- Tell us your latest news?
My blog, Myne Whitman Writes has been nominated in four categories in the on-going Nigerian Blog Awards - Best Collaborative, Best use of Media, Best writing and Nigerian blog of the year. The group story sharing site which I manage - Naija Stories has also been nominated in the Best Group Blog category.
- When and why did you begin writing?
I have been writing for a very long time, as far back as primary/secondary school. However, I seriously began writing and saving my scripts in university.
- When did you first consider yourself a writer?
It must be just last year after I decided to pursue full time writing and especially now that my novel A Heart to Mend is published.
- What inspired you to write your first book?
The concept of love, plain and simple.
- Do you have a specific writing style?
I like to describe my writing as simple and descriptive. I do not like grandiloquence and try to convey my dialogue in a very direct and relatable way.
- How did you come up with the title?
I was bouncing ideas around with my SO and Mended Hearts came up. A Heart to Mend was not far behind.
- Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
The message is that love is real, it is possible, people and places cannot stop it. And also that if you let love, it will mend your heart.
- How much of the book is realistic?
It is very realistic. Set in Lagos, it will give you a sense of the place as well as the characters that populate it.
- Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Not really, except for the universal theme of love. I too like Edward, made a decision to allow love in my life.
- What books have most influenced your life most?
The bible
- If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
If it someone close to me who works with me, it has to be my husband. But I admire the works of Buchi Emecheta.
- What book are you reading now?
The Hundred Secret Senses by Amy Tan
- Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Lara Daniels and her new book, Love in Paradise. She is also a Nigerian romance author writing under a pseudonym.
- What are your current projects?
I am working on another romance novel as well as a few short stories. I edit and publish at www.naijastories.com and also contribute at African Goddess and Bella Naija online magazines.
- Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
Blogger especially the Nigerian Blog community.
- Do you see writing as a career?
Yes I do. I am a full-time writer now.
- If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Maybe reduce the financial jargon, but then again, a few people say they learnt a lot from it. I also learnt a lot while doing the research.
- Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I think it came from reading a lot. And then when I was house bound as a precocious pre-teen, I started writing of the kind of adventures I wished I could go out and have.
- Can you share a little of your current work with us?
My next novel is about one part of a twin Kevwe, and his love interest Efe. After dating in university, they are separated by circumstances unknown to both of. Ten years later, they meet again and sparks begin to fly.
- Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
It can be an emotional drain sometimes. I also like to do a lot of research about the subjects that crop up so that it can be as real as possible.
- Do you have any advice for other writers?
They should keep writing.
- Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thanks for coming with me on this journey and I hope we'll continue to support each other in the coming times. I love you all.
Thanks Myne, for taking your time to share with us wishing you all the very best.
Connect with Myne Whitman,
You can get information on how to purchase A Heart to Mend from any of this sites. Yes I highly recommend you read this book. I have read it and it is one of those books that once you start you can't stop. And no am not giving you my copy, go get yours. I have added on the side bar the Nigerian Blog Award link, so go vote for her in all categories she has been nominated for, on may 31st voting opens.
P.S
I will try and feature a Blog, Blogger, Individuals, Groups, Sites, just anything. here every Month/week. So send me an email here If you want to be featured on this blog.
Lets have fun and get to know each other, connect and build our communities.
keep smiling, love
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