What is your writing process like?
There are quite a number of activities that stimulate my writing skill. Sometimes, it's music; many times, it's a bottle of energy drink. However, what essence is writing stimulation when there is no inspiration for ideas?
I have a diary I keep with me at all times, at home, at work, while traveling, at church, etc. This helps me pen down my writing ideas whenever they come. One of the reasons writers are bankrupt of ideas is basically because they are not always ready!
How do you come up with ideas for stories and characters?
I get ideas from things, people and situations around me. Most importantly, I get my writing ideas from PROBLEMS! Once I spot a problem that people have, I study the problem, make in-depth research and out up a book to proffer solutions.
What do the words “writer’s block” mean to you?
The writer's block is the writer's biggest enemy. It's the situation where the writer becomes tactless, devoid of what to write or the next word to pen.
How do you process and deal with negative book reviews?
Yeah, I think I've had some negative book reviews especially when I started out as a writer. However, I have invariably used the negatives to birth positives. I would simply take note of the bad reviews and use them to shape up my next writing.
Currently, I barely get negative reviews, and it's basically because I improved by taking note of the negatives.
What is the most challenging part of your writing process?
Frankly, I like writing with pen before typing. Once I'm done writing, I always become lazy to type. Hence, the most challenging of the process is typing. There are times that I engage some members of my team to type for me.
How long have you been writing, or when did you start?
I started writing since I was 10. I have always been engulfed with the passion.
What advice would you give writers working on their first book?
One of the many fears of first-time writers is A CRAPPY DRAFT. They believe there is nothing they write that can be appealing enough. However, I have come to realize that a CRAPPY FIRST DRAFT is better than a NON-EXISTING ONE!
Don't mind how scrappy it is. Simply write it as it comes and hire a professional editor to make it standard. Tadar!
How do you develop your plot and characters?
Of course, I'm a multi-dimensional writer. I write fictions and non-fiction.
When it comes to developing characters and plot for my book(s), first off, I consider the story type and the most befitting background. I use that to develop my characters.
How many books have you written, and which is your favorite?
You wouldn't believe if I told you that I have written more than a hundred books, would you?
Oh, yeah, I showed you the evidence before this interview. 😁
My favorite of all the books I have written "LOST IN THE WOMB". It's a book that details the circumstances that surrounded my precarious birth, though a very short book compared to others that I have written.
What part of the book did you have the hardest time writing?
...many people know me as a Word-Smith. They know I seldom lack words. However, it's usually challenging finding the words that the potential reader can relate to. And yeah, that's the hardest.
What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?
I recently found out that there is a modern notepad that's water-resistant. I would want that so I can take it with me whenever I'm taking a shower. Who knows, an idea might come while I'm under the rushing waters. 😁
If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose?
Myles Munroe. But he's dead. He's my favorite.
When was the last time you Googled yourself and what did you find?
I Google myself every day and I am always impressed by what I see. This morning when I Google myself, I found a whole page of results about me, my books and who I am. It dawned on me that the visibility keeps coming.