Writing should not be a shortcut to wealth, it mustn't be commercialized. It must be used to drive the collective good – Tunde Akingbodere

 

WRITING SHOULD NOT BE A SHORTCUT TO WEALTH, IT MUSTN'T BE COMMERCIALIZED. IT MUST BE USED TO DRIVE THE COLLECTIVE GOOD – TUNDE AKINGBODERE

 

Tunde Akingbondere is a prolific author of so many books, a vibrant public speaker, poet and Columnist. He is the author of the best-selling "Okonkwo, the poor Orphan". The prose, Okonkwo, The Poor Orphan had been adopted as an approved literary text since 2018 by the Ondo State Ministry of Education, for junior secondary school one. In this interview with Wole Adedoyin, he talks about his writing career.

 

WA: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START WRITING?

 

TA: I write because I have the conviction to affect my society positively. A lot of values have changed in the system; we must learn to operate via the instrumentality of writing as we correct so many things.

 

WA: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING?

 

TA:  I have been in active writing for six solid years

 

WA: WHEN DID YOU START WRITING?

 

TA: I discovered my passion for writing while I was in secondary school. That was during the year 2014. The school really contributed to the development of my artistic dream.

 

WA: HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A WRITER?

 

TA: Sure! I was a fan of books. That inspired my interest in writing. I could not just afford to digest without birthing my own idea. I continue to improve on my craft each day.

 

WA: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A NEW WRITER, SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT?

 

TA: Writing is what every living being should do. Nobody has been able to fathom the number of untold stories. Appalling too is the fact that these stories could have made bestsellers. Emerging writers must learn how to be tenacious, forthright and painstaking. Writing might not be a shortcut to wealth, it mustn't be commercialized. It must be used to drive the collective good.

 

WA: HOW DO YOU HANDLE WRITER'S BLOCK?

 

TA: Writer's block is to be handled with seriousness. It is an avenue for the sharpening of one's ideas and innovations.

 

WA: HOW MANY BOOKS HAVE YOU WRITTEN?

TA: I have written so many books. But I only have 3 published books at the moment.

 

WA: WHAT IS THE MOST SURPRISING THING YOU DISCOVERED WHILE WRITING YOUR BOOKS?

 

TA: Writing apart from being one of the greatest callings, has taught the susceptibility of an average human to mistakes. Nobody is perfect when it comes to writing. One learns while writing too.

 

WA: WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE CHARACTER?

 

TA: Okonkwo of Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart".

 

WA: DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE CHARACTER THAT YOU HAVE WRITTEN, IF SO, WHO? AND WHAT MAKE THEM SO SPECIAL?

 

TA: Okonkwo, the comedic hero of my first book.

 

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION FROM?

 

TA: I am inspired by situations of people, events and happenings around. I was inspired to write about student unionism on witnessing the state of the leadership in our universities.

 

WA: WHERE CAN READERS PURCHASE YOUR BOOKS

 

TA: I have my books on AMAZON, Boldscholar and some others.

 

WA: WHERE CAN READERS FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR BOOKS?

 

TA: A type of my name on Google would release most information about my books and Articles.

 

WA: HAVE ANY OF YOUR BOOKS BEEN MADE INTO AUDIOBOOKS?

 

TA: None!

 

WA: IF SO, WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES IN PRODUCING AN AUDIO BOOK?

 

TA:  I have not done any. I might not be in the best position to talk about that.

 

WA: WHICH OF YOUR BOOKS WERE THE MOST ENJOYABLE TO WRITE?

 

TA: Okonkwo, The Poor Orphan

 

WA: TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST BOOK

 

TA: I titled my first book Okonkwo, The Poor Orphan". It was published in the Great Britain. It has to do with a very young boy, who seem to be very far from most opportunities. He was forced to go through the rigours of life as an orphan but later became successful. A story of determination, didactic too!

 

WA: WHAT WAS THE JOURNEY LIKE?

 

TA: Not too easy but we scaled through

 

WA: WHAT, IN YOUR OPINION, ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF GOOD WRITING?

 

TA: A good writing must be able to clarify itself, it must be simple and loaded with ideas that can champion improvement and developmental initiatives.

 

WA: WHO'S YOUR FAVOURITE AUTHOR OF ALL TIME?

 

TA: Professor Wole Soyinka

 

WA: YOUR FAVOURITE BOOK BY HIM?

