Nneamaka Onochie is a Nigerian writer whose writing journey is nothing short of inspiring.
She has stayed true to her call and continued to press towards her goal, despite the obvious challengers writers face in this part of the globe.
She is currently working with the international publishing powerhouse, Writers Empire to publish two of her works; a short story titled The Hate You Feel and a novel titled Gathering Clouds.
Our correspondence was happy to discuss with the talented writer over the weekend on her writing journey and expectations for the future.
The interview and feature was made possible by Writers Empire. Speaking to our correspondence, a senior representative from the company described Mrs. Onochie as “a fine generational talent whom the organization hopes to assist in making her voice heard worldwide.”
Below are excerpts from the interview:
Glamsquad: Good day Nneamaka Onochie, Thank you for speaking to us.
Nneamaka Onochie: It’s a pleasure.
Glamsquad: Can you please tell us a little about yourself?
Nneamaka Onochie: I am from Nnokwa, Idemili north of Anambra State, I live in Porthacourt. I studied English and Literary Studies and later acquired a second degree in Linguistics and Communications. I like to describe myself as quiet and stubborn. I am a writer journalist educationist entrepreneur and girl child advocate. When I’m not writing, I’m reading, researching and listening to Lucky Dube.
Glamsquad: Can you give us a sneak peek into your writing career?
Nneamaka Onochie: After my youth service, I decided to go into freelance writing. I started writing a weekly column for Nigerian hotline, a local newspaper. The column was titled “Amaka’s Corner” there I wrote about relationships. My articles were featured every Monday. Most times, when I would walk into the office to collect my copy of the newspaper, the editors would sit me down and we discussed my work. The articles I wrote for them were such that was arguable and it was really fun dissecting every facet of our different opinions. They would be like “Oh Amaka, why did you say this?” “No I don’t agree with you on that.” Etc. Later I wrote for Info Guide Naija, though my writings for Info Guide Naija were basically academic. I did more research writing for them and I learnt a lot. Then I also became a columnist for Lead Express Newspaper and the title of my column was “Woman to Woman there I highlighted on issues concerning women. If you have read most of my literary work, you would notice that I basically write women fiction. Well, if you call me a feminist writer, you won’t be far-fetched. My work can also be seen in Red Edit Magazine and Report Afrique International. I also write features in Bellanaija and my works are in Pride magazine. Well, I would say I have written several short stories. Oh did I mention I ran blog I titled “Amaka’s Thoughts” that would be a story for another day.
Glamsquad: How did you know you are a writer?
Nneamaka Onochie: I started writing as a teenager, when I would scribble words in my text books and note books. I remember at 16 years, I had written a manuscript. My Dad read it and said he would publish it and launch it for me. He really encouraged me. I also made sure my siblings read it and they liked it. Though it was never published.
Glamsquad: Do you think writers are adequately supported in Nigeria?
Nneamaka Onochie: No, writers get little or no support here in Nigeria. I think the average Nigerian sees writing as some sort of hobby, like ‘why would you take it serious? Then, when you say you are a writer, you get that look of pity of evidently of someone lost in life.
Glamsquad: What has been your major challenge as a writer?
Nneamaka Onochie: I would say dealing with writers block, the feeling of not being creative enough and oftentimes being isolated.
Glamsquad: How did Covid-19 pandemic affect your plans and journey as a writer?
Nneamaka Onochie: I wouldn’t say it affected much of my plans and journey as a writer because we were all lounging at home. So it gave me the leverage to flesh out more stories, hone my craft likewise read more. Nevertheless, it was during that period, that i got the Publishing deal with Writers Empire though it affected our publication timeline.
Glamsquad: Who is your favorite Nigerian writer?
Nneamaka Onochie: I grew up reading Flora Nwapa, Ifeoma Okoye and Buchi Emecheta. I also love Chimamanda Adichie, I love their work and it really inspired me so it’s really hard to choose.
Glamsquad: Who is your favorite foreign writer till date?
Nneamaka Onochie: Jane Austin and Toni Morrison
Glamsquad: Which will you say is the best book you have read till date?
Nneamaka Onochie: The Only Son, by Flora Nwapa
Glamsquad: What is your highest point as a writer?
Nneamaka Onochie: I would say when a literary magazine accepted my submission for publication. I mean, sometimes you need to know you are on the right track, at least you are doing something right.
Glamsquad: What is your lowest point as a writer?
Nneamaka Onochie: I guess when I opened my email and see those rejection letters.
Glamsquad: What are your plans for the future?
Nneamaka Onochie: (She laughs) I hope to get MFA in creative writing
Glamsquad: What is your favorite quote?
Nneamaka Onochie: “A life spent making mistakes is not only more honourable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing” George Bernhard Shaw.
Glamsquad: What is your favorite foreign book medium?
Nneamaka Onochie: It’s undeniably print, I love the feel of book in my hands, the soft and delicate texture, the smell. I mean it’s a safe place.
Glamsquad: When should we expect your next publication?
Nneamaka Onochie: The management of Writers Empire took a chance on me and my work and gave it a home. Therefore my forth coming novel will be ready in July, 2021 and it’s titled “Gathering Clouds” from Writers Empire Publishing. I’m really excited.
Glamsquad: Please leave words of advice for your readers?
Nneamaka Onochie: Oftentimes we think we really have much time here but the truth is that life is short so make the most of it. Find yourself first because when you find yourself, you find your passion and purpose. Don’t relent in pursuing that which sets your soul on fire and your future self will thank you for that.
Glamsquad: Thank you so much for your time, we can’t wait to get news of your next publication.
Nneamaka Onochie: You are welcome