Happiness is a Four Letter Word is a film that has done remarkably well in SA since it came out last month. Scores of South Africans came out in their numbers to be enthralled by the story centered around three women based in Joburg searching for love and success. If you haven’t yet, check out the trailer here.
The movie is based on the book written by the award winning author Nozizwe Cynthia Jele. We chatted to this incredibly talented storyteller to find out what makes her tick, how she navigates the publishing industry and how she feels about the success of her novel and movie.
By: Fundiswa Nkwanyana
1.What is the meaning behind the title of your book?
The title is an open-ended comment which allows readers to interpret it in a way that is personal to them. Happiness has a different meaning for everyone; it’s what you make it.
2. What inspired you to write the book?
Although I love reading, I was tired of books that I battled to identify with because most of them were set in different countries with different nationalities. Based on that, I decided to write a book that people could identify with. I was nervous because it was my first. I had no literature qualifications; all I knew was that I wanted to write it. I started writing about the women I know and mirrored the average modern day woman’s life.
3. What are the challenges of writing a book and getting it published?
The most difficult part is getting started; moving it from an idea to paper. The writing process is lonely and requires a lot of discipline. For months, the characters of the book become a part of your life. I started writing and asked my friends to read my drafts. When I was ready, I approached publishers. Many publishers in the country are looking for books by black authors, so there are a lot of opportunities out there.
4. How did the idea of a movie on your book come about?
My book won an award for a novel with the potential to be translated into a visual medium, so the idea was already out there. Bongiwe Selane, the producer of the movie, loved the book and saw its potential. Bongiwe, together with a dedicated team, poured their hearts and souls into the making of the movie. I used to sit in meetings in awe of the amount of dedication that went into making the movie.
5. The movie is doing well in cinemas. How does that make you feel?
Before the movie was premiered, I was nervous because I didn’t know how my readers would react as some parts of the book were not in the movie. I was also excited because the quality of the production was amazing; the team that produced the movie worked really hard. The figures from the movie are overwhelming, and I am grateful for the support. The other day, I stood outside a cinema where the movie was showing, just to see for myself. I was blown away by the large number of people walking out of the cinema; it was great!
6. What more can we expect from you?
I’m currently writing a book which should be published in the near future.
7. What advice do you have for people who want to follow in your footsteps?
Just do it! We all have a story to tell, so let’s write and share our stories.