 

TA: The Trials of Brother Jero

 

WA: ON YOUR LATEST BOOK, CAN YOU SHARE WITH US SOMETHING ABOUT THE BOOK

 

TA: My latest book tallies salient issues as to student unionism. I titled it "A History of Student Unionism in Nigerian Universities". The book is an authoritative document on the resonance of student unionism in Nigerian varsities.

 

WA: ARE THERE ANY SECRETS FROM THE BOOK, YOU CAN SHARE WITH YOUR READERS?

 

 TA: The secrets are still sacred. It will be laid bare soon.

 

WA: WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR THE STORY?

 

TA: The inspiration behind the book is the level at which students' union leadership had descended in Nigerian Universities.

 

WA: WHAT IS THE KEY THEME OR MESSAGE IN THE BOOK?

 

TA: Student Unionism and its Paradigm Shift in Nigerian Universities.

 

WA: WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR READER TAKES AWAY FROM THIS BOOK?

 

TA: I like to imbue my readers with the inspiration to fire into the actualization of some ideals, capable of redefining leadership at the level of the student union.

 

WA: WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TITLE?

 

TA: The title inspires leadership in Nigerian Universities.

 

WA: HAS A BOOK EVER CHANGED YOUR LIFE?

TA: Sure! Leadership Jigsaw by Yemi Akinsiwaju did a lot to bring some changes to my leadership career. I did love it.

 

WA: WHAT GENRE DO YOU LOVE?

 

TA:  I think I am in love with prose works, lately poetry. Prose works are meant to unleash your ability to tell stories. They continue to expose the metaphysical realities.

 

WA: ARE THERE ANY GENRE YOU DISLIKE?

 

TA: NONE!

 

WA: WHAT AUTHOR (WHO IS STILL LIVING) WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET?

 

TA: Professor Wole Soyinka! He is an hero I met a long time ago. I long to meet him again.

 

WA: DO YOU LIKE TO DISPLAY YOUR BOOKS ON A BOOKSHELF OR KEEP THEM IN A VIRTUAL LIBRARY?

 

TA: I like to see my books on bookshelf. That's the only way to immortalize those who have taken their time to birth a book. Online distribution of books has contributed in no small measure to piracy of intellectual properties.

 

WA: DO YOU PREFER FLASH FICTION, SHORT STORIES, NOVELLAS OR NOVELS?

 

TA: I prefer novels. The bible, including so many big books like autobiographies (exploring into life and times) are prose works. I am in love with them

 

WA: WHAT BOOK CAN YOU RECOMMEND TO ME?

 

TA:  Watch The Watcher by Yinka Odumakin

 

WA: WHEN DID YOU LAST VISIT A LIBRARY

 

TA: I visit the library every week. Sometimes for research or genuine break into the world of some literary giants. Lawyers and students studying studying the course are advised to  always use the library.

 

WA: HAVE YOU EVER HAD A CRUSH ON A BOOK CHARACTER

 

TA: Sure; I have always seen the picture of a mermaid while reading about Cleopatra of Greek mythology. I also have this enduring passion for young Nwoye of Bayo Adebowale's "Lonely Days".

 

WA: HAS A BOOK EVER MADE YOU LAUGH OUT LOUD?

 

 

TA: Sure! So many of them. I remember laughing so loud on reading Wole Soyinka's "Trials of Brother Jero". I wonder how sporadic his metamorphosis was.

Any New Writer Should Try To Read At Least 100 Books Before Starting To Write

 

ANY NEW WRITER SHOULD TRY TO READ AT LEAST 100 BOOKS BEFORE STARTING TO WRITE

 

Dominic Oigo Maina is currently a final year student of the Kenyatta University. He is currently pursuing Bachelor of Education in Kiswahili Language and Religious Studies. In this interview with Wole Adedoyin, he talks about his writing

  

WA: TELL US ABOUT YOUR WRITING BACKGROUND- WHAT YOU HAVE WRITTEN, WHAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WRITING

 

DOM: I am Dominic Oigo Maina, Kenyan citizen aged 24 years. I am finalist in one of the top Universities in Kenya- Kenyatta University in the school of Education where I am pursuing
Bachelor of Education in Kiswahili Language and Religious Studies. I started writing at the age of 13 where I used to write short essays and poems. Although I was not published from age 13, it was when I joined college that I was first published. My two books, written in Kiswahili language were published when I was a first-year student. Since then, I have continued to write a number, published 8 books in Kiswahili language and the first English story I wrote is on Science Fiction which is soon being published by a publisher in New Zealand.

 

WA:  WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT A PIECE OF WRITING?

 

DOM: What excites me in a piece of writing is the suspense I create when writing, vividly knowing what I intend to write but keeping it a secret from my readers.

