Writers Focus: Ekpeki Donald Oghenechovwe

Today on Writers Focus, Elizabeth Ogunade chats with Ekpeki Donald Oghenechovwe as they discuss the fascinating thing about writing and favourite authors.

EO: Tell us about yourself.( Name, Schools attended, Family etc)

EDO: My name is Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki. First name, middle name, surname, in that order. I come from a family of 6. But by dad is late so now 5. Me, my mom, two older brothers and a younger sister. Attended the University of Lagos, where I studied law. After I discovered mass communication in Uniben where I was first admitted was unaccredited and had to leave in the middle of that. 

EO: How did you get into Writing?

EDO: Well I grew up near the local library in Delta State and after exhausting the books there, moved on to second hand fantasy books from Yaba and CMS. After reading enough I naturally sought to create some of the wonder I was enjoying. Thus began my sujourn into writing. 

EO: Who are your favourite Authors?

EDO: CS Lewis, Tolkien, Anne Rice, Wilbur Smith, Tom Clancy, Tad Williams, Ben Okri, Cyprian Ekwensi, Brandon Sanderson, Conan Doyle, etc

EO: Do you have published work(s)/ articles? ( Where can they be found?)

EDO: I've had published several short stories; The Witching Hour which won the Nommo award for best short story by an African last year, Ife-Iyoku, an Africanfuturistic short story which was longlisted for the Nommo award for this year, and several others. The link to read them can be found here https://ekpeki.com/fiction/ and I have a novella and an anthology forthcoming in August, which can be pre-ordered here https://aurelialeo.com/product/94602008172020/

EO: What is the most fascinating thing about Writing?

EDO: Having the finished product in your hands. Looking at the work, the world, characters you made, having them come to life as people interact with them. 

EO: Do you have writing Mentors?

EDO: Sure I do. Wole Talabi, Tendai Huchu, Suyi Davies Okungbowa and a host of other African speculative fiction writers I respect. Also, Geoff Ryman, the founder of the African Speculative Fiction Society. Not to forget, Tananarive Due, Sheree Renee Thomas and a host of others. 

EO: Is there anything you think the Writing Industry can do to get better?

EDO: Well it depends on which portion of the industry. There are a lot of things the specific sectors of the industry could do. But if we are speaking generally, I would say diversity. The industry would do well to encourage diversity and the fostering of indegenous and diverse narratives. I think that this is the only way to true literary growth and development. It will help to balance the industry more. 

EO: What is your fashion sense, on a scale of 1-10 ?

EDO: Loooool. I think that you are trying to confirm a certain stereotypical view of writers. It's unfortunate that I am going to have to help you do that. For while I don't go about ragged, I certainly am not fashionista. I would plead the 5th for this one. Or if I must pick a number, a 5 then. 🙂

EO: Do you have a specific time for writing?

EDO: Well i would say night time. It's the time I have done the most writing. Being a bit of an insomniac, I find myself unavoidably and unfortunately awake then. It's also the time when I have the most clarity and the noise of life is somewhat muted. However I do get a lot of writing done during the day as well, if I can find a bit of quietude. 

EO: What sort/ genre of books do you read?

EDO: All kinds really. But in order of preference, fantasy, science fiction, horror, speculative fiction generally, including slipstream and magic realism. Then historical fiction, espionage, detective stories, YA, Romance, yes erotica, and literary fiction. Everything really. Though my first pick would be speculative fiction, and science fiction/fantasy. 

EO: If you were to go on a date with an Author or Writer, who would that be and why?

EDO:Anne Rice. It would be one hell of a conversation, though probably one sided as my mouth would be hanging open in awe the entire time. She must have a fascinatingly dark mind. If her writing is anything to go by. 

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?)

EDO: I think writers should do anything that keeps them alive. Meanwhile writing pays irregularly so that's not always possible, for them to depend on solely writing. I would wish there were more grants and support for writers as I believe the work they do is important and to the benefit of all of society. And it's hard to manage with other things. I think the quality of a writer's work diminishes when their time and energy is divided by other pursuits. So my motto is do whatever you need to see you through (within legal bounds of course).

EO: If you were to go on a vacation, what will be the five things you take along as a Writer?

EDO: My phone, my laptop, a jotter, a pen, and lots of food. 

EO: Drop your social media handles so your readers can get in touch with you.

EDO: www.twitter.com/penprince_nsa

www.facebook.com/penprince

www.instagram.com/penprince

www.ekpeki.com

Thanks for your time and attention.