Interview by By Taiwo Ajayi
The fact that Jude
Dibia is not a desperate voice on social media, trying to prove a
point, jostling for “over-lordship” in a set-up that is swallowed by too
much noise and anxious to be heard at all cost-
expressing
thoughtless points, frantic plug-ins, casting unnecessary judgements, whirling
and dizzy and constipated by cultic frenzy, adds to his aura- of a
prince and his total disinterest in the moppet show.
Jude Dibia as a
daring writer is almost an understatement. And that iis on account of the controversial angles of his works -
Walking with Shadows (2005),
Unbridled (2007), and Blackbird (2011). An
award-winning author
with well-received novels, Jude won the 2007 Ken Saro-Wiwa Prize for Prose (sponsored by NDDC/ANA) and ended
as a finalist in the 2007 NLNG Prize. With short stories
appearing on many platforms, Dibia is taking on even more ambitions as a
publisher. Thymbleweed, his publishing outfit, is thundering into
2014. He shares this and more in this interview with Taiwo Ajayi
...
How have you been
able to use your position as a celebrated author to
influence society?
Firstly, I really do
not think of myself in those terms, that is: celebrated! People
get too carried away with such heady stuff that it gets rather
distracting. We all influence society with our actions. I want to believe my
stories and novels have had some sort of influence in society. My
writings have touched on issues as diverse as inequality, abuse,
migration as well as sexuality and how these things affect the common
person. As a reward, I have had a lot encouragement and great feedback
from my readers.
Running a successful nine-to-five and being
one of Nigeria's top authors, can you describe your work habits?
My work habit is
quite disciplined. I follow a strict time schedule and try to fit in my
writing and work within it. It has not been easy but I do try. Some
years are better than others. Another thing is that I never put myself
under unnecessary pressure to produce any work.
How encouraging is
Nigeria to authors of your calibre?
Things are beginning
to change for the writers in Nigeria. With some of our writers
winning international awards or being short-listed and recognized, things have
become better. And we have the internet and
social media to be
thankful for.
What drives you to
complete a story?
The characters. I am very much interested in people and how
they resolve issues. I still get a rush from having a completed work published
and read by people. I think that pushes me, somewhat.
What is, in your opinion, the worst exaggeration in the
literary scene in Nigeria/Africa? Oh dear! I hate speaking for others and this
question assumes a generality that isn't quite becoming. In the first place we
have a relatively small literary scene in the country, so anything that is
noticed may be seen to be exaggerated. I am, coming to think of it, a little
too removed from the literary scene to able to make an informed guess.
How has your writing habits changed over the years?
What clear difference do you personally observe in your
works? Before it was all about finishing the story as fast as possible and
sharing it with readers. Now, I have become much more particular and careful
with what I write. I pay more time to styling and effect. This has made my
writing slower.
Who do you love to read?
A number of writers! I absolutely love Toni Morrison and
James Baldwin. I enjoy the writings of Andrea Levy, Arundhati Roy and a number
of Nigerian authors as well.
What is your main focus when telling a story?
Cause and effect! These are the driving force of many
stories. And then I am drawn to complex characters.
Congratulations on Thymbleweed...
Thank you, very much!
Now you are an author and a publisher. Tell us the story
behind Thymbleweed?
I have always been interested in the entire process of book
production and publishing. Seeing well written and packaged books is still a
thing that gives me immense pleasure. I want to discover some great writers and
hopefully see them through publishing and greater things. Not forgetting the
ideology of Thymbleweed is to publish the books people want to read...
* The full text of this interview can be read elsewhere on
the internet
