....I'm like Jacob when he said, ''I won't let you go until you bless me''
Ahead of the launch of her debut novel Stay With Me on July 25, Author and Creative Phiwe is opening her heart to readers through a deeply personal story inspired by faith, grief and God's unwavering presence.
More than just a novel, Stay With Me is Phiwe's testimony well articulated in fiction, following a young woman's journey through heartbreak, healing and spiritual discovery.
In this exclusive interview with Page 6 Entertainment News, Phiwe shares the inspiration behind the book, the challenges she faced while writing it and why she hopes every reader walks away knowing they are never alone.
Q: Congratulations on your upcoming book launch! What inspired you to write Stay With Me, and what can readers expect from the story?
A: Thank you so much. I'm too excited about the launch and can't wait to experience it! God inspired this book.
I asked Him what He wanted me to do with this gift, and He gave me the title and simply said, 'Write'.
Readers will definitely learn quite a bit about me through this story, but above all, I hope it opens their hearts to Jesus because He is the answer to every form of pain or grief we may face.
Q: Without giving away too much, who is the main character, and what journey does she go through?
A: My main character is Siyamtsandza Dlamini. She experiences painful losses that leave her deeply wounded but never alone. Her story is one of personal discovery and finding God's presence through life's hardest moments.
Q: The title Stay With Me is quite emotional. What does it mean to you personally?
A: Personally, it's my daily plea to God. It's my silent prayer whether I'm experiencing chaos or joy that He would stay with me through it all.
I'm like Jacob when he said, "I won't let you go until you bless me." I know I need God with me every single day and in every moment.
Q: You're not only an author but also a graphic artist. Did your background in graphic design influence the way you imagined or presented this book, including its cover?
A: I'm a creative person with a very active imagination, which definitely helped me envision the story.
I had a clear idea of what I wanted for the cover, and I asked cover designer Lindokuhle Shabangu to bring that vision to life.
He's the reason we have such a beautiful and aesthetic cover. My graphic design journey is still quite new, and I'm continuing to grow in that space.
Q: You're also an avid reader. Which authors or books have had the biggest influence on your writing style?
A: God is definitely my greatest influence. After Him, I'd say Danielle Steel and James Patterson have contributed immensely to how I approach storytelling and writing.
Q: What message or feeling do you hope readers will take away after finishing Stay With Me?
A: I hope this story inspires readers to pursue a genuine relationship with God. Many of us know Him as God, but not as our Father, our King and our own personal Saviour.
My prayer is that this story awakens a desire to know Him more deeply and discover just how present He truly is.
Q: Every writer faces challenges. What was the most difficult part of writing this book, and how did you overcome it?
A: The hardest part was writing the siSwati dialogue. I knew it had to be included because it was important to the authenticity of the story, but I often doubted whether I had written it well enough.
Whenever I lacked confidence, I prayed, and God reminded me that what He starts, He finishes. I simply trusted Him to do the rest.
Q: Your book launch is happening on 25 July. What can attendees expect, and why shouldn't they miss it?
A: The launch will feature an open conversation about the book and the story behind it, including how it came to life.
I also hope to use the event to build a stronger community of local authors both aspiring and published so we can continue sharing our stories. It will also be a wonderful networking opportunity for writers and readers to connect.
Q: If you could describe Stay With Me in just three words, what would they be, and why?
A: The El Roi Testimony. In the Bible, Hagar encountered God in the wilderness after being mistreated, and she called Him El Roi, meaning
"The God who sees me." Siyamtsandza's story reflects that same truth discovering a God who sees, knows and never abandons His children.
Q: What's next for you after Stay With Me? Can readers expect more books or creative projects?
A: Absolutely! Readers can definitely expect more projects through Phiwe's Corner. By God's grace, the next one will be released as soon as it's ready. I can't reveal too much yet, but I promise it's going to be something special.
Bonus Round
Coffee or tea?
A: I'm definitely a coffee girl, although age is slowly convincing me to enjoy tea too.
Paperback or e-book?
A: Paperback, always. I love holding a book in my hands. E-books feel like they take away part of the book's character.
Morning writing or late-night writing?
A: Whenever inspiration strikes! I don't really have a set writing schedule.
If Stay With Me became a movie, who would you cast as the lead?
A: I'd cast myself. I understand Siyamtsandza's emotions and inner battles because so much of her journey reflects my own experiences.
Keep in touch with Phiwe here: https://www.instagram.com/phiwe_writes?igsh=cmpxcGl5ZzNwdDBl
