Nnedi Okorafor's Blog, page 2
April 12, 2010
Okorafor Profiled in Publishers Weekly: A Nigerian Sorceress Makes Her Way
By Mikki Kendall -- Publishers Weekly, 4/12/2010 12:00:00 AM
Nnedi Okorafor’s gentle demeanor is so disarming that it’s impossible not to relax in her company. The Chicago State University professor has a sweet smile, three graduate degrees, numerous awards and prize nominations for her writing, and a razor-sharp mind that is changing the face of speculative fiction. The latter soon becomes apparent when the discussion turns to genocide, rape, female circumcision, fantasy, and Nigerian culture.
Born in the U.S. to Nigerian immigrants, Okorafor, 36, grew up in the same suburb of Chicago where she now resides with her own daughter. As a child, she was mostly interested in sports and the sciences, dreaming of becoming an entomologist, but she was always fond of reading, and by age 12, she found her mind had been “corrupted by genius white male storytellers” like Stephen King and Clive Barker.
“I was working my way through the library reading whatever caught my eye,” Okorafor recalls fondly. “I read a lot of books that I definitely had no business reading at that age.” A writing class in college sparked her creativity and while obtaining an M.A. in journalism and an M.A. and Ph.D. in English, Okorafor began to write the stories she always wanted to read.
Okorafor’s books feature the cultural and social touchstones of her youth: Nigeria, strong girls and women, and the strange, beautiful lives of plants and insects. The YA novel Zahrah the Windseeker (Houghton Mifflin, 2005), which won the Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature, is a classic magical quest set in a world in which Earth is a legend and everything from clothing to computers grows from seeds. In the Parallax Award–winning The Shadow Speaker, her second YA, a Muslim teen in West Africa must avert interplanetary war.
Okorafor’s first adult novel, Who Fears Death, which will be published in June by DAW Books, combines science fiction and fantasy in the story of Onyesonwu, a young sorceress making her way in a postapocalyptic future Saharan Africa where men use rape as a tool to eradicate a culture on the genetic level. “Who Fears Death addresses the push and pull in African culture that powerful women face when their culture has certain duties and beliefs that can stifle them,” Okorafor says.
As she channels the past, present, and future into one complex tale, Okorafor walks a fine line between sincere respect and unstinting examination of tradition: mixing futuristic technology with magic rooted in the beliefs of Nigerian, Tanzanian, and other African cultures, exploring why many women willingly practice female circumcision and see it as a necessary rite of passage even as others find it horrific.
These somber themes seem a drastic departure from her previous work, but Okorafor refuses to gloss over the realities on which she builds her fiction. “What initially brought me Onyesonwu’s character,” she explains, “was reading a Washington Post news story: ' “We Want to Make a Light Baby”: Arab Militiamen in Sudan Said to Use Rape as Weapon of Ethnic Cleansing.’ I wondered what these children would be like, what would their struggles be, how would they survive, who would they grow up to be. And that’s when Onyesonwu came to me to tell her story.” Okorafor adds, “I am not trying to be shocking or exceedingly graphic. Onyesonwu’s story was told to me in just this way and she is not one to tell lies, embellish, or mince words.”
Okorafor’s upcoming projects include a YA novel that Penguin will publish in 2011, Akata Witch, with a focus on the tension between African-Americans and Africans as well as “deep, deep Nigerian witchcraft”; two screenplays in collaboration with award-winning Nigerian film director Tchidi Chikere; and a science fiction novella set in Nigeria. She also has plans for another adult novel. “I’ll know what that one is about when I start writing it,” Okorafor says. “When it comes, it’ll come like a tidal wave.”
Author Information
Mikki Kendall is an occasional adult and constant writer.
Nnedi Okorafor’s gentle demeanor is so disarming that it’s impossible not to relax in her company. The Chicago State University professor has a sweet smile, three graduate degrees, numerous awards and prize nominations for her writing, and a razor-sharp mind that is changing the face of speculative fiction. The latter soon becomes apparent when the discussion turns to genocide, rape, female circumcision, fantasy, and Nigerian culture.
Born in the U.S. to Nigerian immigrants, Okorafor, 36, grew up in the same suburb of Chicago where she now resides with her own daughter. As a child, she was mostly interested in sports and the sciences, dreaming of becoming an entomologist, but she was always fond of reading, and by age 12, she found her mind had been “corrupted by genius white male storytellers” like Stephen King and Clive Barker.
“I was working my way through the library reading whatever caught my eye,” Okorafor recalls fondly. “I read a lot of books that I definitely had no business reading at that age.” A writing class in college sparked her creativity and while obtaining an M.A. in journalism and an M.A. and Ph.D. in English, Okorafor began to write the stories she always wanted to read.
