St John Kay had a mind rubbing exercise with the editors of the WSA N Anthology “Rebirh”. Here is the first of the series.
Helen Ciloux writing in the classic Sorties (1975) says that it is natural for man to classify events in pairs of antipodal perimeter such as nature/chance, determinism/volition etc. I would add as a rejoinder, Eddie Levi/normal. Eddie is a mental health advocate who swam ashore to explore the paranormal recesses and I think, became the paranormal escritoire! In this dialogue, he lets us into the fountain of his cognac flavoured insights and intellectual appurtenances. Below are excerpts…
Part 1: Portfolio Questions
- What motivated you in the penning of the paranormal fiction, SHE?
“SHE” was inspired by a song by Ed Sheeran by the same name. Though the song spoke about a man who was tired of his relationship, it still spoke of unconditional love. That is what SHE is about, love that knows no bounds.
- I so love the conglomeration of natural and otherworldly forms to give an infrangible piece. How did you get the prompt for this line: “SHE made me feel again… I began to feel like a human again and didn’t want to hurt anyone; it was impossible to feel yet I couldn’t stop thinking about it”?
To be honest, it came to me when I was writing. I was trying to show how love could affect a soul so deeply that it changes who the person is.
- I could say that your love for paranormality is but a claw of your passion for mental states. Why be a mental health advocate?
Mental Health to me is very important aspect of life. For a long time, I thought connecting with your emotions is a sign of weakness. Research into Mental health made me realize how important emotional and psychological state is, and how there are different people battling with different mental issues.
- Let me with some type of temerity call you an ethereal freak. With your tastes and styles, what is your favourite genre?
I love paranormal, Mystery and crime fiction. They are so exciting. With them you can infuse thriller, romance and many other genres with a unique tilt. I also like thrillers, Suspense, horror, romance and comedy.
- Who is your favourite author?
Dean Koontz, he is the author of Odd Thomas and so many paranormal, crime, horror and thriller novels.
Part 2: Editorial Questions
- Why be an editor?
I love reading and understanding different styles of writing. It also improves my writing too. I also love languages. Editing allows you see the framework of a story and language at its finest.
- What has been your experience as an editor and a reviewer?
I haven’t been an editor and reviewer for so long but it has been a learning experience. I have realized that there is a need for more in-depth writing workshops and storytelling seminars in Africa.
- Which of your experience has most prepared you for this function?
I have an editor in academic publishing house for some years and it has given me some understanding on editing.
- As an editor, what themes or styles do you find most hospitable with your ideologies?
I am not partial to any theme but I love writing styles that are more evocative. The stories that can make you feel what the writer wants you to feel, is the best to me. - How do you define the beauty substance of a piece?
The beauty substance of a piece is its connection to me as a reader and as an editor.
- How do you manage team collaboration?
I love teamwork. I like it when people share ideas on how to do stuff.
- Where do you think your skills fit best in the team?
My skills will best fit in evaluating how connected and evocative a piece is, as well as its diction, mood/tone, and characterization.
- What would you say is the central interpretation that should be looked out for in this anthology series?
Rebirth should signify a change. A change that has the basis of the old but is born anew, no matter the genre.
- What do you think of editing with the group? What are the possible challenges you envisage? What keeps you sanguine?
The only challenge I can envisage is difference in perspective. We all interpret stories differently and that is the only problem. I am not a sanguine, I am a Melancholic Phlegmatic. However I love working with teams and understand that difference in views doesn’t mean argument.
- Rebirth…what do you make of it? How would this theme guide you as an editor on board?
It is tremendous. I have already dismissed many stories on the account that they don’t fit the theme. The theme also led me to read so many amazing stories.
That indeed was an amazing experience with you, Eddie! William Blake it was, who said that “the man who never alters his opinions is like standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind”. Definitely, these insights have granted me an alteration of opinions and a rebirth of ideas. Gratitude is our colossal offering to you, ‘Odd Thomas’ as we wish you well in this undertaking, that the pulmonary arteries of your ink may not shrink… Bon travail from WSA-N family!
Read – Notes from a Bard by Namse Udosen, Nigeria
