Stewart Gatsi

With a background in construction design and 3d modelling, Stewart Gatsi is an independent singer/songwriter, recording artist, educator, and author. Born in Harare Zimbabwe, his experiences across more than fifteen countries play a key role in shaping his outlook. In 2019 Stewart officially released his first fully professional recorded musical project, the seven-track E.P Songs On My Bike. Currently based in Ho Chi Minh City, his first book Rough Guide To Planet Earth is the first in a series of books chronicling his tumultuous twenty-year journey across four continents.

It chronicles his adventures and misadventures starting out in Zimbabwe, then subsequently migrating to the U.S, Cyprus, Dubai, and ultimately a return to Zimbabwe after almost a decade of living abroad. Ensuing events eventually lead to him traveling yet again, with experiences taking him through South Africa, Vietnam, Singapore, Cambodia, Hong Kong and Malaysia.

Interview Transcription

Emma (00:00):

Well, Stewart, thank you so, so much for joining me today, I’m really excited to talk to you about your, your book, your travel memoir, especially because you’ve traveled to, I’ve traveled to some of the same places as you. So, um, I’d love to hear about them from your point of view, but I wonder if you could just tell us a little bit about yourself, because I know you have a few different strings to your bull. You’re not solely a writer,

Stewart Gatsi (00:24):

Right? So, um, I am a travel writer we’ve talked about, and I’m also a musician. Uh, I’ve, I’ve worked, um, in architecture and construction. And, um, I’m also an educator

Emma (00:43):

And what’s tell us a little bit about your music.

Stewart Gatsi (00:46):

Uh, so I, I stopped recording and seeing in 2008, I believe that’s when I recorded my first kind of serious track. Um, and then after that, I, it grew and mushrooms is on thing that I eventually to traveling with and it became also an Avenue to, to travel and something I can share as I was traveling as well. So, uh, I’ve been doing that, uh, G it’s it’s yeah. Over a decade now. Yeah.

Emma (01:20):

And you mentioned there that you’re also an educator, so I do as part of your travels, are you teaching as well?

Stewart Gatsi (01:27):

Right. So this is something I started doing maybe more, uh, recently, uh, when I moved to South Asia, which is where I’m still at the moment. Um, I’m currently based in Vietnam. And, um, I went into that because that was something I felt I, um, I would enjoy more something that I could do to give back, uh, in some way, shape or form I’ve been working in construction design more, and that was fine. It was good. I was designing was, but I just didn’t feel like I was giving back enough. So I decided to switch to teaching when I moved to South Asia and I felt that it was more rewarding.

Emma (02:05):

And are you teaching English for example, or are you teaching more, something more construction based?

Stewart Gatsi (02:12):

Right. So I’m, I’m teaching English as a second language, um, and working with kids and adults. Um, but, but a lot of times I, I probably focus more on the corporate side of things.

Emma (02:24):

Okay. Okay. So you’ve written the same book called the rough guide to planet earth. So tell us a little bit about it. Tell us, you know, what is the, what is the book about what’s the memoir about?

Stewart Gatsi (02:36):

Right. So I guess as we were discussing for, I, I guess I, you know, it took me awhile to realize I’ve been, I’ve been fortunate to have been able to live in four different continents and still going. And, um, I felt that, you know, that there was something I had to share, uh, for sure. And throughout living in all these different, I had kept a journal and I just kept it stocked away for awhile. Um, and, and so the book is broken down into, uh, each chapter, basically each chapter breaks down, uh, in a different country. Um, and basically it’s just, uh, uh, essentially my audiences, um, followed by my reach and then my review of that country and what I, uh, or, or experienced, or, or have, or researched, uh, from that. And, and the idea was primarily to, to, to share with people, um, and, and to, to try, um, and paint the picture that different people can travel to this country, but have completely contrasting experiences.

Emma (03:51):

Yes, very much so. Very much so. And in their introduction to the episode, I’ve mentioned that you, um, are from Zimbabwe and you’ve traveled through South Africa, as you say, you’re in Vietnam. No, but you’ve also been to Hong Kong and Malaysia and Cambodia. So I’m wondering what was it that prompted you to leave Zimbabwe? Cause you could have, um, you’ve mentioned that you wanted to sort of give back in a way, and you’ve done that in Southeast Asia, but you could equally have done that in Zimbabwe. What prompted you to, to travel abroad?

