Tell us a little about yourself!
Michael Chukwudi graduated with a First Class (Honours) Bachelor’s degree from the department of Applied Biology, Ebonyi State University, Nigeria. He had his National Youth Service Corps in the department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State. He’s a member of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Ebonyi State Chapter. His writing includes poems, fictions, essays, research writing, and short stories. He has published in Water Anthology India, 2020 Mahmag Plague Anthology, FCMB Flexx Zone site, Best African New Poets, Zimbabwe and African Brave Voices Poetry Journal 60. He’s a visionary writer who sees things as they happen in the society and writes them.
Why do you write?
Society is the reason behind my writing. I want to use writing to right the wrongs in the society of man. I believe a well-written piece will go a long way to creating a better society for Humans.
What genre do you write and why did you pick this genre?
I write several genres but if I have to pick, It’d be Historical Fiction. Being an African, there are histories left untold. Historical fiction helps me tell the story and portray the ancient African histories that have been forgotten long ago, especially but Nigeria history.
Tell us about your book:
‘Undeserved’ is a story of friendship, enviousness and betrayal. It portrayed the life of two friends growing up together in mutual understanding. The villain started nurturing evil because the sun was always smiling at his friend. It started at a pothole though, but later escalated as a gully. This is exactly what we see in our everyday life with people that we are so attached to, envy, betrayal and backbiting. ‘Undeserved’ is a life lesson for all humans to know that ‘the sun will shine on those who stand before shining on those who kneel under them. It is a realism fashioned to create love amongst humans.
How much time do you dedicate to your author career?
I love writing; I studied Biology, but I have gone beyond reading good literature books to taking paid writing classes. I’d spend the whole of the day writing provided the inspiration is flowing. I write everywhere, every time.
How long, on average, does it take you to write your books?
Smiles! As long as the inspiration is flowing, it doesn’t take long for me to produce the first draft. It took me 4 to 5 months to finish the first draft of the ‘Undeserved’ then kicked with thorough editing and proofreading before querying publishers that accept unsolicited manuscript.
What is the best money you have ever spent on your author career?
As far as writing is concerned, I have spent money to better in the ART. As an undergraduate student, I leave school to attend writing conferences and workshops. I have also paid to get writing classes online, but I’d say the one I’m most proud of was attending the Association of Nigerian Authors/Alex Ekwueme Federal University International Conference. I attended the conference as an undergraduate student, a very tough moment.
What is the toughest part of being an author?
Let me take a brief breath of relief. Writers go bonkers seeing their name written on the cover of a book for the first time. A journey worth celebrating anyway. Writing a book may seem very easy, but the daunting part is the book sales. That is the toughest part of being an author – getting your book to the targeted audience.
What is the best piece of advice you have for other authors?
Implore tenacity, patience and perseverance – just the way Ikechukwu did in the novel ‘Undeserved.’ know the very reason that brought you to writing. Do not think about the money but reach to your audience first. Avoid favouritism and being biased, be original. When this happens, you will be happy for the author you have become.
What is your favourite book?
I have read wide; from local and foreign authors. However, my favourite remains ‘Things Fall Apart’ by Chinua Achebe. I can read it repeatedly. It helps me connect with the African way of storytelling.
Follow Michael:
Paperback: https://zumapublishing.com/books/undeserved-paperback/
Ebook: https://zumapublishing.com/books/undeserved-ebook/
Website: www.zumapublishing.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-chukwudi-author-mike-🌟-24b696105
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ikegwu.chukwudi.3
Author page:fb.me/authormikeliterature
Twitter: @ikegwu_author
Instagram: @michaelschukwudi12
Email: michaelschukwudi12@gmail.com
