Margaret expounds on how The Scripts and Bars Programme empowered her to grow from debut author to founder of a publishing house.
Margaret Chideme's journey from the construction industry to the world of authorship and publishing is a testament to the transformative power of passion and opportunity. For over a decade, she navigated the complexities of construction, until an inner calling nudged her towards a new horizon in 2021 - the realm of literature. Her debut book, ‘First 30,’ emerged as an anthology of poems, carefully crafted to chronicle her life's odyssey.
Margaret's literary journey truly unfolded with her participation in the Scripts and Bars Programme (now Music Connects Africa) an accelerator initiative tailored to nurture creatives and transform their art into viable businesses. Selected for the 2022-2023 cohort, Margaret found herself at the precipice of a profound transition. Immersed in a curriculum tailored to her needs, she gleaned invaluable insights into authorship as a commercial enterprise. ‘The programme provided me with the tools to navigate the intricacies of the publishing world,’ she reflects, ‘enabling me to position myself effectively and attract investment.’
A grant received through the Scripts and Bars Programme facilitated the creation of an audiobook version of ‘First 30,’ expanding Margaret's reach to new audiences. Buoyed by this success, she ventured into the Value Creation Challenge (VCC) Programme - an entrepreneurial boot camp aimed at fostering innovative business ventures. Drawing upon the knowledge garnered from her previous endeavour, Margaret conceived The Lifeline Narrative, a publishing house with a noble mission to support authors to sustainably earn a livelihood through their craft. Her pitch resonated with the judges, securing crucial funding to bring her vision to fruition.
As the founder and driving force behind The Lifeline Narrative, Margaret's journey took an unexpected turn when she was commissioned by the British Council to conduct research on the African publishing industry, focusing on her native Zimbabwe. This opportunity not only deepened her understanding of the sector but also afforded her a seat at the prestigious London Book Fair, an experience that broadened her horizons and enriched her perspective on the global literary landscape.
Grateful for the opportunities bestowed upon her by the British Council, Margaret remains steadfast in her commitment to amplifying African voices on the world stage. Armed with newfound knowledge and experience, she aspires to foster a vibrant ecosystem wh