Stewart Gatsi (04:25):

Um, well essentially by and large, I, I grew up in Baba in the nineties, um, and, and going into the late nineties, early two thousands. Uh, and so at that particular moment, Zimbabwe going through a transformation, um, I believe it still is. Um, and so the economy wasn’t, wasn’t doing so great. Um, even though Zimbabwe has still has a reputation of, you know, good edgy, consistent, and, and a good backbone to an Edison foundation, but when it came to actual opportunities and then furthering my education, uh, you know, beyond, um, being in Zimbabwe, I, I knew I had to, I knew I had to drill. So I, the first time I’d traveled, um, going, um, abroad, um, was, uh, traveling train with my mom who Botswana from Zimbabwe. Um, she decided, um, we need, uh, Botswana and groceries for some reason. So we went over there and did our grocery shopping and looked around tours for a few days and then came back. And I think from then the travel bug bitten, I always wanted to see different places. Um, and then the first place that I subsequently traveled to, um, after, uh, Zimbabwe was, was the U S and that in many ways also became my, my second home. I still have family there and friends there. Um, so, so yeah, that, that there were, I guess, multiple reasons for that, but, but I think that initially, uh, probably traveling the first time I’ve been back though,

Emma (06:05):

It’s exciting. And the travel bug is something that once it gets into your blood, that’s it, you want to see as much of the world as you can. So you mentioned that you mentioned that the you’re a book, rough guide to planet earth started as a journal. Um, and so then you, you, but then you decided to transition it into more of a memoir that would, would have a readership. So how did you decide to, um, well, first of all, you had a lot of things going on in your life, cause you’ve got your music, you’ve got your teaching role as well. So how did you on a practical level kind of fit in your writing time, as well as all your other, um, day to day responsibilities

Stewart Gatsi (06:51):

Fitting in my writing, uh, was for me very easy. Um, and I learned this from my music. Um, and so I, I didn’t initially know to play guitar. I still, I still say I don’t how to play guitar, but I can play bass and guitar. Um, but before I knew how to do that, I practice and I watched beginner videos. And what I did was I set myself a minimum time limit, say every day for five minutes, I’m going to practice guitar, at least at the very minute. And then before, you know, it, it was into something more. So I transfer that ethos to, to writing. And so every day, whether I was tired or annoyed or whatever, I would just ride for at least five minutes. And usually it turned into 30 minutes or an hour or hours. Um, so I think it’s just about being disciplined well, and just setting yourself that goal, um, and actually doing it and holding yourself to account that’s important as well. Like it’s important not to lie to you. So if you’re going to set yourself something, then do it.

Emma (08:01):

Yes, no, I absolutely agree. It’s one of the things that, um, I always teach my students is, um, especially when they’re transitioning into writing more regularly and with greater intention is to share it in and start small, start with sort of five, 10, 15 minute sessions and see where it takes here. Cause it’s, it’s about, as you discovered with your music, it’s about building a habit and getting into that habit. So it becomes part of your parts of your life and it’s not as scary anymore.

Stewart Gatsi (08:30):

Yeah. Yeah, definitely. I believe that. Um, if, if somebody says to me, uh, I want to do this or I’m passionate about this, but I don’t have time. I don’t believe that because you have five minutes, everyone has five minutes at some point in the day. So I think that’s, that’s important.

Emma (08:53):

Yep. Oh, good. Great to hear, love to hear it, but someone else who’s got the same kind of attitude towards it as well. It makes me think of all the way back. So you mentioned, um, as well that each chapter of your book is based on one of the countries that you visited. So did you decide to do it kind of chronologically or how do you decide to structure, which, um, which countries went into which chapter, which order you did it in?

