Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in a small village in Kenya with no electricity or potable water. There, I felt closer and more deeply connected to nature around me every day. So I spent most of my days outdoors, interacting with nature. I had fun doing all that.
My childhood experiences significantly shaped my outlook on life. In fact, attending a boarding high school transformed the teenage voice inside of me. I found myself trapped in nothing less than a passion for writing. That’s why all of my writing share one thing: authenticity.
Upon relocating to the US, I began writing extensively on many topics, rendering each in thoughtful meditations intended to help the reader engage, visualize, and feel involved in every word.
Through writing, I share many of my feelings, thoughts, and experiences that would otherwise have remained unsaid. Mostly, I write in the first person so that all you can do is say, “I can relate.”
Currently, I have three books published: (1) BULLET WITH MY NAME (Thriller/Fiction), (2) THEY WALK AMONG US (Thriller/Fiction), and (3) MY UNTOLD: PORTRAIT OF A LIVED LIFE (Poetry).
I hope at least one of my books or poems will help you appreciate your own experiences or excite you into living in the present–and, in doing so, bring you joy, inspire you into action for a greater cause, or make you curious about nature and humanity.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I just published THEY WALK AMONG US on Christmas Day. Heck, I have been busy. The inspiration came from a trip I had in a stripper’s club in MN and while there, I was dumb struck by the stories one of the strippers told me.
I quickly realized that in a world where people regard strippers as untouchable objects of fantasy, they are just common people with common problems like everyone else. But then, there was more: she told me about some of the things men do to them and her fears because she had a 5-yr old girl at home. I gathered being in the club every night (dancing to men ogling at her body) wasn’t her liking, but she had to survive. And that got me thinking. I needed to humanize her…and so the story was borne.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to write in the first person a lot because I am an emotional person and I figured it’s easier to express feelings when it’s my voice and thoughts (my perspective).
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Books by D. Koontz, S. Sheldon and R. Ludlum.
What are you working on now?
I’m editing two manuscripts on romance.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use Facebook, Instagram and Twitter; very traditional. So this is my first time getting involved with something deeper and targeted, so thank you Awesome Gang for this platform.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing is about patience. Good work require time and preparation. Don’t fear to begin; just begin. Carve our time (even an hr a day) to write a few paragraphs. Eventually the whole manuscript will be completed. I often write just 3 to 5 paragraphs when I’m at it. Now, I have 3 books published and I’m not going to stop any time soon. So write, keep writing, and don’t fear sharing your raw work with others, especially co-workers and friends, to provide some initial feedback (hey, it’s free service!). I use my co-workers a lot and they often read and give me some invaluable feedback that have made me better, especially with plot, pace and themes.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A book begin with one word. So write those words. An empty page can’t be edited. So write on that page. Your first book might not be the greatest; but your next one, and the next, will definitely be awesome! So write!
What are you reading now?
I’m reading people’s work on Wattpad so that I can learn what themes are trending when it comes to romance.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have two manuscripts for children’s books that I really want to publish in the next 2 years or so. They are stories to inspire children to begin thinking about the environment and the universe and this place called Earth (we need to protect it, and the younger generation is the solution).
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?
My Untold (poetry)
The Concubine
Animal Farm
Author Websites and Profiles
Leonnard Ojwang Website
Leonnard Ojwang Amazon Profile
Leonnard Ojwang’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
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