Alice Vye Henningway Advocates for Digital Nomadism in Zimbabwe’s Literary Scene

Spain-based Zimbabwean writer Alice Vye Henningway is calling on the literacy fraternity to embrace the digital nomad lifestyle as a strategy for survival in the ever-evolving global literary market. Henningway, born in Chiredzi in 1972, has made significant strides in writing, publishing several books inspired by true events. She believes that Zimbabwean writers must leverage the opportunities provided by digital tools to broaden their reach and access international markets.

In an interview with The Herald Arts, Henningway highlighted the unique challenges faced by Zimbabwe’s literary scene. Despite its rich oral tradition and deep storytelling roots, the sector grapples with limited resources and infrastructure. She likens the situation to “a young seedling reaching for sunlight, striving against limited resources, yet within these constraints lies opportunity.”

To truly thrive and reach global markets, Henningway emphasizes the importance of digital nomadism for Zimbabwean writers. She believes that embracing online platforms will allow local authors to preserve the authenticity of their stories while sharing them with a wider audience. Henningway advocates for cultivating relationships with international literary agents, participating in global book fairs, and utilizing social media to foster global connections and promote local narratives.

Henningway draws an analogy, comparing the literary landscapes of the West and East to vast ecosystems, with the West represented by “ancient baobabs,” solid and supportive, and the East, particularly China and India, experiencing a flourishing growth of both traditional and modern narratives. “The global literary landscape unfolds like a vast savanna,” she states, “with established ecosystems supporting diverse literary fruits.”

Henningway’s own literary journey began in 2020 with the debut novel Nyika I Love You. This book, which explores the delicate balance between relationships and identity, has earned international recognition, even catching the attention of Hollywood producers. Henningway describes it as exploring “the meeting of dawn and dusk,” a poignant metaphor for the complexities of human connection.

In addition to her growing literary career, Henningway is preparing a second series of Nyika I Love You for Folio Books in Harare. She hopes that this new series will help her reconnect with her Zimbabwean roots while fostering empathy and understanding through her writing. She is also working on a new book, The Clowns of Solitaire, which is set for release in December.

Henningway’s commitment to community development is evident as she is also spearheading a fundraiser for classroom construction at Takunda Secondary School in the Save Valley Conservancy. The school, which serves 364 students, faces overcrowded classrooms, and Henningway’s project aims to alleviate this by constructing a new block with two additional classrooms.

Henningway’s message is clear: by embracing digital tools and establishing connections across borders, Zimbabwean writers can thrive in the global literary scene while maintaining the authenticity and depth of their unique stories.