Stewart Gatsi (09:24):

I organized it chronologically, but I wrote it in haphazard order basically. So for some strange reason, the very first chapter I wrote about was living in West and, and my experience living there, I’m an international student as a migrant and all these things. Um, so for some reason that ended up being my large after. And I think probably because it had the biggest impact on life and growing up and becoming an adult there. Um, and then I realized though that, that wasn’t the beginning of my life and I needed to create context. So then I wrote about, uh, Zimbabwe as a nation it’s brief history and then me growing up, uh, just after independence and, and then subsequently moving. Um, so structure doesn’t necessarily why I think structure is important. Yes. But I don’t which order you write it in is, and, and what I found also, uh, feedback from other people that given the book is that some people will look at the book and then choose a country they are familiar with, or they think they would like to read about. And then they read about that in my experience. Um, so it’s, it all depends, um, on you as a writer, but the thing for me is just actually do it just to actually do the, and then the organization in itself, um, can, can come at the end once you look at it as a whole,

Emma (11:02):

So kind of writing, um, the stories or the chapters as the momentum took you, and as you were kind of ready to write it and then get your manuscript down, if you like, and then restructure it and reorder it to fit, to fit your needs

Stewart Gatsi (11:16):

Yeah. To fit your needs or what you want. Right. It depends on what your main purposes, right. If you want to paint a particular picture, then you, you do it in a certain way. Um, but I think a lot of things maybe that people worry about, um, are just, I think, overcome in, in, in actually just taking the action. Sometimes you, you don’t know. I mean, I’m, I’m a first time author though. Many of the things I, I wasn’t off. So I had to learn about and research and, and, and wake up every morning and watch a video about marketing your own book, or, you know, basic things like that.

Emma (11:56):

And so, um, when you were writing it, when you were sort of taking the journal entries and turning them into the memoir, did you have a narrative arc in your head? Was there a story that you were trying to tell or where did you think of it as being more a series of, of almost anecdotes and that you would tell about each stage of your journey? Or did you have an idea that you wanted to be, that you wanted to have a through lane or narrative arc?

Stewart Gatsi (12:25):

I, well I’m, uh, and I guess maybe this goes back to my main aims and writing book, but w what I wanted to do was to tell a clear story, um, because one of the most common questions and common and most compute questions that I receive from people, where are you from? Because if somebody asks me, where are you from? I’m gonna say, okay, well, can you be more specific with your question? I mean, where was I born? Where do I live? Where have I lived? What languages do I speak or what’s worked? Do I hope so? What do you mean? Um, so it’s, it’s, it, it came from that. And, and I honestly thought to myself, um, when somebody asks me, are you from, I’m just going to give this book. And so that’s where everything came full circle.

Emma (13:22):

I’m. So it sounds like maybe, maybe you’re not sure yourself, you’re such a nomad that perhaps you kind of feel maybe a global citizen rather than a citizen of one particular country.

Stewart Gatsi (13:34):

Well, absolutely. I mean, um, and I think, I think I maybe find it less, less of a confusion and more, I see myself as a global citizen. I, I could certainly see myself fitting into different, different societies and different cultures, and that’s only through, you know, my past learning processes of course. Um, but, but I think the term global ad is, is, is very accurate.

Emma (14:02):

If I tell you if I didn’t have kids in the family, I wouldn’t mind being a bit of a digital nomad myself. I think it’s a good life, if you can get it. Um, so as you,

Stewart Gatsi (14:14):

And, and it’s, it’s not as far out there as you may think,

Emma (14:19):

Do you think, you know, I mean, actually it’s true. I do come across, um, more and more people who are probably younger than me, but are still enjoying, taking full advantage of what technology can afford as no in that. So many people can take their work with them wherever they go.

Stewart Gatsi (14:39):

Mm, absolutely. Absolutely. And I think that will probably grow more with, with time. Um, definitely I think, uh, as you mentioned, you have a family and, and, and your kids, I’m sure the way they work is going to be different to the way you work.

Emma (14:54):

Absolutely. I think there’ll be doing jobs that we haven’t even heard of yet. I’m sure. So you’ve mentioned that, you know, that you’re a DV writer. Um, so I wonder which rather other writers and perhaps other memoirists or travel writers you’ve come across that have influenced you, which wages have you enjoyed, and that gave you the kind of impetus to write your own book.

