In this captivating and exclusive interview, we dive deep into the world of Britney Muoghalu, an exceptional Nigerian writer whose talent knows no bounds. Winner of the prestigious 2022 African Writers Award for Creative Nonfiction, Britney takes us on an inspiring journey through her life, her passions, and her vision for the future. – PPBlessing
PPBlessing: Why do you write?
BM: Because I love it! That’s the simple answer. But if I decide to go deeper I write because I have to, writing is an escape, a safe space where I can let out all my thoughts. I write because I have to, because if I’m not writing I’m not “be-ing.” It’s that thing the brings me peace.
PPBlessing: How long have you been writing?
BM: It’s been a while. The first time I intentionally picked up a pen and book to write a story was in 2011; albeit a very terrible story. However, I only took a lucrative interest in it few years ago. Probably 2020.
PPBlessing: What necessitated the change?
BM: I was studying law at the time and I started to feel a bit detached from the course and generally the profession. I had to have a conversation with myself on focusing on the things I enjoyed doing, writing was up there and the decision was clear. I had to find a way to create a name and an income from what I loved doing.
PPBlessing: Was? You left law or you’ve graduated?
BM: I’ve graduated, I graduated last year.
PPBlessing: In law school I suppose?
BM: I’m serving Nigeria now. I’m doing my service before law school. Law school will be next year.
PPBlessing: That’s beautiful. Nigerians generally give tall tales about NYSC. How has your experience been so far?
BM: I’m currently serving in Abuja, it started off rocky because I was away from home and all that but as soon as I got my balance everything became a smooth ride.
Also, my camp experience wasn’t bad at all even though Abuja sun roasted me. I intentionally decided to enjoy the experience, just for three weeks and I have no regrets at all. Camp was fun!
PPBlessing: Do you intend practicing after law school or would you rather pursue a career in writing?
BM: I would definitely love to write however I’m considering giving Law a try. I’ve genuinely never been intentional about it and to be fair there’s an aspect of research and writing in law that I personally fancy.
PPBlessing: Hmm. So you’re looking at combining both?
BM: Exactly! However I don’t think I’ll ever stop creative writing. It’s like the chocolate flavor of writing.
PPBlessing: Aha! You like chocolates?
BM: Of course. Who doesn’t?
PPBlessing: Why didn’t you study something directly related to writing in school?
BM: I got into school with the mentality that writing was a hobby and that many writers were starving so I opted for the professional money-making course; Law. I didn’t think I could do anything with my writing until recently.
PPBlessing: As per your Twitter headline, where were you before you got deported to earth?
BM: In an undiscovered planet for creative Angels.
PPBlessing: Where might this be?
BM: In my imagination.
PPBlessing: Your award-winning Creative nonfiction, Let my people go, is really gripping. Why did you write that particular story?
BM: Without giving out too much, I’ve witnessed a lot of imbalances in the traditional African marriage, the abuse of power by the patriarch and domination of the wife. I chose to write about this very dominant defect in our society. At the time I started the story I was back home in Umuoji, Anambra state and we were coerced into observing the weekly Monday sit-at-home so I decided to place marriage and the history of the Igbos side by side.
One image I remember seeing when I was ages away from 10 was a Hausa man lying dead at the Niger Bridge. My dad was driving us back home from school—our school was in Delta—and that afternoon, a fight had started between the Igbos and Hausas. I made sure this permanent memory made its way into the story.
PPBlessing: What in your opinion can end this seemingly life-long problem that has bedeviled the Igbos and their place as Nigerians?
BM: I’ll hate to dabble in anything political but if people say they no longer want to be under a particular government, why force them even when you despise and stifle them?
PPBlessing: How did you feel when you won the African Writers Award in creative nonfiction?
BM: I cried, I actually wept and then thanked God first. I sat with Him for like five minutes before running out of my room to tell my mum. It was a big validation for me. It was a huge thumbs up and encouragement that I was doing something right.
After weeks of self-doubt, I felt energized again. The award was an answered prayer at the time because I had attempted many other futile opportunities.
