Writers Focus: Chioma Ngaikedi

In this friendly interview, Elizabeth Ogunade from Moncoeur Global Concept speaks with talented writer and scriptwriter, Chioma Ngaikedi as she chats about what writing means to her and how writers can be encouraged.

EO:  Tell  us about yourself.( Name, Schools attended, Family etc)
CN: My name is Chioma Ngaikedi, the only girl in a family of 2 boys. So, I am part tomboy, part Cinderella. I attended FGGC, Onitsha and University of Benin.

EO: How did you get into Writing?
CN: It began with storytelling for me. As a kid, I wouldn't sleep until I am told a moonlight tale. And so, when the adults around me exhausted all the stories in their arsenal, I began to search for new stories in books. My love for stories bloomed into the love of telling it. I would craft stories and tell my friends. Take them to unknown lands and back. In secondary school, I would Gist part 1 to 5 of a fabricated Nigerian film in my head, then end the tale with - "Oh, that was forged" and I would get my friends giggling and pleading that I tell them more.
So, writing for me was an escape. An exploration ground, where I reach the deeper recesses of my mind, travel to lands I yearn to see. Speak to people I love, kneel before lords I dread. Paint stories and realities that fill my heart.

EO: Who are your favourite Authors?
CN: I have alot especially all the African pacesetters before me.

EO: Do you have published work(s)/ articles? ( Where can they be found?)
CN:  I have two published works, SAHARA'S CLAWS and BROKEN THINGS. My flash fiction can be found on www.chiomangaikedi.com.ng

EO: What is the most fascinating thing about Writing?
CN: The creative ability. The godlike capacity. The fact that you can build a world and pull people in. Get them to believe, to hope, to cry, to laugh and to love.

EO: Do you have writing Mentors?
CN: No personal mentor. I just learn from books and articles of my favorite authors.

EO: Is  there anything you think the Writing Industry can do to get better?
CN: I think young writers should be encouraged. More companies should host writing contests and award new talents.

EO: What is your fashion sense, on a scale of 1-10 ?
CN: 10 o! I can't shout. I'm a beautiful queen. Lol.

EO: Do you have a specific time for writing?
CN:  I prefer to write at Dawn.

EO: What sort/ genre of books do you read?
CN:  I love romance, thrillers, African literature and most recently, YA fantasy.

EO: If you were to go on a date with an Author or Writer, who would that be and why?
CN:  I would go on a date with Tomi Adeyemi. We have many things to discuss about  the Orisha kingdom, the beauty of magic and my love for Reon.

EO:  Do you think Writers should depend on the profits of their writing alone?( What's your opinion on Writer's having a side hustle?)
CN: For beginners, try to have a side business as you grow your craft. Once, you become an authority and your talent speaking aloud, you can dive in and become a full time writer.

EO: If you were to go on a vacation, what will be the five things you take along as a Writer?
CN: My phone. My pen. My long note exercise book. A pack of crackers biscuits or shortbread  and my favorite novel as a reminder of why I began and the heights I need to scale.

EO: Drop your social media handles so your readers can get in touch with you.
CN: You can find me as Chioma Ngaikedi on all platforms.

Thanks for your time and attention.