Maria Filibus, an indigene of Adamawa state, recently published her debut novel, ‘Naomi’s Chronicle: Love and Betrayal’. In this interview with IBRAHIM RAMALAN, the 25-year-old Mass Communication student at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria talks on her inspiration and her resolve to launch herself into a full-time writer.
How did you begin as a writer? I mean what was your first inspiration?
Writing for me started when I used to jot down thoughts; I had a notebook where I wrote down my feelings. But then; I didn’t even realise the potential until one day my father read something I wrote and he said in his words ‘I didn’t know you were a fantastic writer.’ I doubt if he’ll even remember. I realised then that I had a craft and if I put in more effort, I would thrive. I was also a press club member in secondary school at that time and I got the opportunity to write too.
As a writer, how supportive have your parents been?
Well, my father has always supported me in every way (my mother is late; God rest her soul). He always reads what I write and for me, that is like the best encouragement he gives me because his opinion matters to me a lot and he also checks to make sure my works are not plagiarised. I have also gotten support and encouragement from friends also and honestly, sometimes I feel they have more confidence in me than I have in myself.
How is reading shaping your writing?
As far as I am concerned, the more you write, the better you get at it. For me there is no magic or particular trick, I just have to keep reading and writing to improve myself. I try to read books by Danielle Steel and I have read a few James Hadley Chase. I read stories from blogs also and basically I use them to set standards for myself.
Could you tell us a bit about your book?
Naomi’s Chronicle is a story about a young girl who moves to Abuja to pursue a career in advertising. But, she becomes desperate as getting employment became really hard. She wanted an easy route which of course caused her to make wrong choices. Now she’s in a dilemma and there is little or no way out for her.
How did you get the story idea?
Well, I have a habit of making up stories in my head. So one day I was sitting in my room in school when the story popped up and I started writing; and the more I wrote, the more the story unfolded.
How long did it take you to write the book?
From start to finish, I think it took me over a year. The manuscript was ready sometimes around August and it got off the press early this month.
Did your real life experience or encounter creep into the book?
The story is in no way related to me or any of my life’s experiences. Like I said earlier, I just made it up; I just love to tell stories.
Publishing is a big time challenge to writers in the country, how did you manage to get your book published?
Well, I have a really supportive family and they believe in me. My father financed the publishing of ‘Naomi’s Chronicle’ and I have never been more grateful. So I basically only had to proof-read, edit and adjust the stories where I had too. And though it sounds simple, but it was a lot of work especially when the book has to be critiqued and trust me, that is one part of publishing the book that I honestly didn’t like.
How could you assess the reception of your first book?
Not a lot of people know I am a writer and not a lot of people knew I was writing a book; so it did come as a surprise. And since I published Naomi’s Chronicle, people have been supporting me in the best way they can by purchasing it. Honestly, their responses have been overwhelming; I have just been receiving encouragements and congratulatory messages.
With that, can you be a full-time writer?
Full time writing has started for me already. It’s what I love doing and I don’t intend to stop.
How do you juggle between writing and schooling?
Juggling school and writing has never been a challenge to me. When I can, I write; if its school, then school it is. Writing is like recess for me; and when I am on recess, it’s like my comfort zone. Writing helps me think and relax and I enjoy it. So, none of them have ever come in the way of each other.
What other challenges are you facing?
One challenge I try to contend with is writers block; by that I mean there are times when I lose inspiration and it takes me a long while to actually write again. There are times when also I lose confidence in my work because I think it’s not good enough; and its pretty much something that reoccurs anytime I write. But then, I still try to encourage myself and not to give up. I know I still have a long way to go, but I’ll keep writing and doing my best.
Which genre are you more at home with?
My niche for now is prose; I have not tried drama or poetry yet. But I like to explore. So, maybe sometime in the future, I will come up with something different. It’s just like when I was writing only articles and now I have written a novel. I do intend to expand my horizon but for now, let’s just keep our fingers crossed.
Who are your literary role models?
I love Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie; she really is an inspiration to me. Most times I see myself where she is today and I pray that my works will be recognised and appreciated just like hers one day or even more. She is definitely one writer I respect a lot.
What are the books that you always return to?
I cannot say I have a particular book or books I return back to and I hope that doesn’t come up as a surprise. When I see good books especially from authors like Sydney Sheldon, Danielle Steel etc I go through them just to make sure I am in check and getting better on my craft.
