Every harvest takes hard work, investment and time.
This is exactly what Hivisasa writer Nancy Chepkirui from Kuresoi South, Nakuru County has perfected.
Chepkirui’s has invested her time and determination and now her tremendous effort is paying off.
Chepkirui, who joined Hivisasa in March 2016, is the winner of Sh10,000 after her stories this past week emerged with the highest cumulative total page views. Details about the new cash prizes can be found here.
“I was overjoyed. I didn’t believe at first. I looked back at the previous rejections and made a conclusion that, hard and quality work really pays. Those who don’t quit will indeed be rewarded,” said the avid reader.
Born and brought up in Nakuru,Chepkirui says she developed a passion for journalism at a tender age and to hone her skills, she joined Nishkam Saint Purah Singh Institute in Kericho where she graduated with a diploma in Journalism and Media Studies in 2014.
She was involved in writing blogs until March when she was introduced to Hivisasa through her husband, Ng’etich, now a freelance writer.
“I am always an avid reader of Hivisasa news and with mentorship from my husband and Hivisasa editors; I decided to become a serious writer for Hivisasa. To me, it has not been easy. Before my first story was accepted, many were rejected. I learnt through each rejection. Hivisasa has got the best support team who has always helped me until I became a better writer. My husband, Ngetich, has always been so supportive and he taught me the power of self-discipline, particularly starting all over again after rejection.”
She shares her published articles on her Facebook groups, such as Writer Forum, Kuresoi Think Thank and Jicho La Mauche.
"Once I get a notification that my story has been published I immediately shared it in the groups. Most of the time I find my stories being shared aggressively due to eye-catching titles," said the God fearing mother of one.
She advises other writers to take rejections positively as well as advice from the editors.
“Some stories don’t get published because they have not met the standards. That should not be the reason to stop writing. Keep on trying and learning at Hivisasa Academy available on their website. Writers usually experience challenges when gathering news in the field. It's sometimes hurting when you receive a negative response from officials whom you want to interview. But that should not deter you from boldly moving forward. Internet has opened the world of opportunities and writers should grasp such opportunities,” she says.
What is her five-year plan?
“I envision Hivisasa growing to be the biggest media house in the next five years. I would want to be the editor and mentor working with Hivisasa so that I help other young writers to develop their writing skills,” is her parting shot.
The writer with the second-most page views this past week is the hardworking Abuga Makori Jnr , who is getting a cash prize of Sh5,000. Just like Nancy, Abuga shares all of his published stories on Facebook, WhatsApp groups and other social media sites.
Newly joined Charity Wambugu has emerged third, and is taking home the cash prize of Sh2,000