Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a new fantasy and literary fiction writer, basically. So this would be like a test-run for me, writing in the horror category, that is.
I’ve written like 6 children books, lietrary fiction, actually, that the whole family can read and enjoy. I wrote those books for a specific audience, targeting school children, basically. So they’re not big books. ‘Shadow’ is my first full length novel. It’s a story I’m quite passionate about and I’m hoping to get positive feedbacks from readers about the book.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s called SHADOW! Yayyyy!๐. I’m actually excited about the book. Really excited. In writing this story, I wanted to push myself, to try out a new and challenging genre that I haven’t ventured into before. I’ve always loved writers like Stephen King and Dean Koontz, so I wanted to say if I could spin an exciting story in that specific genre. So I wrote ‘Shadow,’ which is horror-thriller. And working on another novel right now, still in the same genre. It’s called ‘Devil’s Kiss’. Watch out for it, guys๐
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Oh, wow…typically, I like to write when I’m relaxed, not stressed or pressured. So mostly, I write at night when everyone has gone to bed and everything has settled down. And yes, I always write with a snack in hand, maybe not always but most times, anyway. Like having a soda drink or munching on some treats as I punch on the keypad.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh, yes, definitely authors like Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Michael Crighton and JK Rowling has had some influence on my writing. That’s because, like I said before, I’m drawn towards the fantasy/horror genre. There are loads of great African writers I admire, of course (since I’m Nigerian), like Wole Soyinka, Chimamanda Ngozi-Adichie, Toni Kan, and the many Pan-African writers. But I don’t think I’ll ever write like them or in their category.๐. Oh, yes, there’s Nnadi Okoroafor, who’s a remarkable writer blending fantasy and contemporary African themes.
What are you working on now?
And working on a number of projects, including another full-length novel in the same genre. It’s called ‘Devil’s Kiss’.
Hopefully, I’ll be releasing it on Amazon before the end of the first quarter of 2020. Watch out for it, guys๐.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think online/digital book promotion is great, and I prefer to run my promotions on Amazon and Facebook mostly.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
As I’m still in the same boat, the best advice would be to keep at it. Be tenacious at writing, even if you get rejected by lit agents loads of times (like me!). And also, try to find what works, both for you and for the audience you’re striving to build.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t give up!
What are you reading now?
Dean Koontz, ‘Midnight’.
What’s next for you as a writer?
It’s a long way to go, but for now I just wanna concentrate on building a fanbase of loyal readers, sell a lot of books and just keep 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?
I would look for something from JK Rowling, Daniele Steele, Wole Soyinka and maybe John Grisham. So that would be any of the Harry Potter books, The Ring, You Must Set Forth at Dawn and The Testament. I wouldn’t take my regular horror books because, well, I’m on a lonely, desert island and I don’t want to increase the fright around me!๐
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