I got the idea from observing life in my hometown, which is full of contradictions; and also the frequent social media clashes of feminists and misogynists, hypocrites and archaic traditionalists. I wanted to create a character and a story that could bring these diverse ideas and opinions to a sort of boxing ring.
Feyisayo Anjorin – 22 January 2019
The Back Flap
Kasali Adebayor, a prominent farmer in the city of Akure, a husband of five wives, fancies himself as an activist for good governance while wielding the big stick of patriarchy over his family members. In the fast changing African political landscape Kasali’s family comes under the spotlight; an exposure which – initially appealing and addictive – threatens everything he holds dear and secret. Kasali’s daughter who has been a secret rebel in her father’s Akure enclave visits her aunt in Monrovia, gets drunk on her freedom, and is soon caught in the web of violence that engulfs Liberia’s Glay presidency. Kasali Adebayor, weak against the subtle feminism-inspired request of his of beloved wife Mojisola, ends in a dead end that brings out the worst in him, and begins the end of Kasali’s Africa.
About the book
What is the book about?
It is about a prominent farmer, Kasali; it is about Africa and the clash of ideas on the global stage and how it plays out on the continent; it is about the troubled marriage of cultures and philosophies in a fast-changing society and the cold war going on in the life and home of the protagonist, Kasali.
When did you start writing the book?
I started writing the book in 2013 even though I did not know it would become a novel.
How long did it take you to write it?
Approximately, about a year.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
I don’t remember struggling with any part. Kasali was real to me, it was as if I knew him.
What came easily?
Two particular chapters come to mind. I imagined the man Kasali and how he would react if someone shows up in his farm and starts talking about child labour, that was why I wrote the chapter ‘A Family Affair’. Then a few months later I wrote the chapter ‘Kasali’s Love’ which was first published on the Website ‘Fiction On The Web’.
Where did you get the idea from?
I got the idea from observing life in my hometown, which is full of contradictions; and also the frequent social media clashes of feminists and misogynists, hypocrites and archaic traditionalists. I wanted to create a character and a story that could bring these diverse ideas and opinions to a sort of boxing ring.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
My grandfather was polygamous, but he is in no way like Kasali. I’ve always been fascinated by how he was able to handle his many wives. My Dad and one of my uncles were top government officials and I am quite close to some journalists. I knew soldiers who fought in the Liberian civil war and I knew guys from Liberia and Sierra Leone in my secondary school years. The characters are entirely fictitious, but I also borrowed a few elements from real world people.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
I love John Grisham, Chinua Achebe, and T C Boyle, I love Alice Munro and then C S Lewis is a big influence on me, I’ve read all his works of non-fiction in print. My writing style changed significantly after reading T C Boyle. I love his sense of humor.
Do you have a target reader?
I want everyone who loves a good story to read Kasali’s Africa.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
Nothing rigid. Sometimes I write these few pages that seem like nonsense and leave it for a few months. Later I go back to it and then it doesn’t seem like nonsense again. I start to develop it. Sometimes stories come fully formed, so I just sit down and write the whole thing. Sometimes I just sit down and force myself to write.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
Sometimes I write with an outline, and sometimes I don’t. I discovered recently that once I get all the names of the characters in the story right, the rest flows easily. If there is an outline it is just the main plot points, the back story, and the peculiarities of the characters that I note.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I edit when I’m convinced I have a whole story. I finish the story, then I go back to it later for a fresh look.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
I listen to the music that I feel is the soundtrack of the character’s life or experiences, not necessarily the music that I like. Music helps me to get the mindset of the character.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
No
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
It was a gradual process. My writing is both experimental and unconventional. Some publishing houses were not confortable with the peculiarity, so had to accept the one that placed great value on the art.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
It was professionally done. I can’t even design a flyer.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
There is a plan. There is a process.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
If you have a great story, get it out there by all means. Make sure it is really a great story and tell it excellently.
About You
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Akure.
Where do you live now?
I live in Akure.
What would you like readers to know about you?
I am a 21st century explorer. Go figure.
What are you working on now?
A movie script for a client. I’m as curious as you are.
End of Interview:
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Get your copy of Kasali’s Africa from Amazon US or Amazon UK.