 

WA:  WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE WRITERS AND WHY?

 

DOM: My favorite writers are many but just to mention, I like writers who try to write about African experiences. With this regard, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie from Nigeria comes first then said Ahmed Mohammed of Zanzibar comes second among many others like Ngugi wa Thiong’o of Kenya.

 

WA:  WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW WRITER STARTING OUT?

 

DOM: My advice to every young writer is to have a purpose and never to compare themselves with another writer. They have to be themselves and make the best out of them

 

WA: WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO WRITE?

 

DOM: I found that I live in a society surrounded with issues. I find it better to write about these issues and in one way, someone somewhere may end up changing or getting hope from what I write.

 

WA: DO YOU HAVE A WRITING ROUTINE? A PLACE THAT’S SPECIAL?

 

DOM: Yes. I have a routine.  Try to write at least 500 words of any fiction work daily. I spend most of my time in the library.

 

WA:  HOW, WHEN AND WHY DID YOU FIRST START WRITING?

 

DOM: I started writing after reading a book by Meja Mwangi called Kill Me Quick. I was 13 years old.

 

WA:  WHAT WAS THE FIRST PIECE YOU HAD PUBLISHED?

 

DOM:  A Kiswahili novel “SIRI YA TISA NA SITA” “The Secret of Tisa and Sita.”

 

WA: DO YOU ADDRESS ANY PARTICULAR THEMES OR ISSUES IN YOUR WRITING?

 

DOM: Not really. I am a general writer.

 

WA:  HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED SENDING YOUR WRITING OUT TO THE WORLD?

 

DOM: The feeling was nice. I remember when I was first published. I did not take supper that night. I was too happy to learn that every lucky individual will read my work and critique it.

 

WA: WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR IDEAS FROM?

 

DOM: I get my ideas first from primary sources that is the society and then secondary sources that is books.

 

WA:  HOW DID YOU GET YOUR PUBLISHER?

 

DOM: I got my publisher through my mentor.

 

WA: TELL US WHAT KIND OF RESPONSE YOU GET FROM AUDIENCES / READERS

 

DOM: A positive and encouraging response. Every one inspires me to keep on writing until I reach to the peak.

 

WA: HOW CAN PEOPLE FIND MORE ABOUT YOU?

 

DOM: Social media platforms. Facebook; maina dominic dommy; twitter; @Dominic Maina 77

 

WA:  TIPS, TRICKS, THINGS THAT YOU PASS ON TO DEDICATED WRITERS

 

DOM: Always work hard and they should ensure they become their own in terms of creativity.

 

WA: ANY TYPICAL MISTAKES THAT NEW WRITERS TEND TO MAKE?

 

DOM: Rush. Many new writers rush into writing. Other start writing without reading other works. For me, any new writer should try to read at least 100 books before starting to write.

 

WA: WHICH OF YOUR BOOKS WERE THE MOST ENJOYABLE TO WRITE?

 

DOM: A Kiswahili novella; Hatima ya Musa. “Musa’s Destiny”

 

WA: TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST PUBLISHED BOOK. WHAT WAS THE JOURNEY LIKE?

 

DOM: I really cannot recall everything but I remember I wrote the book using a smartphone which had a cracked screen, and I made it.

 

WA: ON YOUR LATEST BOOK TITLED, CAN YOU SHARE WITH US SOMETHING ABOUT THE BOOK?

 

DOM: My latest book is a Kiswahili decodable children story where I used literature to teach phonics and sound.

 

WA: WHAT IS THE KEY THEME AND/OR MESSAGE IN THE BOOK?

 

DOM: Importance of conserving the environment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Haste For Fame Hurried Many Writers To Publish Unworthy Pieces - Kwaghkule, Aondonengen Jacob

 

THE HASTE FOR FAME HURRIED MANY WRITERS TO PUBLISH UNWORTHY PIECES - KWAGHKULE, AONDONENGEN JACOB

 

Kwaghkule, Aondonengen Jacob is popularly known by his pen name "Mr Kvip". He is a poet and a short story writer. His poems appeared or are forthcoming at, Praxis Magazine, The Best of Africa Magazine, Poemify Magazine, Sub-Saharan Magazine, Active Muse, My Woven Poetry, Nantygreens, Eboquills, Ninshart Art including many local and international anthologies and elsewhere. In this interview with Wole Adedoyin, he shares with him facts about his writing career.

