Mitchells Plain computer tech Craig Jaftha dreams of becoming a full-time writer. That goal is one step closer now thanks to the publishing of his first book The Cynewards and the Serpent Trials.
The book is a supernatural tale that weaves together mythology, magical realism, Christian themes and personal experience. Prior to writing this novel, Jaftha, (29) from Rondevlei Park tried his hand at various fields, working in information technology, human resources, fitness, nutrition, and hospitality. The career-hopping eventually taught him something important; he enjoyed “creating something new from scratch”. It was only four years after having this revelation however, that he chose to channel his creative energy into writing.
“It was like I could just see these characters’ lives unfolding in front of me,” Jaftha recalls about his eureka moment. “That’s when I knew what I wanted to do with my life.”
Growing up in Mitchells Plain after moving there from Manenberg at age six, Jaftha experienced firsthand the challenges that would later inspire his novel. Raised by hardworking, protective parents in an environment where his father worked so much overtime that his young son barely saw him, Jaftha understands the complexities of family dynamics and personal struggles.
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Finding inspiration through personal trials
“The inspiration for my book came through the experiences I’ve endured as well as those I’ve witnessed in my friends’ lives,” he explains. The novel’s central concept of “Serpent Trials” represents the everyday challenges teenagers and young adults face – from relationship problems and parental expectations to family conflicts – that shape them for life.
Jaftha’s love affair with the supernatural began at age nine when he watched The Mummy starring Brendan Fraser. Since then, he has consumed countless horror and paranormal stories, each helping to shape his imagination. He even spent nearly a year as part of a game writing team with Ghana-based Letti Arts Gaming studio, working on a psychological horror game.
The actual writing of The Cynewards and the Serpent Trials began in February last year, though Jaftha had been brainstorming the story since his favourite series, Supernatural, ended in 2020. Balancing his full-time IT job with his writing passion, he completed the manuscript by July last year, spending additional months on editing before embarking on the publishing process in October.
Choosing assisted publishing for debut work
Choosing assisted publishing over traditional routes, Jaftha wanted to ensure “the best possible final product” for his debut work. While he describes the overall experience as positive, particularly praising the layout and design process, he acknowledges there were “a few touch and go moments”.
“What you don’t find out until you publish your book is that, that’s when the hard part starts,” he notes, referring to the promotional campaigns, advertising, and social media obligations that follow publication.
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The effort has paid off. Early reviews have praised the novel’s plot, world creation, and unique approach to mythology. Reviewers have highlighted the book’s major themes of love, family, inheritance, and friendship, with many noting it as “a strong debut”.
For aspiring writers, Jaftha’s message is clear: “If you have a story that’s itching to be told, don’t let anything hold you back from telling it. Even if it’s just a couple of sentences a day, start writing.”
Currently the martial arts enthusiast and heavy metal fan is preparing for his first print run while juggling his day job.
