Writers need to read if they want to be good - Benneth Nwankwo

WRITERS NEED TO READ IF THEY WANT TO BE GOOD - BENNETH NWANKWO

 

Benneth Nwankwo is a Poet, Film Maker, Multi Dimensional Blogger, Writer, and Documentary Photographer. In this short interview with Wole Adedoyin, he speaks on his life and writing.

SYNW: INTRODUCE YOURSELF...

BENNETH NWANKWO: My name is Benneth Nwankwo. I'm a multi dimensional blogger, writer, poet and Documentary photographer. I also host an online talk show - the StraightTalkWithBenneth , interviewing prominent figures in the worlds of literature, politics, entertainment and popular culture.

SYNW: WHY ARE YOU A WRITER?

BENNETH NWANKWO: It's really a very complex one. I write because writing draw me deeper into the moment. It helps me to understand people and why they do the things they do. 

A great man one said If you want to write well, writing will force you to experience your life more fully. Okay, I made that up. I said it.

SYNW: WHAT POETS DO YOU ADMIRE?

BENNETH NWANKWO: For the older generation I admire greatly the likes of Odia Ofeium, Jp Clark and Wole Sonyinka.

Then for the new generation poets, Titilope Sonuga, Tobi Abiodun, Kukogho Iruesiri Samson and Paul Word are the ones that easily comes to mind.

SYNW: WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

BENNETH NWANKWO:  I think that should be my environment. Every creative person is greatly inspired and influenced by his/her environment.

SYNW: Tell us about a normal working day…

BENNETH NWANKWO: Normal, I would say. Little step at a time.

SYNW: HOW DO YOU WRITE?

BENNETH NWANKWO: Well there is no written process but basically when I am hit with a sudden burst of inspiration, often at my quietest moments; nighttime or while I'm walking are two instances that come to mind. Problem is then I must either remember my inspiration or text myself a note.

SYNW - WHAT’S YOUR THOUGHT PROCESS BEHIND A POEM?

BENNETH NWANKWO: For me, poetry begins with a pen and paper. I start with an image or an idea and I practice free-writing. Sometimes, this is very structured and guided, and I know where I’m headed. More often than not, it is very stream-of-consciousness and might not follow any particular pattern.

SYNW - DESCRIBE YOUR ROUTE TO BEING PUBLISHED

BENNETH NWANKWO: You would agree with me that getting publish lately has become more easier. Once you meet the conditions of a publisher, you will surely have your works published, be it online or the traditional print.

SYNW - WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE TO AN ASPIRING POET?

BENNETH NWANKWO: Same thing always. Same thing. Read, study and write continuously – in no particular order.

SYNW: Talk to us about your writing routine; what’s a typical writing day for you? 

BENNETH NWANKWO: I write mostly on a desk in a small corner of my room. The desk has my laptop on it.  The advantage I found of having my laptop around is that I could write and research on it. It is a very creative and sustaining atmosphere.

SYNW: On this topic, what are you doing to build a platform and gain readership? 

BENNETH NWANKWO: Smiles. Would I say it's a simple but heculean rule? I will put it simply.

1. Writing for other People/Publications, guest write for blogs and online magazines.

2. Optimize your biography

3. Optimize your website if you have one.

4. Use different mediums. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

5. Create healthy relationship with people. By this, I mean getting to meet, interact and making friends with people. Getting to know as many as possible. THIS is where joining associations comes in. Currently I'm a member of over 15 writers association.

SYNW: Website(s)? 

BENNETH NWANKWO: www.literanation.com, www.bnmagazineng.com

SYNW: FAVORITE MOVIE?

BENNETH NWANKWO: Designated survivor.

SYNW: FAVOURITE WRITERS?

BENNETH NWANKWO: Chinua Achebe.

SYNW: FAVOURITE BOOKS

BENNETH NWANKWO: Things fall Apart. Half of a yellow son. Going home. A man of his people. Hopes and impediments 

SYNW: BEST PIECE(S) OF WRITING ADVICE WE HAVEN’T DISCUSSED?

BENNETH NWANKWO: Art cannot be rushed. It needs mastery. It needs it own time.

SYNW: SOMETHING PERSONAL ABOUT YOU PEOPLE MAY BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? 

BENNETH NWANKWO: I might very soon take on an elective leadership position.

SYNW: WHAT’S NEXT? 

BENNETH NWANKWO: I'm working on a project - a documentary film. Lol. In my introduction, I failed to mention that I'm a film maker. Jack of all trades right? It's a big one. If the pandemic is tackled within the next month, my project will be out by September 2020

SYNW: DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR THE YET-TO-BE-PUBLISHED WRITERS READING THIS?

BENNETH NWANKWO: Aspiring writers should do far more reading than writing, far more writing than publishing. It's as simple as that.

For more information about Society of Young Nigerian Writers, kindly send your mail to societyofyoungnigerianwriters@gmail.com or woleadedoyin@gmail.com or call +2348072673852