Friday, January 6, 2012

Now that we're in 2012

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I can't help looking back to last year and examining the events that took place. I am also looking forward to all the rest of the days and weeks of this year. In the process, I got this list of questions from an author I follow on Linkedin - Dawn James (Raise your Vibration; Transform your Life) as a way to take stock.

1. What are you most proud of from 2011? My relationship with Atala, a new book published in March; A Heart to Mend and A Love Rekindled becoming Bestsellers in July/August.
2. What are you grateful for from 2011? For life and love, for my family's health, for the support from friends known and unknown.
3. What are 3 things you will leave behind in 2011? Those extra pounds that I have yet to shed. :)

Thursday, January 5, 2012

On the Fuel Subsidy Removal Protests

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To say I am appalled by the current events in Nigeria is an understatement. It is unfortunate that the government has remained insensitive to the feelings of the general population on the issue of the fuel subsidy removal. The press statement has gone out from the FEC meeting that the goverment decision put in effect on Jan 1, 2012 would not be rescinded. What a pity.

Even more upsetting is the police brutality recorded in several cities where spontaneous protests sprung up lamenting the subsidy removal. In Kano, 42 people were wounded, and a young man was shot in Ilorin some days ago. I understand that Nigerians are aggrieved, and with the memory of the Arabian Spring, a lot of youths are fired up. But remember that it is not one or the other, it is not death or success. We can have a peaceful boycott that achieves our goals.

What am I saying? This is to those in Nigeria, please stay safe and urge everyone to do the same. For those already protesting, let them do so in a peaceful manner. To those outside Nigeria who are influential via the social media and other means, exercise your influence with caution. Do not ask of others what you are not prepared to sacrifice. Even if the masses succeed, it won't bring back dead protesters. So if possible, let's wait for the NLC organized protests or industrial action starting on Monday Jan. 9th, 2012. They will likely be police approved with less chances of violence.

Aluta Continua, but safety first.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

I'm included in the 50 Nigerians who made a Difference in 2011

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Who would have thunk it? :)

Now I don't know who Our Reporter is, but I'm certainly grateful that they noticed and appreciate my work. When I got the email from Google alerts over the weekend, I couldn't believe it till I checked the website. In a list of notables and celebrities which included Goodluck Jonathan, Chinua Achebe, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Sanusi Lamido, Pastor Adeboye, DonJazzy, Dbanj, Mercy Johnson and Babatunde Fashola, I was tickled pink to see my name and the following citation;

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Happy New Year!

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Hey Everyone,

Welcome to 2012!

May this year be accompanied by success, progress and happiness in all we do.

And may God continue to protect and provide for us all. Amen.

Saturday, December 31, 2011

The Naijastories Christmas Nostalgia Contest

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NaijaStories.com is pleased to announce another online writing contest titled “Christmas Nostalgia”. The purpose in running this particular contest is to encourage Nigerian narratives in Non-fiction even as we celebrate the season. There is just something very heartwarming about reading true to life recollections.

In Nigeria, only politicians and war generals seem to write or need (auto)biographies, but this should not be the case. In order to prevent collective amnesia, a communities memory is painted in by the personal stories of the individuals that make it up. Naijastories therefore, wants to encourage memoirs, diaries, and non-fiction of the personal variety.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

New Year Giveaway - Win a copy of one of my books

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This New Year giveaway blog hop is hosted by I Am a Reader Not a Writer with several blogs taking part - Check the full list of participants. My Giveaway is open to people in the US, UK, Canada and Nigeria between Dec. 30 - Jan. 3, 2012. Winner will receive a paperback copy of either of my two novels; A Heart to Mend or A Love Rekindled. You can read the books' synopsis on my Free Reads Page.

Also, to thank you for coming, my novella - Scores to Settle - is FREE on Kindle for the duration of this giveaway. Both Scores to Settle and Love Happens are also available in the Amazon Prime lending library. I hope you enjoy. :)

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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Today, I'm going to be featuring Nigerian musicians who have caught the Christmas fever. In the picture is Goldie Harvey, whose single, "We no be mate o", was fixed in my mind for a while. Eva Alordiah and Ese Peters in the video are lovely friends on Facebook and Twitter. They also have loads of talent and I know that much accolades await them in the coming years.

So here's wishing everyone a Fabulous Christmas and a great New Year in advance. Be safe and have fun, but don't forget, this is a season for giving. :)

I love you all. Mwah!

Friday, December 23, 2011

Chika Onyenezi - Sea Lavender (Guest Author)

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Chika Onyenezi was born in the idyllic city of Owerri, December 1986. He grew up in Amakohia a little village with a cool, pure stream running through it northward into the West. His literary career began very early as a child poet. Later he tried the short stories genre and penned Whiteman’s Blood. His very first short story, Whiteman’s Blood has been anthologized and critically acclaimed. It achieved “second runners-up status” in a short story competition sponsored by Spiderthief Publishing. It was then published in an anthology, Funeral Pants and other Stories. Later, he wrote his first novel, Locust Invasion. An undertaking that encompassed six years.

During the writing, he met an American poet, John E. Cashwell and his wife Anna online. They volunteered to edit the full manuscript of Locus Invasion because of its historical significance and creative ingenuity. Kimpa Vita Press, Norway, will publish Locust Invasion with more than fifty percent of the profits supporting special projects in Africa. During his Bachelor’s degree study in Computer Science at Caritas University, Onyenezi co-founded CAULA (Caritas University Literary Association) and raised a literary spirit among many students there. He is currently in European Peace University for a master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies.

Enjoy my interview with Chika below....

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Mid-Winters Eve Giveaway - Gift Card Amazon US, UK, Canada

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As this year winds to a close, I have been taking stock and counting my blessings. Writing-wise, it has been a marvelous year for me, with my first book, A Heart to Mend becoming an Amazon UK #1 Bestseller for Romance. I want to use this opportunity to thank all my subscribers (You can join by email or GFC), and book lovers everywhere who spread the word and made that possible for me and my books.

This Gift Card giveaway blog hop hosted by I Am a Reader Not a Writer and Oasis for YA. Several blogs are taking part, with lots of amazing gifts for book lovers. So if you're interested, Check the full list of participants.

In my giveaway, 3 lucky people will each win a $10 Amazon Gift Card (US, UK and Canada). To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter Form below. There are 4 entries, and you must leave a comment on this post to qualify.