Welcome to another #WriterSpotlight feature. Who knew we had so many amazing writers in the world? Today our spotlight is on Phidelia Imiegha. Her simplicity as a writer stands her out. You will love this interview. Don’t forget to leave your comments.
Hello, please introduce yourself
My name is Phidelia Imiegha.
What do you do?
Presently, I’m a corper.
Why did you choose to write?
I can’t say I chose to write. Writing is a consequence of my love for reading.
Writing chose me, it has always been in me. At a very young age I began looking for stories to read everywhere, in English readers, in Christian pamphlets. I read any story I came across. And when I couldn’t find anymore stories to read, I re-read the ones I already read. When I was tired of doing that, when there were no stories left to read, I started writing my own stories just so I could read them.
What is your most challenging moment as a writer?
I get creativity blocks a lot. Writing drains me emotionally. When I finish writing one story, I take days or weeks off writing to recuperate. The downside of this is that it’s usually very difficult to return from these breaks. I spend days trying to get rid of the block and start writing again. The most challenging thing about being a writer, for me, is being unable to write when I want to.
Can you tell us your most rewarding moment as a writer?
When I got a mail that I had been selected to attend Chimamanda Adichie’s workshop in 2015. She is one of my biggest inspirations and the knowledge that she read my story and thought it was good enough gave me a lot of validation and affirmation.
If you didn’t become a writer what else would you have done?
I would be a Communications Manager. I don’t see myself becoming a full time writer. I’m certainly going to dabble in other non art stuff as time goes on so that is still very much a possibility.
Have you ever been rejected as a writer and how did you handle it?
Once, by a literary magazine. I wasn’t as devastated as I thought I’d be. Maybe because the rejection mail was really polite. I’d also just gotten accepted by another literary magazine so that cushioned the pain.
Will you ever retire from writing?
I don’t think so. Writing is very much a part of me. Even when I’m not putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, I’m constantly telling stories in my head.
What do you do in your leisure time?
I read books and listen to music a lot.
What are your writing goals for 2016?
I entered into an international competition, and I’m awaiting the long and shortlists. My goal right now is to make it to the short list and hopefully, win.
What would you pick;
Continental Food or African Delicacy? African delicacy
R&B or Hip/hop? R&B (Because it’s closer to alternative, my fav.)
Fiction or poetry? Fiction
Football or music? Music
Do you have a writing mentor? If yes why?
Chimamanda Adichie. Because she made me realize that it’s okay to exist authentically in my space and write about the things I know intimately.
Do you consider writing as work or pleasure and why?
I actually consider it as pleasure. A couple of people are pushing me to make more money off of it, and sometime in the future, I certainly will. But for now, I’m just doing something I love, when I can.
Your best article or story so far?
Crushed hibiscus. A story I didn’t realize I wanted to write until it was done. I loved it and the people whose opinions matter the most to me loved it just as much.The feedback was amazing. You can read it here
Any last words for upcoming writers?
Simple is good enough. Your work doesn’t have to be elaborate to be considered good. Write at your level.