Okorafor’s books feature the cultural and social touchstones of her youth: Nigeria, strong girls and women, and the strange, beautiful lives of plants and insects. The YA novel Zahrah the Windseeker (Houghton Mifflin, 2005), which won the Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature, is a classic magical quest set in a world in which Earth is a legend and everything from clothing to computers grows from seeds. In the Parallax Award–winning The Shadow Speaker, her second YA, a Muslim teen in West Africa must avert interplanetary war.
Okorafor’s first adult novel, Who Fears Death, which will be published in June by DAW Books, combines science fiction and fantasy in the story of Onyesonwu, a young sorceress making her way in a postapocalyptic future Saharan Africa where men use rape as a tool to eradicate a culture on the genetic level. “Who Fears Death addresses the push and pull in African culture that powerful women face when their culture has certain duties and beliefs that can stifle them,” Okorafor says.
As she channels the past, present, and future into one complex tale, Okorafor walks a fine line between sincere respect and unstinting examination of tradition: mixing futuristic technology with magic rooted in the beliefs of Nigerian, Tanzanian, and other African cultures, exploring why many women willingly practice female circumcision and see it as a necessary rite of passage even as others find it horrific.
These somber themes seem a drastic departure from her previous work, but Okorafor refuses to gloss over the realities on which she builds her fiction. “What initially brought me Onyesonwu’s character,” she explains, “was reading a Washington Post news story: ' “We Want to Make a Light Baby”: Arab Militiamen in Sudan Said to Use Rape as Weapon of Ethnic Cleansing.’ I wondered what these children would be like, what would their struggles be, how would they survive, who would they grow up to be. And that’s when Onyesonwu came to me to tell her story.” Okorafor adds, “I am not trying to be shocking or exceedingly graphic. Onyesonwu’s story was told to me in just this way and she is not one to tell lies, embellish, or mince words.”
Okorafor’s upcoming projects include a YA novel that Penguin will publish in 2011, Akata Witch, with a focus on the tension between African-Americans and Africans as well as “deep, deep Nigerian witchcraft”; two screenplays in collaboration with award-winning Nigerian film director Tchidi Chikere; and a science fiction novella set in Nigeria. She also has plans for another adult novel. “I’ll know what that one is about when I start writing it,” Okorafor says. “When it comes, it’ll come like a tidal wave.”
Author Information
Mikki Kendall is an occasional adult and constant writer.
August 23, 2009
My response to District 419…I mean District 9. ;-)
Contrary to many, I did not like District 9...for many reasons. After some deliberation, I decided to post my reasons on my blog.
Read it here.
Nnedi
Read it here.
Nnedi
August 12, 2009
Is Africa Ready for Science Fiction?
Read my essay titled "Is Africa Ready for SF" on the Nebula Awards blog here.
I interviewed a few interesting folks including Nollywood film director Tchidi Chikere.
Nnedi
I interviewed a few interesting folks including Nollywood film director Tchidi Chikere.
Nnedi
July 6, 2009
No SF or F for the Penguin Prize for African Writing? What?!
Ok, I’ve got a serious gripe.
Penguin recently announced an award for African writers called The Penguin Prize for African Writing
"Through this award Penguin aims to highlight the diverse writing talent on the African continent and make new African fiction and non-fiction available to a wider readership."
"Novels of freshness and originality that represent the finest examples of contemporary fiction out of Africa will be considered."
Yet, there is this stipulation:"Submissions in the children’s literature, science fiction or fantasy genres will not be considered"
My first reaction: No science fiction or fantasy genres? WTF?! Well, why the heck not?!
My second reaction: So…just how many Africans are even WRITING fiction directly, openly categorized as “science fiction” and “fantasy”? Sooooo many that this has to be said?
My third reaction: Would novels like Famished Road, Icarus Girl, or Wizard of the Crow be rejected?
My fourth reaction: A prize with this kind of stipulation is openly disrespecting science fiction and fantasy as literature. Good Lord, I felt like I was back in my PhD program again.
My fifth reaction: This will do wonders in inspiring African writers to write science fiction and fantasy (I’m being sarcastic).
My sixth reaction: Well, the judges for the Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature were open-minded enough to choose my fantasy novel Zahrah the Windseeker. So, :-P!
Ok, my sixth reaction was me being a bit of an a**. Sort of. There’s a bit of truth there, too. Science fiction and fantasy ARE literature. It’s reductive and blind to think otherwise.
If I sound like I have a real chip on my shoulder with this issue, I certainly do. Long long story, and a long long history with this issue.
I doubt I’ll submit to this prize, but only because my forthcoming novel will be published by Penguin and, well, I think this prize would better benefit someone who's just coming up. I’m happy that the prize exists. It sounds wonderful otherwise.
If I were submitting, I’ve got a “magical realist” novel that I would send, sure. But it’s unfortunate that if I wanted, I couldn’t send my fantasy novel titled the Legend of Arro-yo which is set in 1929’s Southeast Nigeria, touches on the Igbo Women’s War, deals with female circumcision, and colonialism.