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Stewart Gatsi (15:17):

Hmm. Um, well, uh, I’ll start out with my, my childhood, uh, as a kid. Um, I was, I was at a school called, uh, watershed college and, uh, it was a private school in Zimbabwe, a Anglican school. And so I remember my librarian. Um, she always recommended certain for me, I guess she could tell by the type of person I was, what type of books I may like. So I started reading these books, uh, simply because of my librarian, mrs. Nichols. So anyway, I used to read the Hardy boys. I read the Hardy boys when I was 13 and I was hooked instantly. And, and then I discovered, uh, Stephen King, um, who just scared the daylights out of me, but I couldn’t stop reading. Um, and then obviously, you know, I went into John Grisha, uh, and then I also started going into, uh, uh, nonfiction books, uh, as well.

Stewart Gatsi (16:23):

So I started reading autobiographies of my favorite actors or authors. Um, and, and then I also discovered, uh, a lady by the name of Alexa West, who is, um, she basically writes, uh, travel guides, uh, with an alternative point of view, um, for different countries. And she is a person that I graded from the U S and now has traveled throughout the whole of it. And, and, and I think you as well. So she was also very an inspiration as well. And when I viewed my, my memoir and what it, what I, when I could make out was, um, her profile and her books she’s written multiple books. Um, they definitely helped me to, to, to focus and understand what it is that I was what I was doing. So, yeah, just by being a reader of her books, she specifically around, um, traveling books for, uh, for women. And I found her, her format very, very intriguing.

Emma (17:31):

Yeah. I think it emphasizes how important it is that, um, particularly not just as beginner writers, but, um, if, if you’re changing genre, for example, how important it is for us to get to know that genre, whether it be fiction or nonfiction. So we understand it works and what readers like, and, um, sort of draw inspiration from that. We’ve kind of got to know our genre before we, we be in it. Yeah. Um, one of just kind of a beginner, right? Talking about beginner writers, a lot of, um, a lot of hers and we get scared at the beginning of not being good enough and not feeling that we have what it takes to write a book, either fiction or nonfiction. Was that something you worried about when you first started? Um, and if you did, what, what kind of made you push through that and write the book anyway?

Stewart Gatsi (18:25):

Well, um, to answer that, that sort of last bit first, I, I just, I think it’s partly because I had a chip on my shoulder, um, and that came from traveling to many different places and being asked lots of different questions, uh, that over time can start to start to get to it. So I felt in many ways I needed to, to share the knowledge and, and, and the education that I had from particular places. But, but you’re right about one thing though, um, there is that fear of not being good enough or not being LA you know, people not liking your work or, you know, being made fun of. Um, but there are a couple of things that I did that, that really pushed. Um, I’m, I’m fortunate that I know three different independent authors. So what I did when I completed my first manuscript, I just sent my manuscript to, to all these different authors.

Stewart Gatsi (19:39):

And I just said, Hey, just please let me know what you think. Give me an honest review and let me know if you think I should change anything, if you think I’m out of my mind. Um, so I sent that out and for about weeks, I just, I was very nervous. Um, and I even had a few regrets at that, in those moments. Uh, and then I got feedback from, from other, by the name of Chiluba Musonda is, is a Zambian American authors, the city. And, um, he, his, his review to me is one of the huge reasons why I published it. And the main thing that stuck out was that he gave feedback and he talked about errors and corrections, but then at int he said, when you were done doing this, publish this now, um, and I said, what, and, and he, he reiterated, you need to publish now.

Stewart Gatsi (20:44):

Um, and, and he kept pushing do that. And so when I heard that from somebody who’s already published a book, um, I was like, okay, well, I guess I better get to work. And, and then from that point, I then sent it out to different reviewers and people were willing to, to, to read the book. Um, and, and one of the biggest things also that, you know, not having a budget, it was hard to find people to review, um, for free and to take their own time, to read it and to give their feedback and to do all that. Um, so, you know, one person told me that the book was going to cost thousands of dollars, did it and fact check. Um, so I, I just didn’t have that money. So it did was I just sent it out to people. I don’t know people, I know authors and they all gave their back on any corrections or ideas or contexts.

