Favorite verse: Matthew 6:33 But seek first His Kingdom and Righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well
6. Favorite quote: I have two. Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail – Ralph Waldo Emerson. It's all in the mind - by me.
7. Hobbies: Reading, Writing, Creating, Texting, Movies, Traveling, Storytelling
1. Tell us a bit about what you do
I love telling stories. I enjoy writing my own books across different genres (fiction, nonfiction, children's books, teen fiction) and helping authors refine their work and publish it through Write Esse. I started Write Esse to help authors interested in self-publishing.
I'm also passionate about helping businesses particularly SMEs tell their stories in an appealing way that captures their passions. Entrepreneurs are some of the most hardworking people on this planet, and many times articulating their products and services can get lost in techy language. When I work with SMEs I aim to bring out their essence through their messaging across platforms through storytelling. I could go on and on.
Lastly, I enjoy creating platforms where people can talk freely about mental health seeing how this affects many young people today. Many of my books touch on mental health so I realized my passion for mental health advocacy in this way and am pursuing it through Write Life Kenya: www.writelifekenya.org
2. How did you get into this line of work?
I have always enjoyed storytelling. My grandmother Evangeline told me many Kimeru tales to pass the time as we ate dinner in the evenings (or is it supper ha ha). Later in school, I enjoyed writing compositions and reading novels. I studied Economics in undergrad and at master's level which diversified my writing toward business and advocacy as well. My Christian faith shaped my passion for doing it with purpose.
3. What has been the greatest challenge you have faced in the line of career you are in?
Figuring out how my passion for writing can earn me a living. That is still a work in progress. I've kept at it purely because I love it so much. To me, it does not make sense to not write or create.
4. Who do you look up to? Why?
I have many mentors, coaches, family, and friends I look up to. I believe you can learn from anyone, even a small child. However, ultimately, I look up to God because He has the manual. We are prone to translating it according to our viewpoints so I strive to run things by Him as much as I can.
5. How much does what you learned throughout school apply to the field you are in?
Lots, in the sense that school exposed me to a variety of people, experiences, and subjects that expanded my mind. That's basically what good education should do.
6. How do you ensure you are attuned to God's purpose whilst pursuing your dream? What values do you embrace to ensure you perform at your best?
I consult Him a lot, and many times I can tell when my own ambitions or fears are getting in the way of His purpose for me. I've wanted to throw in the towel a couple of times, and follow more 'practical' paths but I find it more meaningful and fulfilling to trust the path He is charting for me.
On values, honesty, and integrity in dealing with each person I serve are what I hold most dearly. For my line of work, burning the midnight oil is a necessity, as it is for all entrepreneurs.
7. What message would you give to young people out there?
Embrace your weirdness. Be uniquely you! That's why God made you as you are.
1. Time for Goliath to Die So Take The Shot
This was my first publication shortly after University. It's an inspirational booklet from the story of David and Goliath. It is suitable for pre-teens to adults. Price: 100/-.
2. Triumph of Faith
My second book is a Christian Fiction Novellete. It's the story of a young lady Maria navigating grief and loss and her journey of faith as she goes back to her homeland in Meru. It is suitable for teens to adults.
In high school, I wrote a lot of romance drafts in A4 exercise books to pass the time. My classmates loved them. The majority of the novels available to us back then were romance books, and I'm not talking innocent love kind. They were graphic.
My hope in writing these is that I can add to what's available for those who love that genre as I do consume, especially young minds. All my books are faith-guided.
Suitable for older teens and adults.
Price: 500/-
3. The Crooked Crown
I wrote The Crooked Crown for all those in search of a sense of identity. It's also a Christian Fiction Novellete about Tabitha, a young graduate in search of her father. This book is my favorite in this genre because it has touched many lives. Sometimes I read the messages I get from my readers and I'm amazed at how God can use one's passion to bring healing.
Suitable for teens and adults.
Price: 500/-.
4. The Detour
Young ladies. Sponsor culture. That's what led me to write the story of Kanana, Riziki and Kinoti. It's also a Christian Fiction Novellete.
Suitable for teens and adults.
Price: 500/-.
5. A Warrior's Mind
In 2018 for a brief period, I fell into Post Natal Depression. I've had a run-in with depression and anxiety a couple of times in high school, campus but this felt like a cavern I could not lift myself from. Once I got help and support, I decided to delve into God's Word, the manual for life so that I would not find myself here again.
This book is a documentation of all I learned and applied in my second pregnancy and am still applying now. In it, I share my story as well as the lessons I learned that allowed me to navigate a very difficult second pregnancy with peak mental health. I call it a Christian guide to mental health.
Suitable for older teens and adults.
Price: 1500/-
6. Imani and The Fruit of the Spirit
I wrote this book for my daughter and published it so other children can get to learn the Fruit of the Spirit as an interactive bedtime story.
Suitable for preschoolers
Price: 500/-
7. Katena's Light; Immalya's Courage
I wrote these two stories for my dear girls Makena and Kathomi and all preteens and teens to remind them to embrace their uniqueness and the courage to be different.
Suitable for pre-teens and early teens.
Price: 500/-
Let's see what the new year brings along...
You can order any of my books at www.writeesse.com or through 0716680329 /email admin@writeesse.com. Cheers!
