Zana grew up in Harare, Zimbabwe, then known as Salisbury, Rhodesia. During her teenage years, civil war raged through the country. The tumult experienced by people in extreme situations has left an indelible imprint. She studied English Literature at Cape Town University but when teaching bilingual students back in Harare, in the first year of Zimbabwean independence, she discovered language was her true love.

After travelling for several years, she came to New Zealand and now lives in a small harbourside community, teaching English language to international students.

Her first novel, Tides of Time, was a teen time-travel book set in New Zealand. She has also written short stories and articles and co-wrote an online English course for migrants to New Zealand.