Okwuosa, who was the former Head Girl of Atlantic Hall School, Epe in Lagos (2012/2013 session), unveiled her first book, Diary of a Misfit, at Oceanview Restaurant, Victoria Island, Lagos last week. She enjoyed the presence of pupils from various schools, who came to honour her and even adults who graced the occasion.
Responding to a question from our
correspondent on who her mentor is, she says, "I would have to say Karen
Kingsbury and Francine Rivers. Anytime I read their books, I am inspired and
they make me want to write just as well or even better. But an African writer
such as Chimamanda Adichie has a way of making me aware of my culture, and
makes me want to write more about Africa. She in particular, is a huge
inspiration," she says.
But Okwuosa also gets her literary
vibes from history, television, and other books as, according to her, true life
stories also enrich her imagination. She explains that her parents helped in
identifying and nurturing her creative drive, which eventually led to the
emergence of her debut book.
Diary of a Misfit showcases the daily battles of an eighth-grader as
she navigates the trials and tribulations associated with peer pressure,
dealing with physical changes and academic demands. Written in a simple and
humour-filled style, the book takes readers through the realities of a school
girl's life, specifically one who has been christened as a social misfit by her
peers.
In his opening remarks, CEO/Managing
Director of First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited, Mr.
Demola Adeyemi-Bero, admonished students and teachers to focus on Literature. This,
he says, becomes pertinent considering the challenges facing the reading and
writing culture in Nigeria.
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