Stewart Gatsi (21:42):

Um, and then from that, I put everything together. And I was also fortunate in that my, my, my girlfriend at the time, um, also worked as an intern, uh, for penguin. Um, so she had some editing and so she helped me out a lot. Um, and, and probably the book probably wouldn’t have come out as well, if it wasn’t for all those collective things. So it wasn’t just myself. Um, there were a lot of people that play, um, who, who helped for this to come to fruition. Um, and then also I had to go and get somebody to design the cover for a reasonable cost and finding what I want. Um, and through, uh, Fiverr, I found a guy from Sri Lanka who designed what I thought was an amazing cover.

Emma (22:39):

One thing I just wanted to come back to, I think, um, what you said about sharing your, sharing, the manuscripts with other people. I think that’s absolutely critical is really, really key. And I know a lot of people, um, Novelis in particular, I think get very nervous about sharing their work, but I think you’ve shown us there just how important it is to get feedback both constructive and to get people saying, you know, your work is good, it’s worth pursuing and keep going. Don’t give up. Um, and it’s never just, it’s never just the writer, as you say, there’s a lot of people kind of involved, whether it be a paid for editor, whether it be your bitter readers, whether it be the book designer, the cover designer, whoever it is, there’s a kind of a team, a team effort, isn’t it. But I’m interested because I know others will be as well. You know, where did you find your, uh, your readers, the people who were willing to read it for free and, and come back to you that they came back to you where their response cause sometimes that’s the hardest bit is to get people to, to give you comments.

Stewart Gatsi (23:42):

Right. Great. So, so what I will say is this, um, reach out to your network more, more likely than not, you know, somebody who knows somebody who knows something about writing, even if an academic, if it’s somebody, even a layman, I had just normal people who don’t have anything to do with reading, and they would look at it and give you some feedback as a reader. That’s also important. So, so I think it’s about finding within your network, you think would be of the most value to you. So, so in writing, in writing this book, I also used, I use my, my academic knowledge because I do have, you know, extensive research in part from my experiences that I put in there. Um, I also used my knowledge of, of, of, you know, attaining obtaining information from credible sources and making sure I, you know, like my sources and all that information. So I think that, um, it’s, you can, you can find ways around it, but within your network in some way, shape or form, whether you look through some of your friends on Facebook or Instagram friends, or your phone book or, or something, um, there’s someone that knows something, even whether it’s your mom or dad or someone that can give you constructive feedback, um, or your teacher either.

Emma (25:09):

So I wonder now that you’ve been through it once now that you’ve written your travel memoir and what would your kind of advice be, or what hints would you make to others who wants to write a travel memoir for the first time? You know, it was another kind of beginner. What would you, what would you recommend they do? Or what advice would you give them?

Stewart Gatsi (25:27):

I think you should practice the subtle art of not caring. And what I mean by it is when you’re writing, just write, forget about what people think for that moment, forget about the whole world for that moment, just right. You can always contextualize it when read it and go back. That was a difficult thing for me actually. And specifically, I’m talking, finding your voice. Um, that was hard me at first because it’s very easy to, to, to hide behind pretty language. Uh, from my perspective, it’s very easy to hide behind language and just kind of flow along, but I felt that I needed to paint a better picture. So I decided that my race was to be clear and honest and straightforward about situations, whether it was a good thing or a bad thing. Um, we always like on that with, with the lessons learned, you know, in that particular chapter in the book, but how I finally found my voice was just honest, just saying what I thought and about particular situations, and then taking the context of actually searching to check if, if I was right or as, you know, I’m making it up, so,

Emma (26:47):

Okay. Yeah. No, that’s great. Good advice. Just write what comes from the heart first so that you, you find your voice and then you can, as you say, contextualize it later. I like that. I like that. Um, you’ve said that there a rough guide to planet earth as part of a series. So are you working on the next one night?

Stewart Gatsi (27:07):

Right. So yes, that is a work in progress. So the next project probably for Ryan will be a rough guide to planet earth or for Vietnam. And that, uh, is probably purely based on circumstances right now because of COVID. Uh, we can’t really travel abroad, uh, as much, but, but we can travel within the country. So, and, um, as far as I’m concerned, VM is, is very diverse and as far as cultures, latches and landscapes, so, so there’s a lot to see and do over here. So absolutely. I’d love to give my perspective on it anyway.