More on my take on SF and Africa in the next few weeks. I’m going to write something for the Nebula Awards Blog. I've just got to cool down and gather my thoughts.
Nnedi
Penguin recently announced an award for African writers called The Penguin Prize for African Writing
"Through this award Penguin aims to highlight the diverse writing talent on the African continent and make new African fiction and non-fiction available to a wider readership."
"Novels of freshness and originality that represent the finest examples of contemporary fiction out of Africa will be considered."
Yet, there is this stipulation:"Submissions in the children’s literature, science fiction or fantasy genres will not be considered"
My first reaction: No science fiction or fantasy genres? WTF?! Well, why the heck not?!
My second reaction: So…just how many Africans are even WRITING fiction directly, openly categorized as “science fiction” and “fantasy”? Sooooo many that this has to be said?
My third reaction: Would novels like Famished Road, Icarus Girl, or Wizard of the Crow be rejected?
My fourth reaction: A prize with this kind of stipulation is openly disrespecting science fiction and fantasy as literature. Good Lord, I felt like I was back in my PhD program again.
My fifth reaction: This will do wonders in inspiring African writers to write science fiction and fantasy (I’m being sarcastic).
My sixth reaction: Well, the judges for the Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature were open-minded enough to choose my fantasy novel Zahrah the Windseeker. So, :-P!
Ok, my sixth reaction was me being a bit of an a**. Sort of. There’s a bit of truth there, too. Science fiction and fantasy ARE literature. It’s reductive and blind to think otherwise.
If I sound like I have a real chip on my shoulder with this issue, I certainly do. Long long story, and a long long history with this issue.
I doubt I’ll submit to this prize, but only because my forthcoming novel will be published by Penguin and, well, I think this prize would better benefit someone who's just coming up. I’m happy that the prize exists. It sounds wonderful otherwise.
If I were submitting, I’ve got a “magical realist” novel that I would send, sure. But it’s unfortunate that if I wanted, I couldn’t send my fantasy novel titled the Legend of Arro-yo which is set in 1929’s Southeast Nigeria, touches on the Igbo Women’s War, deals with female circumcision, and colonialism.
More on my take on SF and Africa in the next few weeks. I’m going to write something for the Nebula Awards Blog. I've just got to cool down and gather my thoughts.
Nnedi
June 29, 2009
The new title of my forthcoming YA fantasy novel is...
...drum roll please...
Akata Witch
If you don't know what "akata" means: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akata
"Akátá is a word derived from the Yoruba people of West Africa and it simply means 'fox' [or bush animal:]. It is widely used loosely by African immigrants to the United States to describe African Americans and their descendants, and over time it has come to have derogatory connotations due to tensions between African immigrants and African Americans."
I might add that this word is also used for American Nigerians like me (born in the US to immagrant Nigerian parents). Yeah, I'm going there.
There is a definite reason why I chose this title (aside from the fact that I have always wanted to put this godawful word in the title of one of my novels). The tension between African Ameircans and African is indeed part of the book. As is deep deep Nigerian witchcraft.
Akata Witch is schduled for release in the Fall of 2010 from Penguin Books.
You can read a very early version of the first chapter on amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/The-Albino-Girl.... It's titled Albino Girl.
Akata Witch
If you don't know what "akata" means: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akata
"Akátá is a word derived from the Yoruba people of West Africa and it simply means 'fox' [or bush animal:]. It is widely used loosely by African immigrants to the United States to describe African Americans and their descendants, and over time it has come to have derogatory connotations due to tensions between African immigrants and African Americans."
I might add that this word is also used for American Nigerians like me (born in the US to immagrant Nigerian parents). Yeah, I'm going there.
There is a definite reason why I chose this title (aside from the fact that I have always wanted to put this godawful word in the title of one of my novels). The tension between African Ameircans and African is indeed part of the book. As is deep deep Nigerian witchcraft.
Akata Witch is schduled for release in the Fall of 2010 from Penguin Books.
You can read a very early version of the first chapter on amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/The-Albino-Girl.... It's titled Albino Girl.
May 4, 2009
Treefrog7
My short story, From the Lost Diary of TreeFrog7, has just been published by Clarkesworld Magazine. Read it online at: http://clarkesworldmagazine.com/.
This story is closely linked to the world of Zahrah the Windseeker...in an odd way. It's about a woman in pursuit of something strange.
There is also an audio version of it available on the site.
Nnedi
This story is closely linked to the world of Zahrah the Windseeker...in an odd way. It's about a woman in pursuit of something strange.
There is also an audio version of it available on the site.
