This Week: Ogo Ogbata

Q: When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

A: In a sense, writing has always been etched in the fabric of my consciousness. I went from doodling at age 2 to writing short plays at age 5. My schoolmates couldn’t understand why I churned out essays and created mock ups for a fictitious magazine while they built sand castles. Seriously, I can’t exactly remember ‘wanting to be a writer’ because I have always been one. However, I was about 17 years old when I realized that I wanted to make a ‘serious’ career out of it.

Q: How and when did you make this dream a reality?

A: The reality began as soon as I wrote my first legible one-stanza poem. I was about 4 and my family and friends were avid readers. Step by step, word by word, my confidence grew. By age 23 my published book of poetry had been included in the literature curriculum of several top notch schools and I have recently found a fantastic literary agent for my latest project. It’s important to make concerted (albeit consistent) efforts as a writer and passion for the craft makes that easier to do.

Q: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned so far in your writing career?

A: I’ve learned that successful writers are versatile writers – people who are willing to discover, develop and leverage a wide plethora of talents. For instance a talented writer can double both her income and her outreach by developing public speaking skills, learning how to work with the media and acquiring basic business savvy. Talent is not enough - creativity must be balanced with sense. Many writers are unwilling to learn the art of salesmanship but like it or not marketing is a big part of a writer’s job description. When we weave a tapestry of words and create colorful characters from the rich dust of our imagination, it is because we want to sell our beliefs and observations to a reading audience. Selling occurs even when we do not receive money for our efforts. When people buy our ideas and embrace our vision, we profit spiritually, emotionally and otherwise. The most important lesson is that writing is the easy part and the ability to sell the idea (whether that means finding an agent, pitching to a publisher or building an entire information empire around one’s expertise) should be mastered as well.

Q: What are you working on right now?

A: So much! I am currently wrapping up on a Self Help/Business book whilst cooking my literary novel on a slow burner. I have also launched www.creativityandsense.com an inspirational website that empowers people to find their life’s passion and profit richly from it. I will encourage fellow writers to look out for my new training program titled ‘How to Find the Hidden Talents That Can Change Your Life!’ a powerful tool for finding those special talents and qualities that can give one the winning edge. For example, Oprah Winfrey (a woman who has helped many writers launch successful careers) was originally a newscaster by profession. However, she wasn’t particularly outstanding until she discovered her talent for hosting talk shows. Oprah didn’t make a radical career change as such - she didn’t abandon news casting for scuba diving – all she did was take a few steps sideways. Similarly some writers are struggling to write fiction when their niche really is nonfiction; others may be limiting themselves to one genre when they are destined for versatility. Talent is one thing in life you can’t fake; you either have it or you don’t. People who aren’t using their natural talents will always struggle to realize their goals. I would encourage fellow writers to dig deep into the very core of who they are and share their unique message(s) with the world.

Q: Name some authors or books that have influenced your writing life in a positive way.

A: Honestly, the book that has influenced my writing life the most would be The Bible. I find it full of hope and encouragement when things aren’t going so well (e.g. when the manuscript rejection slips stream through the front door!). Faith aside, The Bible is filled with incredible poetry, intricate plots, memorable characters, vivid voices, controversy and mystery. What more could a reader want? Great African writers such as Chinua Achebe and Buchi Emecheta deserve a mention also.

Q: What have you recently read or what are you reading right now that you would consider an outstanding work?

A: I have recently enjoyed Jhumpa Lahiri’s Interpreter of Maladies and find Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart to be a timeless classic.

Q: What excites or ignites your soul?

A: Seeing great love, passion and excellence in the work and lives of others inspires me tremendously. When I rise to challenges and exceed my own expectations I feel a fierce fire in my soul also!

Ogo Ogbata is a multi talented writer and speaker. She empowers people to create simple, balanced and fulfilled lives by discovering, developing and harnessing hidden potential. A creative soul personified, ?g? (pronounced ‘or-gore?’) has presented a series of poetry and short stories on the BBC Radio and contributes to various websites e.g. szirine.com - the official publication of the World Cultures Foundation. Having worked as an executive, at a major advertising/direct marketing multinational company, she truly combines Creativity with Sense and inspires others to do the same. She enjoys reading, travel, fashion and gospel music. She lives in the UK with her husband, Austin (a seasoned Solicitor who specializes in Employment Law). Get her Free Newsletter packed with success strategies, motivational articles, time saving tips and stories about talented people like you who are living the lifestyle of their dreams at: www.creativityandsense.com