Bio

Theresa Uchechi Ezeuko is a Canadian creative writer and author of six books, Story Tales For Little Minds, Jasmine the Ladybird, Kachi the Handyman, Betty’s Desire, Drew and His Treasure Hunt and Sochima Awakening of the Gods. Theresa obtained a bachelor’s degree in Theater Arts from Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Nigeria, and went further to acquire a master’s degree in International Marketing from the University of the West of Scotland, United Kingdom. She obtained a specialization in creative writing from Wesleyan University Connecticut, USA. In addition, Theresa received specialization certificates, “Coaching Skills for Managers” and “Applying Principles of Behavior in the K-12 Classroom” from the University of California Davis and the University of Houston USA (a professional teaching course certification) respectively.

Theresa enjoys collaborative partnerships and has served as a member of the Writers’ Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Writers’ Guild of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Writers’ Guild of Alberta. She has equally served as a board member of several organizations including the Writers’ Guild of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John’s Public Library, Newfoundland, Canada. She served as the vice president of the Writers’ Guild of Alberta, Calgary, Canada. She was also a jury member for the Newfoundland and Labrador 2018 Young Adults/Children’s Book Award and also a jury member for the Mentorship Writer’s Program, Writers’ Guild of Alberta. She also served as a board liaison for the youth in programming, planning, and strategic development. Theresa wrote and developed a radio show, Inspirational Timeout with Theresa Ezeuko for 93.5 FM CHMR Mun Radio.

Her book, Sochima Awakening of the Gods, won the Golden Award for Fiction at the prestigious inaugural Wickham St. George Book Cover Awards in Australia.

Interview

What first got you into writing?

I read a lot of books as a child. My love for writing knew no bounds and my creative imagination began to crave storytelling. My love for literature also defined my paths.

Some writers have trouble shifting between genres, but you seem to shift between children to romance to fantasy fluidly. How do you do that?

I let my imagination run wild. Some authors put so many limits on themselves without knowing. Allow your thoughts and imagination to be free.

What are your writing goals?

My goal is to ensure that storytelling becomes impactful and people are able to express themselves in a positive way.

What is one of the things you are most thankful for as a writer?

I am mostly thankful for those that make out time to buy and read my books.

What book are you currently reading?

The Woman at the Front by Lecia Cornwall

Who are your favorite authors?

I don’t have favorite authors; all authors add a touch of their personal experiences and uniqueness in their stories.

What would your 8-year-old self think and say about you today?

My 8-year-old self would think I have become a genius in my craft and would encourage me to do more and better.

What do you like to do when you are not writing?

I practice kick-boxing training and [I am] ready to kick assess *laughs*

I also have a talk show that keeps me busy, too.

Where can we learn more about you?

I am on Instagram.

Tell us about your latest book. What do you hope readers take away from it?

My latest book Sochima, awakening of the gods is a historical fiction that highlights the dangers and ignorance of the past as they sometimes come back to haunt the future.

Who is the perfect reader for your book? (Please do not say "everyone.")

Lovers of love and tradition. My story also portrays the beauty of falling in love and being loved, too, in a historical-fiction setting.

What inspired the idea for the story?

Family histories, fairy tales, and folk tales.

How did you come up with the title for your book?

I got inspired. It connected with me. The meaning of my title is significant to me and fits into the overall plot of the story.

Give us an insight into your main character. What does he/she do that is so special?

The main character in my story is very patient, able to withstand obstacles and bear the consequences of good and bad decisions.

If your book was made into a movie, which actors would play your characters?

Keanu Reaves, Mel Gibson, Kiefer Sutherland, Oprah Winfrey

What is the most important thing that people do not know about your subject/genre that they need to know?

There is no end to knowledge. There are new things and aspects/dimensions to rediscover all the time, especially with literature. People need to continue to inquire, search and develop more within their genre of interest.

Please share a short excerpt from your book.

Yet, the gods remained silent, one “little” mistake and all hell was let loose. The price of staying was all dependent on the birth of an heir to succeed the throne. A long-lasting tradition which had a time stamp on it. The Ubaka dynasty was in no doubt of their royal rights and was willing to keep it forever.

A gripping tale of chaos, guilt, anger, and deceit. It is magically set in an ancestral historical world and will capture the imagination of anyone who loves fiction.

The dynasty must continue, but the tradition must be honored.

“Whom the gods want to kill, they first make mad.”

Do you aim for a set number of words/pages per day? Do you write every day, five days a week …?

I write one chapter per day. Not too long, a reasonably sized chapter can keep the reader.

Do you have an area set aside for writing?

No.

What does your writing process look like?

Well thought out and calculated. Better still, strategic.

What comes first, plot or characters? Why?

Characters.

Do you outline and plan your story or do you just sit down and write? Why?

I plan the story.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

Assigning roles to my imaginary characters.

How important are names to you in your books? Do you choose the names based on liking the way it sounds or the meaning?

I play around with names, I'm not picky. Something that sounds awkward and goofy is great, too.

What software do you use to write? Or do you prefer to write longhand or dictate your work? Why?

No software. I do the usual old school style.

How long (on average) does it take you to write a novel vs. a children’s book?

Novels can take around two years to gather together. Kids stories can be done in two weeks.

How do you celebrate when you finish writing a book?

I go for a drink, relax, and watch a movie at home.

In your opinion, what's the measure of a successful writer?

Resilience, persistence, and consistency.

What is the best advice you could give other writers about writing?

Always trigger your creative imagination. That’s where the best stories are born.

What's your favorite and least favorite part of publishing?

It requires lots of details that can get boring over time. I love it when the book is ready to be released by the publisher.

What is the best advice you could give other writers about publishing?

Just publish.

How do you market or promote your books (e.g. social media, e-mail, blog tours, etc.)?

Social media, talkshows, workshops, book pitches to schools, libraries, and proposals, too.

What is the most effective marketing for you?

Book readings, speeches, and book parties.

 

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