Emma (27:44):

Yeah. And a lot of history and the food is excellent. So you’re, you’ll be enjoying that. And so where on your travels, cause you have been around the block, where, on your travels, have you enjoyed the most? Where have you find to be one of the more interesting places and then what’s still on your hit list for when we are allowed to travel again?

Stewart Gatsi (28:07):

Oh, okay. So, um, there is a small village, uh, in the Northern Turkish part of Cyprus and I traveled there. Um, it’s been more than 10 years and I’ve never felt so welcomed. So, so loved by random people. Uh, you know, I went over there and people were inviting me into their homes. They want to introduce me to their family, give me tea. And they want to know where I’m from. It was an overwhelmingly positive experience to me that I have never experienced anywhere else.

Emma (28:55):

And so, whereas still, where do you still want to go to? Cause I’m, I’m guessing that you, your traveling book has not left yet. I’m guessing there are still places you want to go to.

Stewart Gatsi (29:05):

Absolutely. Absolutely. So let’s see. Uh, let’s see if I can give you my top five it list. Um, number one is let’s start with number five. Uh, number five is, uh, new castle, England,

Emma (29:25):

Very random. Is that to do with?

Stewart Gatsi (29:27):

Well, when I was, of course when I was thinking old, I grew up, I grew up and I have also friends from Newcastle as well. Um, I’m like a Jordy living outside of Jordy land, but, um, I’ve been supporting Newcastle United, uh, since I was six years old, I grew up watching that. So I’m like I have to do that. That’s on my bucket list at least. Um, I know that’s so random. Um, fourth, uh, uh, number four on my list. I’m going to have to put, uh, Canada I’m I’m I’m, I’m still very curious about, about Canada. I haven’t, even though I spent some time inside, I never made it up to Canada. Um, I know there are many similarities with the U S but it’s a place that fascinates me. Um, number three, um, I’m going to say, uh, Kenya. Um, I haven’t, uh, I’ve been to Kenya and I’ve heard great things about it.

Stewart Gatsi (30:32):

I could name the endless stories and nations as well. Um, so, but I imagine myself suffering and United some point, um, and number two is Burma. And the reason for that is, uh, I went to a random Spanish restaurant, which had been city. And then I received a phone call a few days later to me, I won a trip to Burma, so I, I wanted to day trip to Burma. Um, so now I just have to book the rest of, um, once, once we get traveling for us, it’s me and Mar now I need to say the right thing. And number one is Japan. Um, and the reasons for that are just endless. I mean, the technology, the culture, the, you know, the people and, and just seeing how such a small country can be so effective.

Emma (31:35):

It’s one of my favorite pieces and the hall is one of my favorite places I’ve visited is Japan. I would love to go and live there. Uh, I hope you make it. I think you’ll love it.

Stewart Gatsi (31:45):

Alright. So maybe you can give me some tips as well.

Emma (31:47):

Yes, definitely. Definitely. Well, listen, thank you so much for your time today. Where can listeners find out more about you online?

Stewart Gatsi (31:57):

Alright. Um, so you can find me at Stuart Gatsi, uh, on Instagram. Um, I’m also on Facebook. I have a page on Facebook, uh, and then I also have a YouTube channel, so just type, uh, Stuart gutsy, and you’ll find me there,

Emma (32:14):

All the socials. Well, that’s brilliant. I saw appreciate talking today, had some lovely advice for everybody and I look forward to seeing the next in your series.

Stewart Gatsi (32:23):

I, yeah, I, I certainly appreciate it. And thank you for the time. I also neglected to mention, uh, yeah, my book is all available on Amazon, so you can pretty much get it anywhere in the world.

Emma (32:33):

I’ll be sure to link to it in the show notes. Don’t worry.

Stewart Gatsi (32:36):

Awesome. Thank you. Thanks. I appreciate it.

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Emma Dhesi

Emma writes women’s fiction. She began writing seriously while a stay at home mum with 3 pre-school children.

By changing her mindset, being consistent and developing confidence, Emma has gone from having a collection of handwritten notes to a fully written, edited and published novel.

Having experienced first-hand how writing changes lives, Emma now helps beginner writers find the time and confidence to write their first novel.

She is a certified Author Accelerator Book Coach