People say I’m a controversial writer – Jude Dibia

Considering that I started writing Blackbird in 2007, I was under no pressure at all to bring a book out. I love the process of writing and completing a work of fiction. I’ve learnt not to succumb to any form of pressure when it comes to writing; just take your time and do it at […]

Considering that I started writing Blackbird in 2007, I was under no pressure at all to bring a book out. I love the process of writing and completing a work of fiction. I’ve learnt not to succumb to any form of pressure when it comes to writing; just take your time and do it at your own pace.

How did you cope with the pressure from the success of the previous two novels?

They say you are only as good as your last book! I have been lucky that both my novels have been well received by readers. However, I am a writer that does not like to be put in a box with certain expectations on what I should be writing. This is why my stories have explored different themes, different characters and different voices. I want to show my versatility. However, people still feel I am a controversial writer who enjoys tricky subject matters.

Blackbird is a portrait of contemporary Nigeria with all the gory details. What prompted you to paint this bleak picture of the country?

I had no idea how bleak the picture was going to be when I started writing this book. I was concerned mostly about the intriguing dichotomies that exist within our society. I wanted to write with truth and honesty, and if people think it is a bleak picture of the country, then it means the country is bleak or was that bleak at a point in time. Don’t forget that the story starts at the beginning of the new millennium, 2000; the military had just handed over to civilian rule and there was still a strong sense of entitlement and power from people in the various armed forces. And then, there is the issue of urbanisation and how it affects the less privileged in the society and the rich. These are everyday occurrences.

Writers tend to fall in love with some of their characters. Did you fall in love with Maya or was it some other character in Blackbird?

Strangely, the character I found most compelling in this book was Nduesoh. She was the most conflicted character and I felt empathy for her. As much as we love to hate her, we understand what motivates her to do the things she does.

When you eventually completed the manuscript, what came to your mind?

I felt a sense of relief! The first draft ended differently and the few people who read it were all shocked or disturbed by how it ended. However, with the editing and rewrites, the story changed slightly. But I was still happy to finish it and exit that dark world and the characters’ heads.

You have been described as bold, writing about gay men and sexually abused women in your two previous novels. How far out of the box should writers explore in their themes?

There should be no limits. What is important is to be true to the story you are telling.

I am sure reactions have started coming in. What has been the overall reaction so far?

I have had two readings so far, and it has been wonderful. One of the questions I still remember was from a lady at the University of Lagos; she was amazed at how I always seemed to understand women’s thoughts and feelings and wanted to know what my influences were. Some other readers have said I was being unfair to the image of Nigeria and the various armed forces. Another lady called the book an unedited picture of the society.

Let’s talk about you. When did you realise that you wanted to be a writer?

I was much younger and I read a lot of my dad’s books from his library. It never occurred to me that I was ever going to write my own books, but it just happened that I found some sort of happiness telling stories and wanting people to share in those stories.

Three novels down the line, would you say you have been fulfilled so far?

I am still learning, still growing as a writer. I feel I haven’t reached a point where I can start feeling fulfilled. I wonder if the older writers ever feel fulfilled! The only fulfilment I get is seeing people enjoy my stories and are kind enough to recommend it to others.

Is Jude Dibia only a novelist or are we likely to see works in other genre from you soon?

I don’t write poetry or drama. I’m in love with prose.

So what next after Blackbird?

I am working on a couple of short stories presently, and I have an idea for a new novel sometime in the future. The writers’ collective I belong to will be re-issuing my last two novels hopefully this year. I have a lot on my plate as you can see, and I also have a 9-5 job that keeps me busy.