I’m not making much money from writing as I’d like —Chikodili Emelumadu

Chikodili Emelumadu is a writer, broadcaster and blogger. In this interview, she speaks on her growing up years in the United Kingdom, her writing, and why she hopes to make more money from literature. EXCERPTS:

What is the inspiration behind your story, “Jermyn”?

I don’t know. These sorts of questions are always difficult to answer because there is no right reply. It might have been something which I wasn’t even aware was influencing me. All I know is, I finished work for the day, shut down my computer and went to bed. There I was trying to sleep and this dog was howling in my head. I had to bring out my phone and write the story! I did around 2000+ words before it let me sleep.

Do you remember your first piece of writing?

No way. I’ve been writing since I can remember (I’m sure it’s the same old story with a lot of writers, people are probably sick of hearing it.) But I have not always done the same medium. When I was a kid, I read a lot of plays, so I started writing those first. For some reason, the format appealed to me. It was all ‘Exit stage left’ and whatnot even before I’d ever seen a staged play. Then I moved on to poetry for a bit – a period that coincided with my teenage years. Ah, such beautiful, angst, awful poetry. Then novels and novellas, and I have finally ‘settled’ on short stories. That being said, I was in Nigeria recently and found a novel I started when I was 13 or so, about a protagonist named ‘Jade’ who had green eyes.

How did you come to write, “Light and Light”?

I cannot recall. I just heard this woman’s voice in my head – superior-sounding — so I started writing down what she was saying. Then she signed it ‘Superintendent Mrs Adachukwu Godschildson’ which cracked me up, so I followed her home to see what she was about. I did not like her house very much, let me tell you.

Can you share your story “Soup” as published by One Throne Magazine?

‘Soup’ tells the story of a girl, Akwaugo, who bonds with a very gossipy fish she’s supposed to be preparing for the soup pot. Her mother has just died and Akwaugo is beginning to realise that in a way, maybe, she is dying too. The story is about what she does next.

You’re a Nigerian writer and broadcaster living in London. Can you share with us your childhood?

I was born in a little village here in the UK called, Worksop and grew up in Nigeria with five siblings. I returned to the UK at 21. My parents are both in the medical profession, so for a while, there was the hope that I’d end up in that same place. It was all done in love, I suppose. Parents want the best for you. But as our people say: Everybody has a different chi (guiding spirit/personal destiny). Maybe if I’d gone into their profession, I might have been the kind of doctor that kills people for fun, like, proper Hannibal stuff.

Is there any major difference between being a writer and broadcaster?

Yes. I guess both industries revolve around telling stories (yours or other people’s), but writing deals with the written word as a method of reaching people while broadcasting is audio/video.

Do you really make money from writing?

I’m not making much money from writing as I’d like!

Can you really describe the literary scene in London?

I’m not very active on the London literary scene. I used to be, as a journalist, because my work required it. I’m a bit reclusive; write, read, rinse, repeat – in between other activities. Most of my interaction with the literary scene here nowadays is virtual/online. London is vibrant in every way, even online.

What do you hope to achieve with your writing?

I hope to be better. I never want to rest on my (perceived) laurels. I want to keep going, challenging myself, meeting people and being in situations that will always inspire me to do more, faster, better. I want to do what I do to the best of my ability.

—Geosi Gyasi