Nnedi
April 1, 2009
March 19, 2009
Shadow Speaker paperback soon available and some character sketches
The paperback of my 2nd novel, The Shadow Speaker, will be available on March 24th, 2009. Please contact me through my Myspace page or website if you are interested in a signed copy.
A little about the book:
Niger, West Africa, 2070: After a nuclear fallout in the early twenty-first century, the earth's civilization has been completely transformed. Magic, mysticism, and mind-blowing technology now rule the world. In West Africa, fourteen-year old Ejii struggles to master her own magical powers. When her world is completely upended after she witnesses her father's death, Ejii faces a unique opportunity to explore her power and realize her destiny. But is she ready for the responsibility that comes along with that? Embarking on a journey across the Sahara, Ejii befriends new allies and battles dangerous foes. It soon becomes clear that her people need to be protected from a terrible force seeking to annihilate them. And Ejii may just be their last hope for survival. Fast-paced and full of tender friendships and thrilling action, this futuristic adventure heralds a bright new talent in young adult science fiction.
Here are a few character sketches that my illustrator brother (Emezie Okorafor) did of Ejii Ugabe, Dikeogu Obidimkpa and the mysterious and tricky Desert Magician:
Ejii
After witnessing the beheading of her father, she was appalled to realize...she was happy.
Dikeogu
If you'd been through what he's been through, you would dispise chocolate, too. And you would also fear the skies.
The Desert Magician
He finds water where there is none.
Watch for the book trailer for The Shadow Speaker in a few days, also designed by my brother.
Buy The Shadow Speaker at Anderson’s Bookshop, Barnes and Nobles, Amazon, Powell’s, and many other book-loving places.
A little about the book:
Niger, West Africa, 2070: After a nuclear fallout in the early twenty-first century, the earth's civilization has been completely transformed. Magic, mysticism, and mind-blowing technology now rule the world. In West Africa, fourteen-year old Ejii struggles to master her own magical powers. When her world is completely upended after she witnesses her father's death, Ejii faces a unique opportunity to explore her power and realize her destiny. But is she ready for the responsibility that comes along with that? Embarking on a journey across the Sahara, Ejii befriends new allies and battles dangerous foes. It soon becomes clear that her people need to be protected from a terrible force seeking to annihilate them. And Ejii may just be their last hope for survival. Fast-paced and full of tender friendships and thrilling action, this futuristic adventure heralds a bright new talent in young adult science fiction.
Here are a few character sketches that my illustrator brother (Emezie Okorafor) did of Ejii Ugabe, Dikeogu Obidimkpa and the mysterious and tricky Desert Magician:
Ejii
After witnessing the beheading of her father, she was appalled to realize...she was happy.
Dikeogu
If you'd been through what he's been through, you would dispise chocolate, too. And you would also fear the skies.
The Desert Magician
He finds water where there is none.
Watch for the book trailer for The Shadow Speaker in a few days, also designed by my brother.
Buy The Shadow Speaker at Anderson’s Bookshop, Barnes and Nobles, Amazon, Powell’s, and many other book-loving places.
March 8, 2009
Living in a World of Fantasy
Living in a World of Fantasy
By Jumoke Verissimo
If Sam Jordison's article in The Guardian U.K. is a yardstick for deciding who is deserving of the Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa (2008), then perhaps Nnedi Okorafor has done the impossible.
What can be inferred from his piece is that as a writer, Okorafor has committed two offences. First, the book, Zahrah the Windseeker is a book in the young adult fiction genre. Second, it is fantasy! And to top it all with Jordison's own comment: "The ‘African Nobel' has gone to a fantasy novel for teenagers. Shame it could never win a Booker."
However, reading Zahrah the Windseeker, gives a clear understanding, that those turning away from genre specific fiction, may actually be missing out. Okorafor explains that she has in the past encountered such "sneers". When entering her novel for the 2008 award, she didn't check to see if a writer of fantasy and speculative fiction would be ineligible.
Okorafor, whose nationality lies between Nigeria and America, at a book reading session held by her Nigerian publisher, Farafina sometime ago, expressed how heart-warming coming to Nigeria is for her. "I've been kind of doing my thing in the USA, that award (the Wole Soyinka Prize), made the connection."
For her, the homecoming was like "receiving an embrace from Nigeria." And, being one who is used to American critics, she looks forward to receiving recognition from Nigeria, which she believes will help balance the criticism she has received since winning the award.
Coming home from the US, first for the award and second for the Farafina event, has been an eye opener to the vibrant literary community in Nigeria. She smiles as she says how stimulating it is, to read to a group of Nigerians who love literature. "It is one of the coolest things. It makes sense." Homecoming is also an eye-opener in other ways.
The author had in the past seen her writing primarily in terms of the feedback from her American audience. The award, and publication in Nigeria, helped cement what she calls ‘the African connection'.
Read the rest of the article here: http://www.234next.com/csp/cms/sites/...