No sleepless nights over NLNG Prize – Chinyere Obi-Obasi

How nervous are you heading into the award night? This year’s announcement would be at a World Press Conference on October 10, 2011. I suppose it would be in the morning and before you know it, it would be over. I am not that nervous because I remember that I did not start the whole […]

How nervous are you heading into the award night?

This year’s announcement would be at a World Press Conference on October 10, 2011. I suppose it would be in the morning and before you know it, it would be over. I am not that nervous because I remember that I did not start the whole process from day one. God did. He gave me the wisdom, the hard work and finally caused me to be celebrated so I have simply gone back to Him in faith not in anxiety.

When you were writing this book, The Great Fall, did you anticipate something like this, at all?

Not at all. I didn’t know it would make such waves but one thing I know I did, I worked very, very hard more than I have ever done with any book. I am a stickler for perfection; of dotting all ‘i’s and crossing all ‘t’s but I recall that when I took delivery of copies of the books a few days to the NLNG deadline for submissions, I fell in love with the book and raising it up to my colleagues, I declared, ‘This is an award winning book.’

What was your initial reaction when you got news of your nomination?

I was very, very happy. The background of my happiness was based on the fact that God recognized my efforts. You see, as a mother of 5 young children, working in a bank- Unity Bank to be precise. I write mostly from 2 am or 3 am till dawn. So when I was told about the nomination, I saw in my mind’s eye an image of Jesus Christ sitting across me all those lonely nights, smiling at me and saying to Himself, if only she knows how far I intend to take her with this work. Simply put; God rewards all hard work and one day He will remember you for your hard work and your life will never be the same.

What inspired the story?

I chanced upon the story and thought of how all those lovely tortoise stories were no more but again, being aware of the 21st century children, I also did a lot of thinking on how to repackage and present the story to them for their acceptance. Unfortunately, many writers may not know that folklores can be retold in any fanciful way as nobody has copyright over them.

How much did your five children contribute to or impeded your writing this book?

For the records, I have very lovely, intelligent and well mannered children who do not give me cause to complain. Maybe because there are more girls – 4 girls and a boy (laughs).

They aided me in knowing how children think and act. I studied and noted their reactions whenever I told them my stories.

Would you say you enjoyed yourself writing this book? Was the writing process fun for you?

The writing process would have been tedious and miserable if I did not have a goal, a focus or a vision. My goal was to write an acceptable book with minimal errors. It was fun writing this book and the other books I am currently working on.

I use this medium to express my gratitude to people like Spencer Okoroafor, Ahmed Maiwada, Ben Ubiri, Dr Rex, Ejah Sule who graciously looked at it and made useful comments. It was hard work but fun.

I suppose this question is obvious but; you have five kids, a husband and you work in a bank. How do you find the time to write?

I strike a balance always; work, family, social life and writing. I write mostly at nights and sometimes in order to create time I write for whole weekends, if that is the only way I can conclude any work. I also have an understanding husband. Surprisingly too, I prepare the major family meals and prepare my children for their major exams. The key word is balance.

How has the reaction been from your fans since this nomination?

Everyone is so happy for me. The Bank is happy. My family, my friends, members of the Abuja Literary Society and the Association of Nigerian Authors, Abuja Branch where I have been active member for years are happy. I have reconnected with long lost friends, made new friends and have been forgiven by many more (laughs), all on account of this nomination.

Frankly, what do you think of your chances of winning this?

What my chances are is strictly for the judges to determine but like everyone on the final shortlist, I am expectant.

You have read the other shortlisted works; how would you describe the standard of this year’s shortlist?

It would be very unfair to compare. The quality for children’s prize for literature has consistently been high and has always been awarded.

Which one of the works would you say is…okay, giving you sleepless nights, sort of?

Sleepless night? Never! God gives His beloved sleep. How dare you have sleepless night over what you don’t have control over? The validation alone is a wonderful thing that has happened to all of us on the shortlist. God brought us out from obscurity into limelight for that I am eternally grateful to Him.

Tell us about the beginning. What made you want to be a writer?

I write because I have stories to tell. It is a talent. It is something I do effortlessly. It is fun and engaging. It is also something I have been able to do part time and succeed.

How fulfilled would you say you have been since you started writing?

I have never bothered before now to wonder whether it was fulfilling or not. Remember, I have always worked from day one when I left school. Therefore I am not a full time writer. However with the NLNG nomination, I can say I am fulfilled if my work amidst my extremely tight schedule can be so recognized. It will lead me to writing more books. Already I have a work with my publisher and another one for the ANA awards under unpublished works.

Last line; I intend to work harder than I have ever done. Thanks NLNG!