I just thought about the way technology affects the way we mourn; the digital footprints left by a dead friend, lover, or relative. I explored a bit more, then the story was born.

Feyisayo Anjorin – 3 October 2019

The Back Flap

As the 22nd century Nigeria becomes divided by the plan of the government to introduce law enforcement robots into the police services, Badoo, a young police officer gets a phone call from his dead girlfriend. The passage of time and the persistence of the calls slowly turn Badoo’s affection for the deceased to hatred. Badoo has to summon the courage to face Pa Fakunle, a witchdoctor, a man of secrets who says far less than he knows; and an unknown top police establishment bent on disputing his sanity.

About the book

What is the book about?

It is about a police officer whose dead girlfriend keeps calling him even after she had been buried. It is about a nation on the verge of a huge change, which was triggered by rising crime statistics and corruption. 22nd century Nigeria was about to see the introduction of law enforcement robots and this brings to fore the questions of cybersecurity and displacement of the former workforce.

When did you start writing the book?

If I remember correctly, I started writing it in 2014.

How long did it take you to write it?

Most likely a couple of weeks. I have written a part and brought it to an end after about two thousand words, but when I submitted that part to Ainehi Edoro of Brittle Paper Magazine, she requested for a bit more of the story to run as a series on Brittle Paper.

Where did you get the idea from?

I just thought about the way technology affects the way we mourn; the digital footprints left by a dead friend, lover, or relative. I explored a bit more, then the story was born.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

I don’t remember struggling with any part of the story.

What came easily?

I would say it was the initial idea. After I got the initial idea, it was as if the characters in their true state just lodged in my consciousness.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

Entirely fictitious I believe.

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?

John Grisham, Philip K Dick, Amos Tutuola, Ben Okri, T C Boyle, C S Lewis; I have read their works and I felt something special and exceptional with their stories.

Do you have a target reader?

Lovers of science fiction, magical realism, and fantasy.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I first of all have an understanding of who the characters are. Once I get their names and know them and their motivations, the story sort of flows.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I don’t outline, but I do jot down important details about the characters.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

Sometimes as I go, especially if it is not a short story. Sometimes I do it after I’m done with the story’s resolution.

Did you hire a professional editor?

The work was edited for publication by Brittle Paper.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I do listen to music. It depends on what I’m working on. I think the music should be one that could work as a character’s soundtrack. It could be Crowded House, Tupac, Westlide, Eminem, Britney Spears, Michael Buble, and so on.

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?

I have a story to tell and I would not allow any ‘wall of Jericho’ to stop me.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

It was professionally done. Brittle Paper did the African cover, Lifescripts designed the international cover.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I always have a plan.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

I would say, build a brand first. Be that someone whose stories people would want to hear. Now how that could be done depends on the writer.

About You

Where did you grow up?

Akure, in Nigeria.

Where do you live now?

Akure, Nigeria

What would you like readers to know about you?

What they’ve always suspected about writers. I’m weird.

What are you working on now?

A story project that would shake the world. I’m not kidding.

End of Interview:

Get your copy of The Night My Dead Girlfriend Called from Amazon US or Amazon UK.