‘How I released three books at once’

Daily Trust: As a pharmacist, how did you come to write three books? Amby Chizaram Ezem: It started out as a dream that by my twenty-fifth birthday I would have written at least one book. But as time went on, I got more inspiration and when I came back to Nigeria I decided to put […]

Daily Trust: As a pharmacist, how did you come to write three books?

Amby Chizaram Ezem: It started out as a dream that by my twenty-fifth birthday I would have written at least one book. But as time went on, I got more inspiration and when I came back to Nigeria I decided to put it together all at once. I mostly write poetry, prose and short narratives and I thought it would be better to launch all three together instead of releasing them separately.

DT: There is this notion that people read books less because of the social media. What do you have to say about that? 

Ezem: Actually, I see a lot of people in my generation going back to books. I was skeptical at first but I have seen that there are young people that encourage reading more than I expected. Also, the social media helps get information out. There are eBooks for those who don’t like carrying books. I think that helps as well.

DT: What inspired the themes you explored?

Ezem: The first one, ‘Souls Exhale: Breathing & Bleeding’ was centered around religion, heartbreak and family. The second, ‘Ah Ham Bu (My Name is) Chizaram’ was inspired by my experience living in the UK, where I saw the discrimination that people pass through, the difficulty faced in marriages across cultures, immigration, and so on. The last book is religious.

DT: How do you think writing about the discrimination people face in the UK is going to help in reshaping government policies and people’s perceptions?

Ezem: I think it will help a lot. I talk a lot about politics in ‘Ah Ham Bu (My Name is) Chizaram’ and the fact that people tend to take their families away when things get bad and then bring them back later. But unfortunately, we have already missed out on understanding the system because we haven’t been a part of it. 

DT: Returning to Nigeria, what have you learned so far?

Ezem: One is that knowing people is important when you need your voice to be heard. What about those who don’t know anyone and yet deserve certain opportunities? 

DT: Which of the three books challenged you the most while writing?

Ezem: ‘Ah Nam Bu (My Name Is) Chizaram’ was difficult because I had to go to my roots and ask questions from those who are experienced. Despite this, I enjoyed writing it the most. I had to go back to my childhood. The second book has a lot of illustrations because I like to draw.

DT: What do you plan to do with the money you make from your books?

Ezem: I hope to donate the proceeds to Lively Hope World Outreach Scholarship Scheme. I have been thinking about how to get involved and contribute to the course. What better way to promote education and academics if not with books? 

Lively Hope World Outreach Foundation is a charity founded by my parents about 15 years ago. Its mission is building solid hope for the future. So far, it conducts medical outreaches, visits orphanages and sent about 40 students to university, most of which have been privately funded. I decided to partner strongly with the education part since I am academically inclined. I thought at first to donate from my savings but felt it was too little and I needed to do more to send students to school. My parents have worked hard enough over the past 15 years to keep it running and now I would like to play my part.

DT: Who inspires you in the literary world?

Ezem: Chinua Achebe of course, and I recently learnt of Cyprian Kwesi. I really love a lot of his works. I have also been listening to some of the things Chimamanda Ngozie Adichie has been saying. I grew up reading some of her works. There’s also Maya Angelou. 

DT: What lessons do you think your readers can learn from your books?

Ezem: For ‘Souls Exhale: Breathing & Bleeding’, what people can take from it, especially young women, is that we are all imperfect. We should face the fact that we are not supportive; women don’t support one another. Also, how genuine love is meant to be, how to heal after heartbreak and dealing with jealousy

DT: What are your plans before you hit 30?

Ezem: I will like to have successful book tours. I have done some in the UK, so hopefully Nigeria is next. I’m hoping to go further with my writing and get a novel out in the next few years and fully establish a career in writing and as a pharmacist. I just hope it doesn’t come to the point of me choosing between the two. I want to write as many books as possible.

DT: What is your novel about?

Ezem: It’s going to be centered on the shortcomings of religion. It’s going to step on toes with an “I don’t care” vibe to it. I know there are people out there who will appreciate it.

DT: What kind of feedback have you received about your books so far?

Ezem: Quite good surprisingly. I’m being accepted far and wide, in the UK, in Nigeria and other countries as well. It’s overwhelming. 

DT: When do you get the most inspired?

Ezem: It’s at night. My dad calls me his nocturnal daughter because I go to sleep around 9pm then wake up at 3am to do my devotion. Once the sun is down, inspiration comes.