How did your passion for writing come about? Could you tell us a little about your journey so far?
My passion for writing goes back to my first years at school, but it was on 14 July 2016 that I took a crucial step towards getting where I am today. I created the page “Tu consegues fazer lindo” [You can make it beautiful], where I took inspiration from photos found on Google to create texts related to the world and to the need to learn more, in search of a healthier, friendlier life, with the arguments to manage it in all respects. In short, I wanted to be someone of value. The first text I wrote and had the courage to publish on social media was inspired by a beautiful photograph of a hummingbird. Through that research, I discovered that this small bird can teach us the delicacy of living. Today, I must have more than 1,000 texts published on social media.

“To write, I let my heart and soul speak and add a good dose of research.”

What inspires you to write? How do you find the right words to turn a thought into writing?
I find infinite inspiration in nature and consider myself a tireless enthusiast. I believe nature is the greatest representation of life, and that is why I am learning to write poetry. To write, I let my heart and soul speak and add a good dose of research.

What do you most like to write about, and how would you characterise your creative process?
In general, I write about nature and, in particular, about life. For example, I like to learn about the behaviour of living beings and their similarities; I research and am moved by relationships, curiosities and destinies. I write about everything I would like to learn, and I share it, because I believe it will be interesting to other people too. My creative process varies, depending on how I feel. Sometimes I write the text first and then find the image that fits. At other times I find the image, or someone suggests one to me, and inspiration comes from observing it attentively and freely. There are difficult days when I miss writing or feel the need to write, but I feel exhausted and blocked; on those occasions, I do not force it. Writing a text has such a deep meaning for me that it is as if I were meeting my Higher God.

Tell us a little about your most recent work.
My most recent work is “A actual Teresinha”, which is my second book. It is a literary work in the poetic novel genre, and a continuation of the first book, “Teresinha - Uma vida em Moçambique”.

We know that writing is not your only passion in the world of art. What other art forms fascinate you, and what other projects have you been involved in?
Besides writing, I am passionate about plants, photography and art. Within the Teresinha Project, of which I am the author, I have already created a branch devoted to art and several others to photography, always blended with my texts.

What is the role of social media in your life, and how does the digital world influence your activity?
I advocate the controlled use of social media, as long as it contributes to our spiritual, intellectual and cultural growth. It all began for me through this medium, which is why I defend it.

How do you see the publishing market in Mozambique? What do you consider the main challenges for those who wish to publish?
Like everything in life, nothing is easy or free, but I have never given barriers room, and I think that, deep down, they have always spurred me on. When I started writing, I decided that I should share my work with those who might be interested. It was then that the idea arose of creating a literary and photographic exhibition to donate to the country's central hospitals. With the help of partners and the photographer Mariano Silva, I managed to donate 24 framed works composed of poetic texts and photographs to each of three hospitals in the country: Maputo, Beira and Nampula.

Do you have other professional occupations besides the artistic side? How do you reconcile these two worlds?
I am currently marketing manager of the Baía Mall shopping centre, which is also a passion, as there is room to bring to life many of the projects and campaigns we create every month. I love carrying out social projects.

What are your plans for the future?
My future plans include directing and producing a film of my own, entitled Teresinha - Uma Vida em Moçambique.