To make it as a writer, one must develop a genuine love for writing - Christiana Ihuoma Pepple

 

TO MAKE IT AS A WRITER, ONE MUST DEVELOP A GENUINE LOVE FOR WRITING - CHRISTIANA IHUOMA PEPPLE

  Christiana Ihuoma Pepple hails from Bonny, Rivers State. She lectures at the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny. In this concise interview with Wole Adedoyin, she shared with him some facts surrounding her writing career.

 WA: WHY ARE YOU A POET?

 CIP: I would say that literature chose me and once I got acquainted with the art form poetry, I loved it instantly as I realized it was a pure, true and free way of expressing myself.

 WA:  WHAT POETS DO YOU ADMIRE?

 CIP:  I read poetry from poets like David Diop, Wole Soyinka, Kofi Awoonor, J.P Clark and a host of others. These poets were my foundation in my poetry studies.

 WA: WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

 CIP: Life generally; the experiences I go through, the experiences others go through.

 WA: TELL US ABOUT A NORMAL WORKING DAY.

 CIP: Well, on days when I have early morning classes, I start my day early. I go through my classes, attend to other important matters at the office before heading back home at the close of work. But I am really more active at night; the night is when I do most of my heavy reading and writing. 

 WA:  HOW DO YOU WRITE?

 CIP: I write from my heart, while at the same time making sure each element of the poem or whatever I am writing fits or is properly placed.

 WA: WHAT'S YOUR THOUGHT PROCESS BEHIND A POEM?

 CIP: I try to put myself in that situation I'm trying to express. That's the only way I get the most of it.

 WA: WHAT'S YOUR ADVICE TO AN ASPIRING POET?

 CIP: I derive joy anytime I finish a piece. Find your motivation and let that drive you to be better and to do better every single time.

 WA: TALK TO US ABOUT YOUR WRITING ROUTINE; WHAT’S A TYPICAL WRITING DAY FOR YOU?

 CIP: Like I mentioned before, I work better at night. So I get myself settled and get to work.

 WA:  WHERE DO YOU WRITE FROM?

 CIP:  I write from my heart. Everything flows from within.

 WA: WEBSITE(S)?

 CIP: I do not have a website yet but I am majorly active  on my social media platforms. Just search for me using my name Christiana Pepple.

 WA: FAVORITE MOVIE?

 CIP: I don't think I have a favourite movie; I have watched many great and amazing movies in my life.

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

 CIP: If you develop a genuine love for writing, it becomes easy and fun. 

 WA:  Something personal about you people may be surprised to know?

 CIP: I love graphic design and I run tutorials on graphic designing, 3D Animations and Avatars. Plus I have a YouTube channel called Classichristi_speaks. Please check it out https://youtu.be/xezrr9Sso60

 WA: WHAT'S NEXT?

 CIP: I plan to keep writing, to keep growing. To generally become the very best that I can be; to be a positive influence to as many as I can reach.

My Poem “Bermuda Triangle” Resonates Around The Death of Jimoh Isiaq During the END SARS Protest- Godstime Akubueze Nwaeze

MY POEM “BERMUDA TRIANGLE” RESONATES AROUND THE DEATH OF JIMOH ISIAQ DURING THE END SARS PROTEST- GODSTIME AKUBUEZE NWAEZE

 

Godstime Akubueze Nwaeze is from Izzi in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. He is a poet and an essayist. Nwaeze won the END SARS National Poetry Competition. In this comprehensive interview with Wole Adedoyin, he shared with him some facts surrounding his writing career and his winning poem tagged ““Bermuda Triangle”.

 

WA: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START WRITING?

GN: Thank you very much for this question. I had many things going on in my life, and ideas in my mind with very few ears to really listen, so I found a friend in writing. Specifically, it was solitariness that inspired me to start writing especially poems as a means of emotional transmutation. Today, the pen is my closest pal.

WA: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING?

GN: I started writing when I became much aware of my existential realities. My first poem was in 2017, and reading it now makes me cringe, but my first publication was in 2019 in the anthology of top one hundred poems of Nigerian Students Poetry Prize.

WA: YOUR POEM “BERMUDA TRIANGLE” CAME FIRST; CAN YOU TELL US THE SECRET BEHIND IT?

GN: There’s no secret, really, but I kept reviewing the poem for weeks, and even had three friends read it too; each of them made a significant contribution and gave me different perspectives which developed the quality of the poem.

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

GN: In my opinion, the most important elements of good writing are thematic relevance, great imagery, structure and word mastery or wit.

WA: HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE TITLE TO YOUR WINNING POEM?

