Quick Chat With The Author… is a weekly OkadaBooks series that spotlights indigenous authors, amplifies their voices, and gives character and depth to the brains behind the amazing stories our readers have come to love on the OkadaBooks mobile app. Check back for new episodes Wednesdays at 12 noon.
Emem Bassey is wise beyond her years. She left me awe-struck with her thoughtful responses to rather “easy” questions. I enjoyed this chat, and I have a great feeling that you will, too. Let’s dive in.
Hi, Emem. Briefly introduce yourself.
I’m Emem Bassey, 36, and an indigene of Akwa Ibom State in the south of Nigeria, where I reside. I chose to write from the age of seventeen and haven’t looked back since. I write sexy African romance featuring plus-size heroines. Oh, and I’m a ghost to my neighbours.
Looks like we’re off to an interesting start, Emem.
Apart from writing, what else do you do for a living?
I work in a public institution as an administrator. Currently, my roles include managing the logistics of a weekly radio program and the institution’s website.
How did you get into that and how has it been juggling it with your writing career?
After being jobless for some years, I applied for my job through a link a friend sent me. I was reluctant about applying for that job because the requirement demanded an essay from applicants. Anybody who knows me knows I hate writing essays. However, simply to fulfill all righteousness, I, carelessly, wrote the essay, outlining the lessons I learned from my failed businesses. I never expected to get called, but I did. And for two years, because of the topic of my essay, I’d been employed to run a free Business Advisory for SME owners in my state. However, writing is something that has become so part of me that I feel ill if I don’t write in a space of two days. So, I always find time to write, most times, as early as 4 A.M., or during free hours at work.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you weigh your fulfillment as an Administrator, and how does it compare to the joys of writing?
It doesn’t compare to the joys of writing. Nevertheless, if I didn’t have this job, I’ll probably become a worse hermit than I currently am. This job serves the purpose of monthly income which helps a whole lot. It takes me out of the house and I’m introduced to more people, which means more inspiration. So, I’m going to scale it a 6!
6/10 doesn’t sound so bad.
You have made your mark in the world of literary romance by writing stories featuring plus-size heroines. Did you always set out to tell stories in this niche?
Absolutely, yes! The idea of even writing at age 17 was a result of not reading about any plus-size heroines in all the novels I came across at that time. Additionally, there weren’t any African/Nigerian romance novels depicting the dating scene and what a girl can expect when she begins dating. And at 17, all I could daydream about was adulthood – specifically, dating. I couldn’t wait to jump into that pool, so, I began writing. Of course, I was imagining myself in these dating situations I wrote about.
Your book ‘Duct’ has four parts. You mentioned in a Facebook post that you had no idea how you came about the idea for the series as it was unplanned. I find this intriguing. What prompted you to progress with a story of that nature almost as soon as the idea came? How do you decide when a particular story needs to be told?
This sort of thing happens when a story persists in my mind. Duct (a book series) came about as a result of a casual conversation. I heard a kidnapper got arrested because he went on a first date with a new, ‘internet’ girlfriend not knowing it was a setup. It was a rare, interesting story that actually occurred in my state. So, I started wondering how I could turn it into a Happy Ever After situation and that’s how I got the first Duct. The others simply fell into place.
That’s an interesting backstory. I’ll have it on record that you shared it here first.
Check out all books by Emem Bassey HERE.
How much time do you spend writing in a day?
You would think I’d have this data after many years of writing, but I cannot tell. I can tell you that there are times I’ve used up all the hours of the day to write. I only break to eat, ease my bladder and take power naps which don’t last twenty minutes because my brain is alive with dialogues I need to put down. If you’re asking if I have a fixed schedule, the answer is no. Nevertheless, I write almost daily.
Fair enough.
As someone who has no formal writing training, yet has experienced some form of success in the profession, can you share some tips and pointers for upcoming writers who hope to trail your path someday?
Gladly. My first pointer to an upcoming writer is to hold on to your conviction that you are a writer. If a story is brewing in your head and has a beginning, middle, and end, then write it out. YOU ARE A WRITER. I’m particular about this, because, even with some of my success stories, I still grapple with Imposter Syndrome every other Saturday. But that conviction that I enjoyed my own story, keeps me going. Because, the truth is, if you enjoy your story, someone else will.
