By Ibrahim Ramalan
Chukwu John David is a young international author from Abakaliki town in Ebonyi State that has authored three internationally published books at tender age. His first novella, ‘African Dark Light’ written in 2012, was published in 2016 in the USA by Inner Child Press Ltd and his second book which is also a novella, ‘It Came From The West’, was published in the UK by Idriss Publishing House, while his third book: ‘Black Clan’ — a collection of short stories will soon be out of the press by the same publisher.
David, who will be 20 this October, seems to have started on a beautiful literary footing. What inspired this young author into writing and at what age did he start?
“I started writing when I turned nine years old. And I can say nothing inspired me to start writing. I grew and discovered I was born to write, so I started working on the prowess. Now I am an author and my zeal inspires me at this time, hence pushes me to keep doing what I do.”
Intellectually, age doesn’t need to be a bargaining tool. But it is so unusual however in this country for a young David to have gone this far without having gone through mentorship or rigor of an intellectual in that direction. Thus, how does it sound to him, doesn’t it make him any inferior?
“Not at all. Some of my fans say my bravery somehow, intimidates the nimbleness of a lion. I concur with them. I feel no inferior. I tend to do what I want to do, how I want to do it, and when I want to do it. My age does not have to determine the boundaries of my career. I am privileged to be one of the youngest published international authors, coming from such a place like Africa.
“You asked who my mentors are? I have been interviewed across many platforms and this question usually comes up. Well, I feel ashamed to say that I do not have mentors. I like being myself, doing my things my own way. I learn from anywhere I can. My writings are so different. But if there is any author I should admire, it is Chinua Achebe. However, my parents have strongly influenced my writing career in morals. They taught me the difference between the good and the bad.”
This young David must have been lucky because here in Nigeria, such opportunities rarely come to writers early, especially publishing and other writerly ordeals. Does he think his place of residence has influenced the growth of his art?
“To have been smart enough to become traditionally published by reputable foreign publishers is a fortunate thing. I think my hard work and dedication have something to do with this. I am ashamed to say that I am baseless, for now. I travel a lot. A lot of places I have visited have influenced my literary prowess in diverse areas. I am mostly stayed in Abakaliki town. Publishing three books is not an easy one.”
These must definitely come with challenges. How has David been able to weather the storm?
“I am one African author who does not write any story without soaking myself in deep researches. Sometimes, the research procedure becomes tough and very challenging. Then electricity becomes another challenge, considering I write with laptop in a country where electricity seems very frustrating.”
How does he see the role of research in creative writing? “Researching to tell a story is the most difficult part, yet very vital. Writers who are able to research before telling a story come out with fascinating works.”
In a separate interview, he said the main area of his writing is roundly rooted in Africa. He writes epic stories that make the difference. Admittedly, there are other themes he could also explore, why Africa?
“I chose to portray Africa because I deemed it prudent to bring to commemoration about the history and or fate of one of the most powerful continents today in the world. Africa has rich cultures and histories which I want to tell. These histories move me so much.”
Seeing that writing hardly pays the bills in this part of the word, what other things does he do to make a living?
“I am one who has different skills. At least I have some handcrafts, aside writing. I have little jobs which pay my bills also. I am a cook. I cook local meals and distribute them to those who need the meals for the consumers. I learned this skill from my mum.”
David really outsmarted most of his peers. What other qualities does he possess ahead of his peers who are mostly idle or at school at this stage of their lives?
“And for what makes me different from some of my peers; this can be my skills, especially in the writing industry. My desire is to be different.”
Also, making Africa proud is what this young author is out to do. He recently said the journey of making his way to leading the African literature has been somewhat an adventure worth being used to motivate the upcoming writers. Why did he say so?
“My drive is to take the African literature to another extreme. I need to make the difference. Therefore, the journey thus far has widened my experiences and has left me with many words which I tend to use in a bid to inspire and motivate the up and coming writers.”
