Interview with Author Michael Chukwudi
Tell us about yourself! What would you like readers to know about you?
Michael Chukwudi: I graduated with a First Class (Honours) Bachelor's degree from the department of Applied Biology, Ebonyi State University, Nigeria. I had my National Youth Service Corps in the department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State. I’m a member of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Ebonyi State Chapter. My writing includes poems, fictions, essays, research writng and short stories. I’ve published in Water Anthology India, 2020 Mahmag Plague Anthology, FCMB Flexx Zone website, Best African New Poets, Zimbabwe and African Brave Voices Poetry Journal 60. I’m a writer who sees things as they happen in the society and writes them.
What book or books have most influenced you as a writer?
Michael Chukwudi: I have read a lot of books but these two books really shaped my creativity; 'Things Fall Apart' by Chinua Achebe and 'The Princess' by Jean Sasson.
Alexis: Things Fall Apart is a really powerful book!
Who is your favorite character in your book? What do you like about them? (or, which character do you hate most and why)
Michael Chukwudi: My favourite character is 'Ikechukwu.' He is the protagonist in the book 'Undeserved.' The things I liked about him is his tenacity, patience and perseverance. He believed there's a god called 'Chi' who blesses one at the appointed time. And do you know what, most of those attributes he exuded are my real life qualities.
What are you doing to de-stress during the pandemic? Is there any coping mechanism you’d recommend (or NOT recommend)?
Michael Chukwudi: The pandemic really affected everyone but I know it's just a temporal challenge that's already disappearing. The popular misnomer is 'writers are easily depressed' and in return they commit suicide. To be stress-free, I have been writing, reading, watching movies and exercising. And that keeps me busy. I'd recommend that everyone should observe the pandemic rules and do what he/she loves doing and avoid stress which leads to depression...
What do you like to do other than read or write? Do you have any interesting hobbies?
Michael Chukwudi: I love adventure. If I have the opportunity to travel to every part of the world, I'd gladly do that. As a writer, I love cultural diversity. It helps me know about people and their cultural heritage.
Tell us about a mystery/urban legend from your hometown (or another place you’ve lived).
Michael Chukwudi: The mystery in a place I have temporarily visited is that of the two rivers. I used this river in the creation of the story 'Undeserved.' However, there is a little bit of fictional elements included. The two rivers bore different colours at the confluence and people in this society believed the rivers are quarrelling. According to tales, the two rivers hardly stay in one container; in an attempt to mix them, the container shatters.
Cover of Undeserved by Michael Chukwudi!
What TV shows/Movies do you like to watch or stream?
Michael Chukwudi: I watch movies inclined with Sciences. Do not forget, I'm a scientist. Though due to the nature of my storyline (Historical fiction) I watch a lot of African movies. It helps me learn about Africa and her people. I'm an African anyway and I write African Literature.
What’s your favorite animal?
Michael Chukwudi: My favourite animal would be the Eagle. I love soaring so high like this animal.
Do you like playing video games? What’s your favorite game right now?
Michael Chukwudi: I hardly play video games but when I do, it'd be 'Firewatch.' Oh yes, the Firewatch influenced my writing because I learnt how to keep suspense which will make the reader stick to the end.
What advice do you have for other writers or people just getting started in writing?
Michael Chukwudi: My advice is this 'No writer writes in a vacuum.' Read, read and read to see how words are woven. A good writer is a good reader. Implore tenacity, patience and perseverance just the way Ikechukwu did in the novel 'Undeserved.'
Alexis: That’s always some of the best advice! Books are food for your soul and your creativity.
How do you choose what books you want to read?
Michael Chukwudi: When I enter a bookshop or the library, the first thing that attracts me is the cover page, then the title and the author's bio. I do not believe in the popular saying 'do not judge a book by its cover.' What appeals to the eyes is also good for the mind. The eyes first...
Do you like Greek/Roman/Norse/Asian/African mythology or folklore? What’s your favorite myth?
Michael Chukwudi: I said it before that I love diversity, I read everything but when it comes to writing, I write African. In that case, African Myth is my favourite.
If you write sci-fi, what technology or innovations or scientific discoveries have inspired your work?
Michael Chukwudi: The first book I wrote 'The Road to Discovery' is all about scientific discovery. Though, yet to be published. The Ebola virus saga was the inspiration behind the piece.
Picture of Author Michael Chukwudi!