Writers Focus: Joseph Wodo

Joseph Wodo chats with Elizabeth 

Ogunade in this honest Interview.

He speaks about unethical practices in the industry and how he copes with writer's block.

M.G: Please tell us about yourself: school and course of study, hobbies, how you began writing, the journey so far, etc.

J.W: Hi, my name is Joseph Wodo. I studied mechanical Engineering in Landmark University.

I began writing poetry in 2012 and within that time, I have had an amazing journey because I have been able to meet and interact with different people from different places in the world.

I love taking photographs, reading books, watching movies, playing football and chess.

 M.G - Do you have any current work? What inspired it?

J.W: Yes I published a collection of poems in 2019. It was just me taking a bold step as a writer.

M.G - Do you share your work before publication?

J.W: Yeah I share with some people close to me, so they can help proof read.

M.G - Have you ever encountered plagiarism in the industry?

J.W: No I havent

M.G - What's the most difficult challenge you face as a writer? And how have you been able to overcome them?

J.W: I would say its finding continuity. Being unable to dedicate time & energy to write because Im busy with many other things.

M.G - What is the most unethical practice/unsavory encounter you've had in the literary industry?

J.W: Its probably sending messages to people and not getting a response.

M.G - Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?

J.W: Yes, Im currently known via a pseudonym I created.

M.G - What other authors do you have as friends/mentors, and how do they help you become a better writer?

J.W: I have a few friends who are authors and they support by sharing books/opportunities with me so I can develop myself. 

M.G - How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?

J.W: Since publishing my book, Ive been wanting to explore other genres of writing.

M.G - Do you prefer to self-publish or publish under a firm?

J.W: For now, Id prefer to publish under a firm

M.G - How do you manage environmental factors such as noise, unstable electricity etc?  

J.W: Its all about being in that state of mind where nothing can interrupt your writing process.

M.G - Whats the best way to market your books?

J.W: I prefer to market my book through Social Media.

M.G - What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?

J.W: I do research on things relating to the body of work Im constructing, most times gathering facts about real life experiences.

M.G - Do you Google yourself/read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?

J.W: Yeah I Google myself sometimes. I try to treat bad reviews the same way I treat good ones, by looking for ways to improve.

M.G - Are you a full-time writer? If yes, does your family support your career as a writer?

J.W: No I am not a full-time writer.

M.G - How long on average does it take you to write a book?

J.W: I havent written a book/novel yet, but I think it can take a really long time, years maybe.

M.G - Do you believe in writers block? How do you think it can be dealt with?

J.W: Writers block is real and Im currently struggling with it. A friend told me the best way to overcome it is to just write.

 M.G - What is your motivation for writing?

J.W: I always aim to write about things happening in the present (in the world or with me) 

M.G - What does literary success look like to you?

J.W: Younger generations of readers & writers reading your words & being inspired.

M.G - What word of advice would you give an aspiring or upcoming writer?

J.W: Every generation must recognize and embrace the task it is peculiarly designed by history and by providence to perform. Find yours.

M.G - Over 10, score your fashion sense. Does it affect you as a writer?

J.W: Id say 6/10. No, Id say my fashion sense & career as a writer are both influenced by my character as a human. 

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

J.W : You can find me as  Joseph Wodo on all platforms.

Thanks for your time and attention.