Also, write what you love to read and what you know. Don’t go choosing themes you know nothing about. One of your readers will spot your ignorance of said theme and call you out in a review. That could greatly set you backward with building a fan base, so stick to what you know. And if you must write that theme you know little about already, then make sure you carry out extensive research.
Last but not the least, choose a niche. It really helps to be known for a particular niche and genre. That’s how you build a fan base and readers who eagerly wait for your next book.
You published four books in 2021. You also got your books in paperback for the first time in the same year. How do these milestones make you feel at the time?
Even the smallest push forward is a huge success for me. It reminds me that I’m not stagnant. I might not be growing at the speed I want to – but who is? Nevertheless, I’m growing. And growth is important no matter how small. So, these milestones made me – and are still making me – encouraged and jacked to do more.
In 2020, you were named the Ufere awards’ Author of the year. What are your thoughts on this kind of recognition as a writer? Do you think writers need the validation that comes with winning prizes for their works?
I want to say yes and no. Yes, because this encourages. Prizes and awards make a writer (at least, me) feel seen – and recognized. Yet, I’ll also say no, because, if you wait for validation, you will not enjoy your craft and you might crash and lose your motivation. Writers need to keep in mind the reason they started writing in the first place. These reasons for becoming a writer are first and foremost, your validation. When writers have something to say and people read what they’re saying, then they are validated. The rest can come after.
You’ve been vocal about your love for guns in the past. I’m curious to know what inspired the appreciation for such a weapon.
Goodness! I’m laughing my head off. I love the sight of a gun in a woman’s arms. I’m crazy about female superheroes. It’s novel and intriguing. I love seeing and recognizing gun types on sight. Also, guns and the several situations they can be used give me alternatives to my stories. Guns provide a bit of spice to stories. But truth be told, I’m terrified of the havoc guns can bring.
Your blog ‘Chubby’ explores Mental health, body positivity, chubby women, and plus-size living among other things. It is such a gift that such a space exists on the internet today. What are your long-term goals for the blog and what advice do you have for writers who want to write on delicate topics like this but don’t dare to take it on unapologetically?
Thank you so much. I didn’t even think many people noticed the blog, so, I’m pleasantly surprised. As for my long-term goals, the blog is more or less, a hangout. At least, I want it to be. I want it to be a place where plus-size women can gather. But not just them, I want story lovers to gather there too. I want it to be a place of good vibes and fun. If that space could be physical, I’d definitely add alcohol and music.
As for my advice, one has to have a conviction about any topic or situation before stepping out there to advocate. I have been plus-size from birth. It’s hereditary. I have faced the struggles of trying to lose weight while broke, I can assure you, it isn’t funny. Now, I have come to realize that if God wanted everyone to be skinny He would have created everyone skinny. There are just some plus-size people who will remain that way until death. So, are they supposed to feel bad about themselves all their lives? The answer is no! This is my conviction.
Moreover, this isn’t to stop people from seeking ways of losing weight. My stance is to avoid depression or self-hate during that difficult process.
In a society that has unrealistic beauty standards, and is overly critical of women’s bodies, how do you handle body-shaming opinions from naysayers?
Even as a teenager, I never suffered naysayers. I have a sharp tongue when I’m in the mood and it has served to cut down many naysayers. However, I also learned the beautiful art of ignoring people in a way that makes them look foolish. I suffered the anxiety that stems from body-shaming as a child and for part of my teen years. But from 18 upward, I garnered the self-realization that I have a right to my body type. I didn’t choose this body, but since I have it, I’ll be proud of it. Besides, my body is this large to contain my huge personality. People need to deal with it, already.
Check out all books by Emem Bassey HERE.
Which of your published books was the most challenging to write?
They are all challenging in different ways. However, two of the books I had to put in a truckload of research while writing them, are yet unpublished. One should happen this year under Love Africa Press, called Pristine – the sequel to Inside Out (A Ridiculous Royal Tale #1). The other is still in its rough draft.
What are your thoughts on the age-long argument: Self-publishing vs. Traditional publishing? As an author who has books released under both formats, which do you prefer?
Having experienced both, I cannot even choose. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. However, I’m thankful to companies like Love Africa Press that have brought innovation into the stifling strictness which had engulfed traditional publishing in the past. It’s nice to see some other new generation traditional publishers giving yearly opportunities to writers to submit their work and get published for free, only gaining their profit from sales. Gone are the days when a writer needed so much money to publish a book. Now, there are options. I don’t prefer one or the other. I simply love the options they jointly provide.
