Today I am honored to be hosting my friend and author Anita Okanigbe-John and to introduce her debut novel,
Miracle in the Storm.
When and why did you begin writing?
I started writing inspirational quotes since my high school days. In 2011, I published my first book. I write because I believe that I have a message for the world and my books would be able to reach millions of people I can’t get to.
When did you first know you could be a writer?
In 2008, I knew without a shadow of doubt that I wanted to become a writer and I began to write short motivational stories.
What genre are you most comfortable writing?
Memoir and non-fiction
What is your favorite quote, by whom, and why?
My favorite quote is ‘you can achieve the extra ordinary; nothing is impossible' by Anita Okanigbe-John
What is your greatest strength as a writer?
My greatest strength is my imaginative mind
Have you ever had writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it?
Yes, I have. Usually, I would pray and draw inspiration from nature – birds singing, river flowing, gardens, trees, sky, and anywhere nature is at its best.
Who designed the cover?
Seun Salami (for Vine Media)
Will you write others in this same genre?
Yes
Please tell us about your current release.
I have two new books that will be released in April, 2013 and they are titled – Midnight Cries and One White Lily
What inspired you to write this book?
Midnight Cries was inspired by true stories of four young maids who were [attacked] while on duty. One White Lily, is a true story of an unlikely couple
Factoids
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I think out aloud then type what I thought on the computer and modify it until it becomes perfect (while at it, I must have something to snack on).
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to become a musician or an Actress.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Watch out for my blogspot and my new books!
Blurb
As the seventh daughter, Igho is rejected at birth by her father who desperately wanted a boy. At age eight, she is molested by her father's laundry man. Constantly being punished for crimes she did not commit, she secretly begins to long for a better home. Igho goes to live with her elder sister but soon begins to suffer domestic abuse from sister and sexual harassment from her sister's husband. Due to the psychological trauma resulting from the abuse, Igho drops out of high school and runs away from home at age seventeen. She begins to live on the street begging strangers for food, shelter and money. With the help of a youth Pastor, she finds a new home and gains admission into the university where she graduates with a second class upper degree. After two years of paid employment, Igho resigns from her job to start her own business. Now Igho has a business that is becoming a brand to reckon with and a ministry to help youths overcome their painful past.
Author's Bio
Anita is currently the CEO of Apex-Laurel Limited. A graduate of International Law & Diplomacy, Babcock University, Nigeria and Masters in Human Resource Management & Business, Aston Business School, United Kingdom. She is an Author, Speaker, Performance coach and a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Her passion is supporting the underprivileged to gain control of their lives through education and making positive impact in the lives millions of abuse victims all over the world. She lives in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
You can find out more about Anita on her
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Entries close 12pm GMT on the 25th of February 2013
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