GN: The title was inspired by an image I saw on Facebook; it was an image of a Police station of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). It had the shape of a rectangle, and I was quick to relate it to Bermuda triangle. I thought “Bermuda Triangle” would make some sense bearing in mind the irregularities of SARS and its familiarity with the stories of the place known as Bermuda triangle.

WA: CAN YOU SHARE WITH US SOMETHING ABOUT THE POEM?

GN: The poem is actually a true account I had while traveling, and it explores the fragility associated with being a young man especially in some neighborhood where young boys are wantonly hunted by the defunct SARS.

WA: IS WRITING YOUR FULL-TIME CAREER? OR WOULD YOU LIKE IT TO BE?

GN: I would like it to be, but second to law practice.

WA: ON A TYPICAL DAY, HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU SPEND WRITING?

GN: It depends on my schedule and the nature of what I’m writing, but I could estimate the time to be about three hours. And usually, I always have to read whenever I’m writing. On some weird days, I could sit at my desk throughout the day, or night. However, from the moment I pick an inspiration to write a poem or an essay, it takes a week or more, depending on the deadline if I’m writing for an entry, to brainstorm, gather ideas or facts, write, edit, rewrite and finally finish it.

WA: WRITING CAN BE AN EMOTIONALLY DRAINING AND STRESSFUL PURSUIT. ANY TIPS FOR ASPIRING WRITERS?

GN: Well, whoever is writing should define their purpose of writing; learn to manage time because of other tasks they’d be involved in- this would help to reduce mental and physical stress. They should also see rejections as part of the craft, and use it to their advantage, but very importantly, writers should read the works of others and be consistent in writing. As it is with every job, take a break sometimes.

WA: HOW DO YOU HANDLE LITERARY CRITICISM?

GN: Literary criticism is a vital element of growth for me; it gives me perspectives and help heighten the quality of my works. So, I welcome it with gratitude, and I hope to get more critics in my circle.

WA: WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION?

GN: My inspiration comes from the observation of day to day activities. I also pick ideas from having conversations, and serenity.

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

GN: I’m most active on Facebook (Godstime Nwaeze) where I share my publications, but the best place to find me is one on one; I’m generally not very expressive on social media.So, say 'hi' when you see me.

WA: WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR THE STORY IN YOUR POEM?

GN: “Bermuda Triangle” has been living in my mind but only came alive with the EndSARS protest, then I thought it was the best time to produce the poem.

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

GN: The key message of the poem is Police brutality and extortion, and it resonates the death of Jimoh Isiaq during the EndSARS protest.

WA: WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR READERS TAKE AWAY FROM THIS POEM?

GN: I would like my readers to reach the resolve that even as unsafe as it could be, we can demand institutions of government to serve us accordingly.

WA: WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TITLE?

GN: As a place, Bermuda Triangle is said to have experienced the disappearance of ships and aircrafts under mysterious circumstances, and this significantly captures some of the activities of the defunct SARS reported to have masterminded the death of some victims even without the knowledge of their relatives. Others were wantonly captured into cells until they’re bailed. So, I think the title is significant to these ends.

WA: WHAT WERE THE KEY CHALLENGES YOU FACED WHEN WRITING THIS POEM?

GN: When I decided I was going to bring forth the experience I had while traveling as a poem, I really didn’t know what structure and style I would adopt. So, while I had the idea in my mind, it was difficult to produce it. And because of this, it became the first prose poem I wrote; I thought it would best be presented as a narration.

WA: WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT WRITING?

GN: When I’m not writing, I read, I play/watch football games, have conversations, listen to songs, or enjoy silence.

WA: WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE AUTHOR AND WHY?

GN: This is a difficult question because I have many of them, but I go with C.P. Varkey. His works have had the most profitable influence on me as a person.

WA: WHAT BOOKS OR AUTHORS HAVE MOST INFLUENCED YOUR OWN WRITING?

GN: There’s Chinua Ezenwa Oha-eto, Taiye Ojo, Chiwenite Kingsley, and many other good guys. I’m always on the lookout for their latest.

WA: Okay! Thank you Godstime for your time, and congratulations once again.

 

GN: Thank you very much for having me.

https://societyofyoungnigerianwritersblog.blogspot.com/2021/01/my-poem-bermuda-triangle-resonates.html

In Malawi, Police are shielded when they abuse human rights; they have betrayed their assigned duty – Frank Kaliati

 IN MALAWI, POLICE ARE SHIELDED WHEN THEY ABUSE HUMAN RIGHTS; THEY HAVE BETRAYED THEIR ASSIGNED DUTY – FRANK KALIATI

Frank Kaliati is a 28 year old writer of poetry and prose fiction from Malawi. His Poem “State Armed Robbers Squad” came second in the just concluded END SARS National Poetry Competition, in this interview with Wole Adedoyin, the author of “The Four That Matter”, shared with him some facts surrounding his winning entry and writing career.

