Author spotlight – Fadila Moolla
We were thrilled to represent six authors at the Durban International Book Fair this year and, among them, was Fadila Moolla – author of Take Control, and now also its sequel, The Silent Truth. As a woman who has worn many hats – mother, grandmother, friend, and confidant – Moolla brings a wealth of experience to her writing. Her debut novel is a gripping family saga that reflects her belief in facing life’s hurdles with courage and strength.
From a young age, Moolla excelled in speech and drama, which naturally led her to discover her love for writing. But it wasn’t until later in life that she put pen to paper to write her first novel. Describing her writing style as “original, spellbinding, and descriptive,” Moolla has a unique ability to immerse readers in her simply-worded stories.
One of the most compelling aspects of Take Control is its central character, Fay Williams. Moolla admires Fay for her strength and ability to navigate difficult situations, and she imagines Fay as someone she would love to meet in real life. When asked which character she would least like to be stuck with, her response is telling – she would rather avoid Fay’s husband’s friend entirely, even in a dream!
Moolla is very much a “pantser” – she prefers writing spontaneously without much planning, letting the story flow organically. Her nocturnal writing habits often see her up past midnight, chocolate or fruit in hand, bringing her characters and stories to life.
If you ever meet her, you’ll notice her vivid imagination; she often feels as if she is living within the world she creates. And while her writing might be spontaneous, there’s one thing that grounds her after a long writing session – reciting the Qur’an, which provides her with peace and relaxation.
Her literary journey is one of faith and resilience, and her novels mirror her own life’s challenges, especially the deep emotions she felt after losing her beloved husband decades ago. Fadila’s reflections on time, relationships, and faith are central to her writing and make her story one that resonates deeply with readers.
