Award winning writer Igoni Barrett is no stranger to the Garden City Literary Festival. In 2009, his collection of short stories From the Caves of the Rotten Teeth was chosen as book of the year at the GCLF. As a writer of the city, he is also a regular face at the festival. His latest book, Love Is Power Or Something Like That will be released in May in the US, July in the UK, and August in Nigeria.
He recently spoke in an interview with Literatinaija. Below is an excerpt.
Igoni Barrett: I was born in Port Harcourt and spent most of my growing years there. I had a background not unlike that of many city-based Nigerians. My favourite pastime in those days was reading books. One childhood memory I still wonder about was a recurring wish to fly.
Bernard Ogedengbe: Your father — Lindsay Barrett — is an essayist, novelist and poet. Did this influence your decision in becoming a writer or was it something you always wanted to do?
Igoni Barrett: My father’s profession probably influenced me. I can’t tell you how though. Writing was not something I always wanted to do.
Bernard Ogedengbe: What books have had the most impact on you?
Igoni Barrett: There are too many to list. And the list is always evolving. But I have an essay published online that names several books that are important to me. It’s entitled “On Becoming a Writer: I Want to Be a Book.”
Bernard Ogedengbe: Most people dream of writing a book. It’s not surprising that fame, credibility, celebrity status and fortune are associated with authorship. How did the writing journey start for you?
Igoni Barrett: There are many easier ways of becoming a celebrity than writing books. And I’ll be surprised if I ever make a fortune off writing. I suspect my need to write started with my love of reading. But I made the decision to become a writer after I realised that I would never be fulfilled doing anything else.
Bernard Ogedengbe: Your kind of music?
Igoni Barrett: My taste in music ranges wide. Tupac, Fela, Mozart, to name a few.
Bernard Ogedengbe: Any advice for young aspiring authors?
Igoni Barrett: Write first to please yourself. And try not to be too easily pleased.
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