Writing got you your day job, have you worked in other non-writing-related industries? If yes, how was the experience for you?
I’m good at compartmentalizing. Wherever I find myself will not change anything. I love writing. And even if I were to work in a field-oriented industry, I’d still figure out a way to keep writing. So, I have no experiences to share, only the persistence that I practice when it comes to writing.
Which do you prefer between movies and TV series? Mention some of your all-time favourite movies & TV shows.
Recently, I prefer movies. After Game of Thrones’ ending broke my heart, I’ve sworn off TV series. Besides, I don’t have the headspace to follow the path of a series. As for my favourite movie of all time – seriously, I cannot think of any. However, let’s pretend it’s the John Wick franchise. At least, I recalled the name.
Writing one book is a huge task but to have published 10, at the very least, that’s a huge bragging right. What do your typical story crafting, writing, and publishing process look like?
Recently, I can get inspiration from movies, reading, music, and writing. And when I do, I quickly open the note app on my phone to write down the idea as it appeared in my head. Sometimes, while writing down that idea, I can already sense dialogues and scenarios, so I write those down, too. Sometimes, I simply give it a few days, something will definitely spark and I’d jot down a whole outline of what that story would feel like. These outlines could remain on my phone for months and I read them occasionally to remind my muse that we have work pending.
Since I’m quite disciplined and try to finish my work-in-progress (WIP) before going to another, you can imagine how full my note app is.
When I’m ready to write any noted story, my note app outlines make it easy to start and proceed. On a new day, I always reread the previous chapter(s) of my WIP before proceeding. It helps me get the vibe of the story; it reminds me of the voice I’m using for that particular project. After the first draft, I leave the story for a week, at least, sometimes two or three at most, especially, if I have other stories to jump into. The next time I open that project, I edit it as though we are enemies before sending it off for editing. Depending on my editor, we could go only a round of fixes or two.
If I’m self-publishing, I take breaks by designing my book covers. Right now, I have several book covers of stories I’ve not even written. Yes, for my self-published works, I design my covers. It’s been a journey and I’ve learned so much through the process. I try to finish with final edits before fixing a release date for the book. However, while writing or during editing, I begin making posts, hinting at what I’m working on. It’s a whole market of actions, especially, for those who aren’t financially able to outsource some of the requirements of the publishing process. So, upcoming writers shouldn’t feel guilty for their inability to outsource.
Check out all books by Emem Bassey HERE.
What are you reading currently?
Billy Summers – a novel by Stephen King.
Who are your top three authors?
It used to be Sidney Sheldon, Katherine Woodiwiss and Nora Roberts, etc. However, I’ve not read them in a while. There are some other influences recently, but they will remain on top for motivating a 17-year-old me.
How have these authors helped influence your writing?
These are some of the writers that I emulated when I began writing. Their style of narrating can be clearly seen in my early works. Sidney Sheldon, especially, helped me in the arrangement of a story process, to keep readers spellbound. There is a kind of graduation of narration Sheldon applies which I admire and I’ve used in many of my writing projects.
What are your thoughts on the impact OkadaBooks has on reading and publishing in Nigeria?
OkadaBooks is a legend. They started this process of people being able to read on the go and to be exposed to myriad of books and genres. They brought the African authors closer to African readers with a simple as possible process. OkadaBooks is king and originator of simple reading and publishing, at least, which I know of in Nigeria. It was the first-ever space I published my book. And I’ll be forever glad about that. While some other platforms have some of my books, OkadaBooks has all of my books.
Aaaawn! Your kind words made my eyes water a little. Thank you.
Where do you see your writing five years from now?
I have a dream of owning a book cafe where physical copies of my books and other Nigerian authors’ books can be found. It’ll be a space where other upcoming writers can gather to learn from one another and experienced writers too, of course. I want this to be my daily business, one I manage for myself, which means that I should be able to apply my full time to writing and the business of books without distractions from a 9-to-5 job.
What are your hopes for the Nigerian Literary and Publishing Industry in the near future?
My hopes include a great change of the narrative depicting Africa as a poor, acrid land. I hope more romance authors win prestigious awards, even the Nobel Prize, rather than more people narrating the stark poverty of our continent and its criminal and fatal effects. I hope publishing becomes easier than what we have now, to encourage more creatives.
Check out all books by Emem Bassey on the OkadaBooks mobile app HERE.
Read previous QCWTA episodes HERE.
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