 

 

WA: TELL US ALL ABOUT YOUR WRITING BACKGROUND- WHAT YOU’VE WRITTEN, WHAT YOU’RE CURRENTLY WRITING

 

KAJ: Apparently, I have to confess that I had escaped my mother's womb with writing in my name. Although, I didn't know I could write until as recently as two years back when I penned my first poem. Actually, I must have to applaud my coursemate KASIM, Shalom who doubles as the C.E.O, In-House P-Initiative for my exposure into the realm of Poetry. Since then, I couldn't dare to wash my hands with spittle while standing at the riverbank. Therefore, I fathomly delved into Poetry and today my pen can dance to virtually all rhythm of literary genres.

 

WA: WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT A PIECE OF WRITING-

 

KAJ: My ecstasy about a piece of writing gets filled when I achieve a particular desired effect which I have in mind before picking up my pen and paper to explore such a hidden reality.  In fact, as a writer I make sure my audience are not misinformed. I write devoid of sentiment and dogmatism as well as burying all the mere mumbo-jumbos and stereotypical beliefs in the grave of universal truism. I am happy when my work gets concretized in the hearts of my audience.

 

WA: WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE WRITERS AND WHY?

 

KAJ: Seriously, it is not easy for me to fairly mention all my favorite writers here. Because every writer I read is substantially good in one way or the other. This notwithstanding, I cherished so much the works of Chinua Achebe, Niyi Osundare, David Diop, Ajio Aondo-aver, Uzer Moses, Biachi Ndidi Anointing, Terseer Sam Baki, just to mention many but a few.

 

WA:  WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW WRITER STARTING OUT?

 

KAJ: An adage says, when we gather at the village square during moonlight, it is not because of the moon, because everyone can see it from his compound, but because it for an upliftment of the spirit of our oneness and togetherness. An upcoming writer who is willing to go further in this tedious journey of writing should always read the works of accomplished writers and possibly join clubs and associations like PIN, ANA, SYNW and the likes which can help to get him or her improved in certain areas of difficulties. No man is an island of knowledge. It is however, a pity that successful budding writers sometimes think they need no tutor...

 

WA:  WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO WRITE?

 

KAJ: I am inspired by the pains of my daily life struggles. The futile and fruitless forms of aborted dreams. The sorrow and sadness of my people. The vision of the promised better tomorrow which seems never to come, and to right the wrongs that have stylistically become legalized in our society.

 

WA: DO YOU HAVE A WRITING ROUTINE? A PLACE THAT’S SPECIAL?

 

KAJ: As of now, I don't have any special writing routine. I use Facebook platform to sell my works to the world. But surely, if one googles my name, one will definitely have one or two tales to tell about me.

 

WA:  HOW, WHEN AND WHY DID YOU FIRST START WRITING?

 

KAJ: Like I have established earlier, I was borne to write. But I discovered the poet in me about two years ago. It became imperative for me to write because I felt as a citizen I have my quarter to contribute to Nation building. The society unconsciously evoked the consciousness in me and I was left with no option than to express the angered me in a way that authority won't come hunting for my neck. Of course, we have freedom of speech, but we have no freedom after speech. And Poetry served as my backup to this. Above all, a huge thanks to Covid-19, because the year 2020 really exposed my writings to the walls of the world's ears.

 

WA: WHAT WAS THE FIRST PIECE YOU EVER HAD PUBLISHED?

 

KAJ: I have had some other publications before now. But until my poem about Covid-19 titled "Sing Us a New Song" was published by Praxis Magazine, I had not called myself a poet. Truly, the publication of this poem confirmed my poetic status.

 

WA:  DO YOU ADDRESS PARTICULAR THEMES OR ISSUES IN YOUR WRITING?

 

KAJ: Yes. I am a pure Pan-africanist Poet. Also, corruption is one of the prominent themes in my works. Though a man, I strive to create a balance between man and woman in a patriarchal African society, and by this many of my friends call me feminist. I uphold dreams, visions, aspirations, life, pains, sadness and sorrows through my writings.

 

WA: HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED SENDING YOUR WRITING OUT INTO THE WORLD?

 

KAJ: I felt very excited. In fact, the euphoria of recent publication still wears my soul like a soothed roasted yam. I was mad when I uploaded my poems on a public site called Internetpoems.com and they were accepted. To me, that was the beginning of a merciful journey into the world of poetry. To cap it all is this singular fact that my late father's name keeps going to places his own legs couldn't carry him while alive.

 

WA:  WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR IDEAS FROM?

 

KAJ: A common adage has it that experience is the best teacher. And whatsoever that doesn't kill a man only makes him stronger. Therefore, I write from my flaws. I also write from heartbreaks and the experiences of friends and family.

