Media Shop interview with Chidera Nneoma Okolie

Chidera Okolie, Author of Crime Fiction ‘When Silence becomes too Loud!’ spoke to us about herself, her aspirations and her latest work in an exclusive interview with TRENDZ!! Read

Q: Who is Chidera Okolie?
Chidera Okolie is a 22 years old final year law student of the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus. She hails from Awo Idemili in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State, the first in a family of four, an easy going lass who loves to be heard, a little strong headed (laughs), and despises gossip.

Q: How long have you been writing?

I started putting words on paper at the age of 9. Then it was basically compositions and very short stories. But the good thing is, I never stopped writing. I have over 13 unpublished works. I hope to release them in due course.

Q: Give us a little insight of your book “When Silence becomes too Loud.”

‘When Silence Becomes Too Loud’ is a crime suspense fiction which tends to expose the dangers of projecting overconfidence before productivity as was portrayed by the character, Philip. It reminds us that most times, we seek answers in places we have no business searching. The answers are usually right before us, we are just too blind to see, or too eager to exercise that feeling of ‘I have it under control’ that we forget to take a step away from our comfort zone to unravel what we consider ‘mysteries’. Philip made us understand that common sense isn’t very common after all!

Q: Who should read the book?

Well, I must say I was very particular about my choice of words. I tried to keep it as simple as I possibly can. That notwithstanding, the book is not suitable for readers below the age of 11.

Q: What inspires you to write?

Inspiration! Hmmm!! Well, I’m a lover of ‘interesting’ reads. I’ve always had this particular inclination to movies and books with criminal, suspense filled, horrific, and sometimes comic themes. I drew my inspiration from the famous writer ‘James Hardley Chase’. He amazed me with his works. Hard as I tried, I could never guess the ending to a Hardley Chase. I wanted nothing more but to ‘think’ like a Hardley Chase hence my first published piece, ‘when silence becomes too loud’.
Writing also gives me an opportunity to express myself in ways you can’t imagine. As a writer you are the boss of your expressions. No one can tell you what or what not to or how to express. It can’t be possible when it’s just you, your pen and sheet (or laptop).

Q: What has been the best moment in your career as an Author?

Believe me when I say I have had lots of interesting moments, from radio interviews to television interviews to meetings with prominent people in our society. However, none can be compared to the meeting I had with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. It was a beautiful experience, one that can’t be traded!

Q: Which living Authors would you love to meet?

I would love to meet Chimamanda Adichie and Wole Soyinka. Their persistence to thrive in a sector as brain sapping and tedious as writing in a country where Literature is almost extinct inspires me!

See the full interview in the April edition of TRENDZ!!