Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a retired teacher who was the Outstanding Headteacher of Emotan College, Benin City, Nigeria, before relocating to London, UK. While in London, I was the Head of English Departments in of two Secondary Schools, and also the Manager of a Learning Support Unit in a Boys’ Secondary School in London.
I currently spend my time writing or providing a Life Coaching Service on Personal Development and Relationship issues.
I am an award-winning novelist. My first novel – Dizzy Angel (UPL, 1985), won several awards in Nigeria, Switzerland and other places. Dizzy Angel tackles the traditional beliefs in the Nigerian Society which tend to relegate women to the background in the early 50s and 60s. Ogbanje, the heroine in Dizzy Angel, struggles to pull herself and her family out of the strangle hold of unhealthy traditional beliefs because she and her father, Dolise, were determined that she should get some education.
My second novel – The Broken Bond (2001) is very popular. It is studied by many University Students who have written many reviews on the issues discussed in this novel – especially, as it affects women and their ability to survive in a male-dominated Society.
My third novel – Ada in London, Surviving the Traumas (2005), is also very popular and really interesting to read. This is a Memoir, and it tells the story of Ada’s wrenching from her beloved job as Headteacher, her struggles to get to grips in a foreign place, London, and all the pain and suffering of being alone, being treated badly by racists and suffering serious poverty etc. In the end, her marriage breaks up as a result of her husband’s infidelity and extreme bad treatment.
Ada in London is an excellent read. It is racy and full of suspense.
As one reviewer says:
“Once you start reading Ada in London, you won’t want to put it down! The suspense is superb. It is a heart-rending story, so well-told that it is totally enjoyable. I can’t recommend it enough.!” Editor: African Echo, London.
My other books include:
– HOW TO FIND AND SUSTAIN A GREAT RELATIONSHIP by Dr Grace Anderson
This is an Online Dating and Relationship Guide. Very popular.
– HIS & HERS DAILY GRATITUDE JOURNAL by Dr Grace Anderson
This is a daily Journal to help you stay positive and grateful for the blessings in your life, however small.
– SENIOR CITIZENS’ DAILY LOGBOOK
This is a very useful logbook for the elderly – especially those in care or nursing homes. This logbook will help them remember planned activities like medication, meals, etc.
– MOTHER AND BABY’S DAILY LOG – FIRST TWELVE MONTHS by Grace Andy.
This logbook is for Young or New Mothers as well as expectant mothers. The importance of this logbook is the fact that you can record your baby’s progress from Day 1 to when he/she reaches one year old. Very useful memories to keep for your child to see when he or she grows up.
– YOUNGSTERS’ READING LOG
This is a Reading Journal for young people from age 5 onward. It can also be used by adolescents and adults to record interesting parts of a book they have read, especially the reviews of various characters, etc. Keeping a reading log will greatly improve the reader’s literacy and literary skills.
You can access all my books on my website: https://graceandersonsbooksandjournals.com.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Ada in London – Surviving the Traumas (Second Edition).
I decided to include extra information in the book to help readers understand its purpose much better.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, not really.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been influenced by such authors as:
Chinua Achebe: Things Fall Apart.
Camara Laye: The African Child.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a new novel that delves deeper into the concept of reincarnation.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My first choice is Amazon Adverts
and then Free Book Promotion Websites like this one.
I also promote my books on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
All I can tell any one who wants to write is – Just do it! Don’t be frightened of the results. Just write. After you have written your first chapter, take a good look at it to correct errors – eg, using Grammarly, or other such software.
It pays to have a plan of all the Chapters, your characters and the various events first, so that you will be surer that you are working according to plan.
If you don’t try, you won’t ever know how much of a wonderful author you could become!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I ever heard was from my English Teacher in the grammar School I attended: She told me to: “believe in yourself and you’ll get others to believe in you!”
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading a book called: Atlantis in the Amazon by Richard Wingate.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Write more books and sell more books.
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?
I would take my some Spiritual Books with me to remind me that I am never alone – that God or the Holy Spirit is always with me.
Spiritual Lessons From Living – Harold Klemp
The Shariyat Ki Sugmad – Paul Twitchell
The Bible
Author Websites and Profiles
Dr Grace Anderson (also known as Gracy Ukala) Website
Dr Grace Anderson (also known as Gracy Ukala) Amazon Profile
Dr Grace Anderson (also known as Gracy Ukala)’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account