 

WA: YOU ARE THE AUTHOR OF THE WINNING POEM “STATE ARMED ROBBERS SQUAD”, WHAT WERE YOUR GOALS AND INTENTIONS IN THIS POEM

 

FK: My goals and intentions when writing the poem 'State Armed Robbers Squad' were that being an African and learning the incidents of police brutality in Nigeria I was filled with anger since the very same thing happens in Malawi whereby the police are shielded when they abuse human rights such as by rape or mercilessly kill the defenceless innocent. I really wanted to denounce those evils through my poem.

WA: HOW WELL DO YOU FEEL YOU ACHIEVED THEM? 

 

FK:  I believe I achieved the goals of denouncing police brutality since my poem has crossed boarders and being in second position this will attract more people to read the message and have a clear picture of the abuse of the law by the so called law enforcers.

WA: HOW DID YOU BECOME INVOLVED WITH THE SUBJECT OR THEME OF YOUR POEM?

 

FK: As stated in point one I became involved in the theme of police brutality after witnessing several cases of disregarding birth rights done by the people that we expect to be our defenders.

WA: WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WRITE IN YOUR PARTICULAR FIELD OR GENRE?

 

I prefer poetry simply because one  can easily express their feelings greatly but in simple and few words.

WA: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING?

 

FK:  I have been writing prose and poetry for thirteen years now.

WA: WHAT KIND(S) OF WRITING DO YOU DO?

 

FK:  I do poetry and prose fiction such as short stories.

WA: IS WRITING YOUR FULL-TIME CAREER? OR WOULD YOU LIKE IT TO BE?

 

FK: Writing is not my full time career but I intend to make it so since the passion has been growing with the years.

WA: ON A TYPICAL DAY, HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU SPEND WRITING?

 

FK: I spend all my free time each day writing on any theme that comes to my mind.

WA: WRITING CAN BE AN EMOTIONALLY DRAINING AND STRESSFUL PURSUIT. ANY TIPS FOR ASPIRING WRITERS?

 

FK: To aspiring writers, all I can say is that never give up, good ideas come when you are stressed or in bed and before that idea disappears same way it came write it down and one day it will grow into something big.

WA: HOW DO YOU HANDLE LITERARY CRITICISM?

 

FK: I entertain Literary Criticism, this makes me to polish up wherever need be and this allows me to add more ideas to my pieces of writing.

WA: WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION?

 

FK:  I have always had my inspiration from the genius, William Shakespeare, his writings live with any generation and he is always relevant in any scenario one can think of. His simple and humble beginning sparks determination in me that nothing is impossible.

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

 

FK: Readers can find more about me and my writings through my Facebook account username, FRANK O'JOSELVES KALIATI or through my email address, Frankkaliati@gmail.com.

WA: WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR THE STORY IN YOUR POEM?

 

FK: The inspiration for the story in my poem was that I had to share heart breaking crimes done by the police even here in Malawi, for instance, a village was raided in Malawi by the police in 2020, out of vengeance that one police officer was killed, the police attacked the village by arresting the men and raping the women up to this day no arrest has been made.

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

 

FK: Readers should have a clear picture that police brutality is real and no matter how much the men in uniform will try to intimidate us justice will always find its way home.

WA: WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TITLE?

 

FK: The title was a mockery to the original meaning of the acronym SARS, this was done to expose that the officers have betrayed their assigned duty.

WA: WHAT WERE THE KEY CHALLENGES YOU FACED WHEN WRITING THIS POEM?

 

FK: The only challenge I face even after writing this poem is that I wanted all Malawians to read it and see the evils done by the police but I have not had a wide coverage of the audience towards this poem here in Malawi.

WA: WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT WRITING?

 

FK: When I'm not writing, I love teaching literature especially creative writing and analysing some genres of literature such as poetry, prose or drama.

WA: WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE AUTHOR AND WHY?

 

FK: My favourite author has always been William Shakespeare, simply because all of his writings make one to think deeper in order to deduce meaning, I always want my pieces of writing to be in such a way that the reader should be influenced into thinking deeper towards the meaning or message in my writings.

WA: WHAT BOOKS OR AUTHORS HAVE MOST INFLUENCED YOUR OWN WRITING?

 

FK: The Shakespearean sonnets and Jack Mapanje's poems have always influenced my writing.

 

https://societyofyoungnigerianwritersblog.blogspot.com/2021/01/in-malawi-police-are-shielded-when-they.html