Interview with David onjala
Published 2018-10-04.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in Manyatta, Kisumu City, Kenya. Manyatta is a predominantly low income area. My life in Manyatta made me experience the struggles of urban African societies in a country where corruption is strife. it reminded me of the fact that the civil service is the current oppressor of the African people.
When did you first start writing?
I started writing in the late 2015. It was about two years after my graduation from college. My struggles to get employed in corruption-ridden country motivated me to sit down and write about the experiences of a large number of unemployed African youth in the 21st century.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
My belief that an author expresses himself in his own work. One does not need approval from anyone to express one's ideas or opinions. Moreover, my belief that the message is more important than the medium. I believe that clear communication is the only important factor in writing.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
I am able to provide a different view on societal problems, which contributes significantly to the body of knowledge. The world is largely ignorant because of the hegemonic western view of the world. Other regions of the world need to contribute significantly to the body of knowledge so that we can have "good" knowledge.
What do your fans mean to you?
I love them because they help support and improve me and my work. When they purchase my work, they improve my living conditions; when they review my work, they improve me.
What are you working on next?
I am working on another project on family relationships. I love writing about the family because I believe in its importance as the basic unit of a society. Yet, its existence is threatened today.
Who are your favorite authors?
Chinua Achebe and Ngugi wa Thiong'o
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
The need to live.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I engage in conversations, read, and watch movies. This activities help inform my writing.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
yeah, it was about a pet that I did not have. I was in class three. I felt bad that the teacher made write about a pet, a fluffy dog, that i did not have and its rare in Africa.
What is your writing process?
I identify a theme. I write the body elaborating the theme. I then structure and rearrange the body of my work to make it flow well.
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Books by This Author
Certificates of Doom
by David onjala
Price:
$6.50 USD.
Words: 21,550.
Language:
English.
Published: October 4, 2018
.
Categories:
Fiction »
Biographical
"Certificates of Doom" follows the life of Kepha, an educated African youth. It strives to show the high level of disillusionment in the African continent, which clashes with traditions of marriage and family. In the newly created capitalist societies, politicians, businesses, and people seem to care more for themselves than the public.
