About Me:
“In my mind, I am the coolest person I know. I say this knowing full-well that I am a geeky bookworm :)”
Typically, I can be found day-dreaming, reading or playing brain-teasers if I am not journaling new ideas.
Kongo Alexis
The story of
Kongo Alexis
Kongo Alexis is a romance fiction author of Congolese heritage, raised in the vibrant heart of Johannesburg. As a full-fleged Jo’burger with her head in the clouds and her nose deep in fiction novels, her surroundings shaped a creative blend of perspectives and ideas.
Her love for reading and the library was sparked early, thanks to the influence of her late father and older sister. Alexis’ father would allow her to skip house chores so long as she was reading.She was part of a two-member bookclub with her older sister where they discussed the novels they read.
She writes under the pen name Kongo Alexis as a heartfelt tribute to her roots—the Kongo Kingdom and its people—and to her father, Alexis, who got her first library card at age 7 so she could borrow her own books from their town library.
Choosing a gender-neutral name was also a conscious decision. Coming from a society with high expectations for women’s manners, Alexis wanted a name that would allow her the freedom to express herself authentically—without being confined by stereotypes. It also helps distinguish her identity as an author from her personal life, giving her the space to tell her stories with honesty and confidence.
Kongo Alexis in aNutshell...
- What I Value:
My imagination, friends and family and peace of mind.
- Hobbies:
Reading, writing, poetry, day-dreaming, playing brain-teasers, watching live theatre works, K-Drama; C-Drama and Manhwas
- Most Unsual Thing About Me:
I have been writing with my own set of coded alphabets since 4th grade. My family never took an interest. My Will shall be notarised in my code just to annoy them 😉
Also, I love words, big words, weird and fancy words.
- Favourite Authors/Writers:
Syndey Sheldon; Chinua Achebe; Catherin Cookson; Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie; Dorothy Koomson; Lian Hearn; Maya Angelou; Manju Kapur; Tilly Bagshaw; Shonda Rhymes; Nnedi Okafor; Danielle Steel… too many names, not enough space.
- Hopes/ Apirations:
I hope for a world where tradegy only ever exists in novels and not in real life. I hope for a world where menstruation isn’t taboo and medicine takes women’s health seriously…oh and for my books to do well.
- Favourite Meal/ Snack:
I have a sweet tooth, savoury tooth and, I think, a chilly tooth? It depends on the time of the month. Korean fried chicken… Nigerian jeloff rice, Italian pasta dishes, most Congolese, Chinese and Indian dishes.
- Must Haves:
Journal and pen for crazy ideas that need to be noted. My laptop and phone; colouring book; enough sleep.
- Favourite Quote/Saying:
Again, too many to just single out one but, of the late I like: “I think therefore I am.”