Lauri Kubuitsile is one of Botswana’s most celebrated authors and has recently shared insights into her remarkable career of dedication, diverse storytelling, and an unflinching commitment to her craft – from her beginnings as a teacher to becoming an internationally acclaimed author with a deep love for the written word.
Kubuitsile reflected on her craft stating, “Writing has been my greatest adventure. It has taught me to be curious, to dig deeper, and to never stop asking questions.”
Reflecting on her early writing days, she recalled how her career began with serialised novellas like Kate Gomolemo, which eventually became a stepping stone for more significant opportunities.
“I had a printing and publishing business in Mahalapye where I ran The Central Advertiser. That’s where I started writing. When The Fatal Payout became a set book in junior secondary schools, I thought, ‘Maybe I could really do this.’”
Determined to pursue writing full-time, she sold her business to focus entirely on her craft. “It wasn’t easy, but I decided I would try to earn my keep from writing, any kind of writing,” she recalled. Over the years, she wrote TV scripts like Morwalela and Re Bina Mmogo and columns for Mmegi and The Voice. “It was all about survival in those early years, but I kept my eye on the goal: making a living solely from fiction. And now, I am here.”
For Kubuitsile, writing is a deeply personal process, and her characters often reflect pieces of herself. “Nearly every character I’ve ever written has a bit of me in them,” she admitted. “It is inevitable when you write fiction. You pour yourself into these characters, their struggles, and triumphs.”
Overcoming creative blocks has been a matter of discipline for her. “I write through it. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but sometimes I would sit at my desk and write utter nonsense. I might delete 2,000 words later, but those words help me break through the fog. Writing is not always about perfection, it is about persistence,” she said.
Her literary works span multiple genres and audiences, with some of her works focused on history and its complexities. One of her most celebrated novels, The Scattering, was inspired by a family trip to Lüderitz, Namibia. “I’ve always been curious about history. Researching for the book made me dive deeper into my roots and the interconnected histories of the region,” she explained. This passion also led to But Deliver Us from Evil, which explores fictional historical narratives based in Botswana.
Kubuitsile also excels in writing for younger audiences. Her work on children’s books and educational series reflects her creative versatility.
“Writing for young readers forces you to be sharp and creative within strict parameters,” she shared. “It’s a challenge, but one I thoroughly enjoy.”
Despite her success, Kubuitsile remains grounded in her motivations. “My responsibility is to myself,” she added. “I write to tell the truth as humanly as I see it. What happens after publication is out of my hands.”
Moreover, Kubuitsile shared insight into her current work as a comical fictional social narrative based in the modern era as well as other books in the pipeline but when probed for more details she teased, “I go where my creativity takes me. So we’ll see.”
Through her stories, Kubuitsile has brought Southern Africa’s complexities to life, explored historical injustices, and entertained readers across generations.
“I used to be a teacher, but for the past 20 years, writing has been my journey,” she said. “I have published nearly forty books, won awards, and had my work read worldwide. Helped a few writers along the way. It’s been a fulfilling, creative life I’m deeply grateful for. I think I’ve done alright.”
