The one I call Cho. You can't call her that, because you did not meet her on her on your 10th birthday. I did. Not you. Me.
She's the one who has been my BFF since then.
We've been through high school (Presco/PNHS/Ugbekun), through university (UNIBEN, as roommates then flat mates), through boyfriends (remember the time we almost dated best friends, and then the time we dated best friends?)
No? Weird. Me neither.
We were at each other's weddings (this is a big deal because we hate to leave our houses), and now our kids play together (when we manage to leave our respective houses).
We also used to read and write together. She was a year ahead of me, and she made Shakespeare palatable. We used to write spooky, haunted hostel stories and together we read copious amounts of Mills and Boons (4 a day for about 5 years. Do the math).
She also wrote all the action sequences in my yet to be (never will be) published teenage crime novel 'Crack Case'. And if you ever read 'Crack Case', you'll get to enjoy my favourite thing about Cho's writing, it has movement. When a punch is thrown, your jaw hurts along with the character.
However, chances of you getting your hands on the Standard Exercise book with Crack Case scrawled across the cover are slim to none (more like zero, but there's nothing wrong with a little hope). You can get your hands on Pepper Soup, and read her stories 'A Day for Change' and 'Hot Pepper Soup'.
Anyway, I've said enough (or have I?). Check out her interview - Here's Pamela!
Describe yourself in five words.
Curious, engaging, simple, daring, quiet.
Why those five words?
Those are some words I've heard people use when describing
me, and I can see their point.
What do you do for fun?
Watch movies, read or go sight seeing.
Which would you prefer – a quiet evening at home, or a night
out on the town? Why?
Night out on the town- for now, because I'm home most of the
time these days.
What’s your favourite TV show? Why?
I don't do shows, because I hate waiting for the next
season. But I like what I've seen of: Game of Thrones, Hustle, Monk, Orphan
Black... a few.
What’s your favourite drink?
Water... Has to be. I'm working on my weight. (Bursts into
tears... Oh Coke)
What’s your favourite snack?
Baked... Sorry, nuts and berries.
Anything delicious that I didn't have to make. Like starch
and banga made by my mom!
Do you like Pepper Soup?
Like is not a strong enough word. Pepper soup is soup-er
What’s your favourite type of Pepper Soup?
Dry fish pepper soup. Works with everything, and can stand
alone.
Why did you agree to contribute to this anthology?
I was looking for inspiration, and there was this call with
this offer...
What inspired your story (stories)?
A Day for Change was inspired by a desire to see a strong
female character. I drew from the tough Niger Delta women I know
(egbe-wagers). The second story is just for fun. I wanted something even little
children could read from this adult book.
Do you think happy endings are important? Why?
Yes they are, they bring hope. Without hope all would be
lost.
What’s your favourite kind of happy ending?
Awww. Everything works out for the good guys. But you know
we can't always have that. Even life doesn't work that way. So we take what we
can.
What is the best part about writing happy endings?
When you see your characters getting some well deserved
positive resolution. Relief.
What is the hardest thing about writing happy endings?
When you can't give them everything they want... Cos that
wouldn't be right.
What’s your favourite genre? Why?
I love writing romance and comedies. I looove reading
thrillers.
What’s your favourite book? Why?
The Bible. It's the only book I can read over and over
again, day after day.
Who are your favourite authors? Why?
George R. R. Martins,
Frank Peretti, Bruce Wilkinson... There are others. I like their writing
style. And they're doing what I want to do.
Which books have most influenced your writing?
Hem....Really can't put a finger on one...
What are your ambitions for your writing career?
To be a renowned international writer and mentor.
What have you written?
A novel: Weekends are For Loving, short stories for Pepper
Soup (of course), articles for various blogs and magazines, and a script.
Where can we buy or see them?
The ebook version of my novel is on Amazon and other book
sites. I'm working on making it available on my own site as well. Current
stories are on my site as well.
How can readers discover more about you and you work?
They can visit my site, then hook up with me via my Facebook
page and other social media channels.
Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions.
You're welcome!
Pepper Soup is available on Okada Books and Kobo.
