Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My first work of fiction, Mottak: An African tale of Immigration and Asylum was published last year through DAP NY. The translated Norwegian version appeared earlier through Z forlag. Amid the Chaos is my second novel released on Jan. 9 through amazon kdp.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Amid the Chaos is my latest work of fiction. I felt like it was my duty to be the voice of a young Eritrean generation that has become the poster figure for mass migration in Europe over the last decade. The restless silent mass migration epitomises a continental African experience which I feel has been misinterpretted. Watching the news coverage of the over packed boats landing in tatters in Lampedusa and the Greek Islands, the polarising narrations fail to capture the deep rooted issues of a continental dilemma. I felt the urge to tell the story behind the headline from the angle of the very generation in turmoil. Having lived 2/3 of mylife in several African countries amid the chaos and the rest in Europe, enriches the material and the angle I could twick in my imagiantion to suit the plot.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to capture moments of inspiration on any device, my phone when I am on the metro or at work, my diary when I am in a cafe or my PC at home. But since I write in English, Amharic and Tigrigna it becomes a chaotic jigsaw puzzle every time I try to piece a story together in one particular language.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
It would be difficult and unjust to name few writers that had influenced my style of writing, in different phases of my life in just one short list. But my utmost gratitude goes out to Fyodor Dostoyevsk, Vladimir Nabokov, Richard Wright, Sebhat Gebregzabher and Knut Hamsun who had a profound effect on my career.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on my third novel depicting the intricate world of a writer. The art behind the artistry, the monologues and idiosyncracies of a 40 something-year-old recluse writer juggling his word wizardry to fit in the real world.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Instead of volume promotion, I prefer contacting a couple of sites that directly appeal to my target audience. A couple of dedicated readers are enough to spread the word among their circle as long as the product is worthy. Of course, if one is fortunate to have an Awesomegang where awesome readers meet awesome writers, it would be awesome!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up. You might not become an overnight success but at least, you are doing what you love most. The longer the suffering for the breakthrough, the sweeter is the reward in the end.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Expect and accept my eccentricities for gods sake, I am a writer on duty 24-7” reminded me a seasoned writer in never to switch off the artist within regardless…
What are you reading now?
The Autobiography of W. E. B. Du Bois
What’s next for you as a writer?
The writing career is an indefinite apprenticeship to which I shall make the best of in becoming a better person and a writer.
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?
Letum Aynegalign by Sebhat Gebregzihabher, The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Lawd Today by Richard Wright, Cemetery of Mind by Dambudzo Marechera
Author Websites and Profiles
Nathan H. Mogos Amazon Profile
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