‘My dream is to outshine Chimamanda’

When did you discover that you can write?

I cannot really remember because writing is a passion that I have been nursing since I was in primary school, even though the environment I found myself did not encourage me then. I remember when I was in Primary 6, I cut cardboard papers into different sizes and started drawing pictures on them; I used that creatively to design the cover-pages for my books. With this memory being the earliest and freshest, I will say that was when I discovered that I could write because I could do so many things back then.

Which was your first book?

My first book was Tackle Your Obstacle.

What prompted you into writing the book?

I will say my passion gave birth to the book. In fact, when I was a freshman in my department, I realised that creativity was going into extinction and there was little or no student-writer. This and my strong desire to be an author prompted me to write and to tackle every obstacle that stood on my way to publishing my first book.

What informed the theme of the book?

It is a motivational and inspirational book that deals with the major facets of life, success, failure, greatness, friendship and others. Many people can do so many things but because they see some barriers before them, they may think their dream is not achievable. This book is written to give such people inspiration to achieve their hearts’ desires.

What can you tell us about Sunset At Mid-day?

It is an anthropology of Nigerian poets, which I co-authored with three other young writers. It is a poetry collection that preaches hope, relief, calmness and coolness to the worried youths and elders in the midst of political instability, religious strife and kidnapping in the country.

How did you get sponsors for your book?

It was God that helped me in that aspect. He opened the doors without which sponsors would not have come in. Also my church helped in no small measure. In fact, my publisher is from my church and that made it a lot easier for me as a young writer. My parents, Mr and Mrs Kingsley Nwanne, also played a very crucial role in sponsoring the work.

Who is your role model?

My role model is the late Prof Chinua Achebe. Since his death, Chimamanda Adichie has taken his place simply because her style of writing, majorly her power of description, inspires me to think that Achebe is still alive. I intend to take over from Chimamanda in years to come.

What are your plans after graduation?

I intend to go into full-time writing and public speaking. I will attend seminars and conferences to promote the art of writing and creativity.

Who are the target audience of your works?

There is no particular target audience for the books because they deal with problems facing people in life generally. As far as you are part of this planet, the book is mainly for you. But I must say that Sunset At Mid-day is particularly for those who appreciate and understand the language of poetry.

What is your advice to budding writers like you?

I want them to know that with God, all things are possible.