I suppose that the first platform to answer questions about my first book should be on my website. Not just because this was where it all got rekindled, but because I have a modest following and they should get the inside scoop first.

So that’s it!

I hope you enjoy the interview

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What is the Prisoner of fate about?

Prisoner of Fate is my first published book and it tells the story of an investigative journalist who is spooked by a phone call he received from his late boss and sets out to uncover circumstances surrounding his death.

The plot is a crime fiction thriller and echoes the societal sleaze and corruption that has eaten deep into the fabric of Nigerian government.

At what point do you think someone should call themselves a writer?

The moment they can string a set of meaningful words together that makes for a good read. There is a writer in everyone- at least in their heads! I believe everyone has some level of imaginative prowess which can be harnessed and developed. This is about all that is required to become a writer.

What do you intend to use your writing to influence?

I write to express a literary talent as I enjoy writing and creating and sharing stories. I love that readers can see the stories through my eyes.

What influences your writing?

My writing is influenced by every person I am in contact with, every situation I discern and everything around me. The need to re-create the scenes to tell a proper complete story and to enthrall the readers. I write to create pleasure for readers who crave for short thrillers that connect with things that happen every day.

I also write to draw attention or awareness to illnesses like mental conditions that has slowly creeped into the fabric of the populace unnoticed and unattended to.

Who are your target audience?

Young adults basically to middle aged readers. Story connects the generations (18 – 50year old.)

What do the words “writer’s block” mean to you?

 I have had moments and spells when writing didn’t appeal to me at all. When I force it, the write-up would feel below par and distasteful. I suppose I can call that a writer’s block. Simply put, the period when the writing juice just won’t flow.

How did you manage to deal with the “writer’s block”?

I stayed off writing but continued to explore other literary options like reading, researching and even watching movies or plays. During the period, I would re-fuel and mentally prepare for when the juices would start to flow. And that would happen when there is so much learned and there is a need to share or pour out from the new information.

How did you create the plots for your stories?

Oh well, as twisted and enthralling as some of the plots in my books appear, I do not share the credit alone. I have a couple of very close friends and family members who provide the springboard to bounce and test my stories before I finally create them. Together we finetune and flesh up the tiniest details. It’s the fun part and a strong motivation for me.

What is the most difficult part of your writing process? 

The toughest part will be the process of blending the words to describe a scene without losing the readers in the moment.

How did you come up with the title for your book?

I suppose this would depend on the sort of book one is writing. For #PoF I had selected the name right from the very beginning and I wanted it to create some intrigue and not give away the plot.

How did you come up with the characters in your book?

My characters are developed loosely around a lot of people I have met in life. I study people a lot and blend subtle behaviors from them to create unique characters. I many times love what I create.

Would you and your main character get along? 

Ben and I would get on fine no doubt! We share subtle similarities.

What comes first for you — the plot or the characters — and why?

I honestly can’t choose one! Both are critical components of a brilliant story.

What part of the book was the most fun to write?

The story in the story was fun to write. I was excited about how the readers would enjoy the short tale.

What part of the book did you have the hardest time writing?

The accident scene was a tad difficult to put together. Because I wanted the description of the scene to elicit a strong connection with reader and create a yearning to have justice served.

How do you process and deal with negative book reviews? 

Having a not-too-good review simply shows the beauty of diversity and balance in perspective. I take a critical look at the concerns raised and put a mental note to improve myself. These sorts of reviews are for self-improvement and shouldn’t elicit a negative reaction or a clap back.

What is your second book about?

The second book (to be published in March 2022) will be a collection of two stories (Blood in the Water & Waste of Sin)

Waste of Sin tells the story of a lady who suffers DID (popularly called multiple personality disorder) and how she is caught up in a love triangle with two friends – one is her husband.

It is also a thriller and aims to create awareness on the mental condition.

Blood in the water on the other hand narrates the story of two friends who set out for a night of fun that ends in disaster.

The story is set in northern Nigeria and narrates events that happen within 24hours of the lives of two men who sought for pleasure- their greatest weakness.

What is the outlook for your creative writing?

I am hoping to publish a book every year, at least for the next couple of years and possibly have a shelve of crime-fiction novels on major bookstores in Africa.

In the medium term, I will look to producing some of the stories into movies with the hope to bring the characters alive and create a legacy.

In the long term, it is my hope to encourage creative writing in young teenagers by starting a platform to curate talented and imaginative young and to develop a generation of prolific writers of African descent.