Young and upcoming Nigerian authors have been urged to stay true to their passion for writing in order to develop their skills and craft before running after material gains.
“I am not the kind of writer that is motivated by money but by a strong urge and as well as passion driven. I don’t compromise when it comes to writing, I always make sure I give my best despite my tight schedule,” Iroha Chimere, author and publisher of the book, ‘Riot In Ubahu’ stated during a recent media unveiling of the book in Lagos.
Chimere, an accountant by training, stated that his love for writing was influenced by Ken Saro Wiwa as one of his mentors in writing, and nurtured by his father’s love for literature.
Chimere, who was introduced to literary work at an early stage by his father, stated that reading lots of literature books became a part of him.
Speaking on some of the challenges faced by young authors, Chimere stated that writing is a very taxing job that demands a lot from the authors.
According to him, there is no author that has a particular formula or model for writing, but that it depends on the level of inspiration they get while writing. “It took me about six months to finish the book”.
He stated further that many of the young and upcoming authors get discouraged because of the socio-economic situation of the country that often limits the level of inspiration to write.
“Plotting and assigning characters are the most difficult aspects and at times it can be very challenging; then the imagination aspect is another issue.
“Charles Dickens doesn’t have formal education but his imagination is great. If you don’t have a good imagination you can’t be a good writer,” Chimere stated.
Speaking further on the book, he stated that the setting of the novel is in a town called Ubahu in Okigwe, the third largest city in Imo State, Nigeria.
The book ‘Riot In Ubahu’, is a fiction story about happenings in the town of Okigwe. “Riot in Ubahu is the story of a school – a Federal Government College; as she fares under her principal, Chief Obanma Orizu, fondly called Obama by students, staff and family members,” he stated.