PPBlessing: It was your first award?
BM: I had gotten money prizes and gigs here and there but yeah it was my first.
PPBlessing: Congratulations once again. Apart from the award being a big validation, has it impacted your current writing in any way?
BM: Thank you. Yes, it has. I find myself leaning more towards creative nonfiction which I had never written before up until the contest.
PPBlessing: What do you want to achieve with the stories you write?
BM: To create a global awareness that the themes of African literature is limitless. Our lives are easily as dynamic as that of other parts of the world; political issues, sexuality, supernatural, domestic violence, classism and even high school drama. Ultimately, I want my stories to reach the core of any reader, I hope they are able to live the story while reading.
PPBlessing: Considering all of this, when should we expect a book from you?
BM: It will be a while because I still have a lot of growing to do in the literary world.
PPBlessing: Please give me an estimated time frame.
BM: 3 years or less by God’s grace.
PPBlessing: Godspeed. What is your favorite book of all times?
BM: Asides from Panic Years by Nell Frizell where she describes motherhood perfectly, I’ll prefer to stick to an African literature; Under the Udala Tree by Chinelo Okparanta. This book captured my heart and was able to show homosexuality from a more realistic perspective.
PPBlessing: Interesting, what do you mean by realistic perspective?
BM: It wasn’t like recent media trying to shove it down your throat. It was subtle and unfolded naturally. Not like a bunch of horny teenagers experimenting. The main character tried to fight it, she got married, had a child and was never happy. Her mother who preached and casted demons eventually accepted her daughter.
PPBlessing: Which writers have influenced your writing the most?
BM: To be quite honest, I won’t say I read as much as I ought to but Chimamanda Adichie being one of the Nigerian Authors I was introduced to, I fell in love with her works and her storytelling. My other influence and encouragement is my Uncle, Osita Obi.
PPBlessing: Why did you start candaline podcast?
BM: I started the podcast when my journey with God grew into a beautiful relationship. I just felt the urge to share the good news. After years of trying to figure the entire Christianity thing, I finally found out who God was and I needed to tell others who probably experience the same thing. I’ve not recorded in a long while though.
PPBlessing: That’s wonderful. Who is God?
BM: A father and ultimately a steadfast friend who loves you and doesn’t judge. He is a beautiful and perfect peace.
PPBlessing: Why haven’t you recorded?
BM: I’ve been extremely busy, between work and many other things.
PPBlessing: Why the name candaline?
BM: I pondered on a name for so long, prayed to God about it and one morning I woke up with the name. I just wanted something that sounded peaceful and He gave it to me.
PPBlessing: What’s the meaning?
BM: It means Helpful and Comfortable.
PPBlessing: Impressive… I like.
BM: Thank you.
PPBlessing: What will you tell African Writers who feel there is no prospect in choosing writing as a career path?
BM: I’ll tell them to do their research, ask questions and most importantly read African books because in between those pages you’ll see the beauty of writing and I don’t think there’s a greater encouragement than that. When you google these authors you see how they grow everyday. It’s just unfortunate that the mainstream media doesn’t celebrate such.
PPBlessing: If you were to change one thing in the literary scene, what would it be?
BM: I don’t think there are enough African books for children and none of the “moral lesson” type. Something easy and light, something that incorporates our folklores and gods.
PPBlessing: Aha! Should I take this to mean you may dabble into writing children’s literature?
BM: Well, I’ve been doing my research, so maybe.
PPBlessing: If you were to describe yourself using just one word, what would it be?
BM: I’ll say dynamic because with me it’s a new thing everyday. Today I’m invested in the Ukrainian war, tomorrow I will learn how to bake.
PPBlessing: Should we add baker to the list of things you do?
BM: Please o, I’m not qualified yet.
PPBlessing: Do you have a writing routine?
BM: At all oh. Tried it and failed. However I try to engage in weekly writing challenges and use writing prompts on IG.
PPBlessing: What do you do to relax?
BM: I watch movies mostly or just a YouTube video that I can laugh to.
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