01. SM: What is your writing process?

YB: First, I am inspired by a brilliant idea (I feel). I quickly jot it down. This idea can appear at any time—in my car, while watching TV, while I’m in bed, even while I’m visiting a friend. After I mull over the idea, I write an outline to give me a sense of where it can go. I then determine what the first and last chapters will be about. The middle tends to flow from this. Of course, in the case of my non-fiction books, I sketch out most or all of the chapters and fill in the details based on my personal knowledge coupled with research and interviews.

INTERVIEW WITH ALLAUTHOR:

What is that dream goal you want to achieve before you die?

Whether I make much money or not, I would love to be regarded as a well-known author and have at least one book in one of the canons.

Is today’s generation more aware of the literary art or less?

I think they are more aware, but it is catch twenty-two. They seem to be reading less but are aware of popular books like the Harry Potter books etc.

When you were young, did you ever see writing as a career or full-time profession?

Definitely, not. I loved books and loved to read, but I never thought of writing as a career. I always wanted to work in the field of commerce and I must say, I enjoyed my job as a banker for thirty-seven years.

What is your take on the importance of a good cover and title?

I believe strongly that a book cover is important to a reader. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, a book cover can project those words. Let us understand that the first thing potential book buyers see is your book cover. The title is also important. If the cover and or title does not attract them, there is a good chance they will not bother to read the blurb or purchase the book.

Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?

I read my reviews. I am thrilled with the good ones that echo my sentiments. So far, I have received only one bad review and I could tell that the person writes bad reviews all the time. It seemed to be his/her forte, so I don’t let it bother me.

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

Learn all the rudiments of marketing a book before you publish one. There is much to learn and you must decide what to utilize. Be ready to pounce as soon as the manuscript goes to the publisher.

What inspired you to start writing? How long have you been writing?

I was inspired to write after my first journey to West Africa. When I embarked on that journey, I had no intention to write about it, but when I showed the photographs I had taken and shared some anecdotes about my experience with friends at a dinner party, they all insisted that I share the story with the world. “Write a book about your journey,” they said. After much deliberation and research, I wrote and published my first book, Into Africa: A Personal Journey. That was twenty-four years ago. I haven’t stopped writing since!

Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

I agree that writing can be all these things, but for me, it is also exhilarating, fun, and rewarding. Heck, sometimes when I write I forget to eat or go to bed! If you write for the correct reason, it will be a positive experience.

How do you feel when people recognize you in public and appreciate your work?

It can be a tad jarring at times, but I don’t mind it. It feels good to meet someone who has read your work and appreciates it. That’s a fan and the person you write for.