Wombwell Rainbow Interviews
I am honoured and privileged that the following writers local, national and international have agreed to be interviewed by me. I gave the writers two options: an emailed list of questions or a more fluid interview via messenger.
The usual ground is covered about motivation, daily routines and work ethic, but some surprises too. Some of these poets you may know, others may be new to you. I hope you enjoy the experience as much as I do.
Ngozi Olivia Osuoha
is a Nigerian poet/writer/thinker/hymnist. A graduate of Estate Management with experience in Banking and Broadcasting. She has featured in over sixty international anthologies, published over two hundred and fifty poems/articles in over twenty countries, some of her poems have also been translated into and published in Russian, Romania, Arabic, Farsi, Spanish, Khloe, amongst others.. She has published ten books of poetry.
Her Facebook site is https://www.facebook.com/ngoziolivia.osuoha.3
Her Twitter is @OsuohaNgozi
Her WordPress Is ngozioliviaosuoha.wordpress.com
The Amazon link to all of her books: https://www.amazon.com/Ngozi-Olivia-Osuoha-Books/s?k=Ngozi+Olivia+Osuoha&rh=n%3A283155&fbclid=IwAR2KYxeBU27XbOYcLxwVZ2Yh2U-H-XJjvuzDBbMOi9LwdQeI5xsmhjdD0TI
The Interview
1, When and why did you start writing poetry?
God is the primary inspiration, but He spreads it across the world at large, the society, environment, people,…
1.1. How did God inspire you to write poetry?
Every gift comes from above, I believe it was God that gave me the gift/talent.
2. Who introduced you to poetry?
Introduction?? It is natural. I don’t think anybody actually did
3. How aware are and were you of the dominating presence of older poets traditional and contemporary?
The older poets played their role, so are the young and younger playing theirs. Every man to their duty post.
3.1. What role did older poets play?
I answered accordingly.
4. What is your daily writing routine?
I don’t really have writing routine. I write anytime, anyhow, anywhere,.. Depending.
5. What motivates you to write?
Passion, legacy, quest for a better society.
6. What is your work ethic?
Work ethic?? In terms of writing, maybe none, apart from doing decent work.
7. How do the writers you read when you were young influence you today?
I can’t recall vividly because I offered geography in Senior secondary. The bit I did in junior secondary might not have shaped my writing.
7.1. What shaped your writing?
Education, society, happenings around the world
8. Who of today’s writers do you admire the most and why?
Chinua Achebe, THINGS FALL APART, because generally all over the world, things have fallen apart indeed.
Writing is a burden, a divine mandate, you cannot run away from it.
10. What would you say to someone who asked you “How do you become a writer?”
If you were called to be one, you will definitely be one.
11. Tell me about the writing projects you have on at the moment.
Before the end of August, I hope to release my eleventh book. There are other anthologies I featured in, that would be out then.
There are so many works to be God, God willing.