 

WA:  HOW DID YOU GET YOUR PUBLISHER?

 

KAJ: The world has gone globalized and everything now happens in a jiffy. We no longer carry our legs from here to there in search of Publishing Houses. Facebook is one of the platforms that has so far helped me a lot in my writing career. I come to know most of the 'call to submissions' via it.

 

WA:  TELL US WHAT KIND OF RESPONSES YOU GET FROM AUDIENCES\ READERS.

 

KAJ: The responses are not too bad as of now. Many people who have read my works encouraged me to do more. In fact, some even shower unnecessary eulogies, but I promise myself not to be drowned in the pool of their excessive praises because the best in me is yet to be explored. 

 

WA:  HOW CAN PEOPLE FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOU?

 

KAJ: I have an itching song on the tip of my tongue and when I sing the sweetness of such a rhythmic tone, the world shall chorus the lyrics of a young poet like me.

 

WA:  TIPS, TRICKS, THINGS TO PASS ON TO DEDICATED WRITERS?

 

KAJ: Yes. Whatever that is worth doing is worth doing very well. And whatever good thing one does do today, does pay one tomorrow. It is obvious that not all dedicated writers are successful but all successful writers are dedicated writers. Play your role and leave the rest for God to handle.

 

WA:  ANY TYPICAL/COMMON MISTAKES THAT NEW WRITERS TEND TO MAKE?

 

KAJ: All new writers (myself inclusive) are fond of using both American and British spelling interchangeably in a single write-up which is wrong. Aside that, the haste for fame hurried many writers to publish unworthy pieces. 

 

WA:  WHICH OF YOUR BOOKS WERE THE MOST ENJOYABLE TO WRITE?

 

KAJ: It is important that I state categorically clear that I have written up to three poetry collections. Although, none is published due to financial challenges. The latest among the collections is "The Caskets of Breathing Carcasses" which I personally enjoyed writing.

 

WA:  TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST PUBLISHED BOOK? WHAT WAS THE JOURNEY LIKE?

 

KAJ: My first published book is an eBook published on Wattpad by Poetry Abilities as a reward for winning her Poems of Lights, 2020 Anthology Contest. My book is titled "Gentle Tides", a collection of Love poems. The journey was smooth like a maiden silk.

 

WA:  ON YOUR LATEST BOOK TITLED "THE CASKETS OF BREATHING CARCASSES" CAN YOU SHARE WITH US SOMETHING ABOUT THE BOOK

 

KAJ: My latest Poetry book is "The Caskets of Breathing Carcasses", it is a collection that expresses the agony of a people who are dead long before they are born. The poems are so fascinating that everyone may like to read it.

 

WA: WHAT IS THE KEY THEME AND/OR MESSAGE IN THE BOOK?

 

KAJ: The Central idea in the book is inhumanity vs humanity; the cause of our curses and courses of our national retrogression. 

 

BIOGRAPHY:

Kwaghkule, Aondonengen Jacob is popularly known by his pen name "Mr Kvip". He is a poet and a short story writer. His poems appeared or are forthcoming at, Praxis Magazine, The Best of Africa Magazine, Poemify Magazine, Sub-Saharan Magazine, Active Muse, My Woven Poetry, Nantygreens, Eboquills, Ninshart Art including many local and international anthologies and elsewhere...

 

He is a Top-Ten Winner of The League of Poets' Covid-19 Relief Competition, 2020. Contributor, Brigitte Poirson Poetry Contest (BPPC) 2020 Anthology. Entrant, Society of Young Nigerian Writers' Achebe: A Man of the People 2020 Anthology. Joint-Winner, PIN 10-Day Poetry Challenge (Feb.2021). His Chapbook "To Our Lads & Lasses" made the longlist of Pengician Poetry Chapbook Series/Prize, 2021...

 

"To Our Lads & Lasses" expresses the agony of war as masterminded by corrupt leaders. And while the innocent die in warfronts like chickens, the initiators of blamed war enjoy the coolness of their luxurious seats at home. It comprises tales one will not wish to have performed physically. But sadly, everyday we dance to the sounds played by fire-vomiting bamboo sticks. It is high time we changed the narrative. Let us sheath our swords and hug Peace, Unity, Love and Progress

 

Currently, Kwaghkule Aondonengen Jacob is a penultimate student of English and Literary Studies at Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria. He is also the Secretary and acting Press Secretary of In-House P-Initiave, Director of Tiv Magazine and Regional Administrator (for Africa) at One World Writers Movement.