C. M. Okonkwo

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a Nigerian writer, HR professional and lover of French language (I speak fluent French). I’ve always loved writing since I was a little girl, and becoming a published Author is fulfilling one of my childhood dreams — the other being to become a professional dancer (tic toc).

I’ve published two books (“The XIth Hour” and “Thirteen Suspects”) and six short stories (“Ziora’s Surprise” and five stories in the Angela Hunter Series). But I have written way more than that. My best friend/laptop has a lot of unfinished-business folders.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled “Thirteen Suspects.” It’s a Murder/Mystery book with a touch of suspense and erotica. What inspired it? Lips sealed.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write on anything I can find around me immediately I get a new idea – newspapers, calendars, envelopes etc., then I type it up later. Most times, I wake up in the middle of the night to write a page or two on my phone.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I recently started reading fiction books after I published my first book (Nov. 2013), so it’s too soon to say what Authors or books have influenced me. Before now, I only read non-fiction/true life. I’m hoping to read more books this year.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a new book titled “The Perfect Finish.” I’m only two chapters in, but so far, I’m happy with the way the story is progressing.

I’m also working on a short story series: “The Angela Hunter series.” It started off as just one short story titled “Closed Door.” Some readers asked for a second (The Confession) and third (The Pursuit) part, and ever since then, I’ve not been able to stop. The Fourth part is titled “The Informant” and the fifth part (to be released on 03/03/2014) is titled “The Deal.”

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads. I’m looking to explore other websites too.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Think long, think wrong! Don’t waste too much time thinking about if you should start writing your book, if you should publish that great idea you have, if people will like it, or if it’ll sell. You can’t please everyone, but someone out there wants to read your book.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading:

-Murder Passes the Buck by Ted Baker

-Amulet 2 by S. Wolf

-Two Hundred Steps Home – Volume 3 by Amanda Martin

I’m about to start “The Future Kills” by Ron Knight and maybe “A Touch of Danger’ by Grant Fieldgrove

What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
How to power an ebook reading device on a desert island (if it exists), then I’ll take my reading device and read as many books as I want. Translation: I don’t know what books I’d bring along.

Author Websites and Profiles
C. M. Okonkwo Website
C. M. Okonkwo Author Profile on Smashwords

C. M. Okonkwo’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account