Meet the Judges: Onyi Nwabineli
Meet the judges! We chatted with the brilliant Onyi Nwabineli, a Nigerian-British writer who founded Black Pens, the UK’s first writing retreat for Black womxn, and co-founded Surviving Out Loud. Her debut novel, Someday, Maybe was a Good Morning America book club pick. Her latest novel, Allow Me to Introduce Myself is out now.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE ONLINE READING COMMUNITY?
The way that it unites readers – perhaps not always in opinions although that happens too, but the online reading community has this way of bringing readers together to experience stories. I also love how vocal they are about what they love and what they don’t love! They also shine as much light on newer and lesser-known authors as they do on the juggernauts in the industry and I think that is so important and can be so affirming.
WHAT BOOK FIRST SPARKED YOUR LOVE FOR READING?
As a very small kid, I was obsessed with the Maximus Mouse books! They were my gateway into my desire to collect all the books and read all the books. Truly though, there were so many childhood books that drew me in and kept me hooked. Jacqueline Wilson, the absolute legend, captivated me with her words. Enid Blyton and her Faraway Tree, Malorie Blackman’s Noughts and Crosses were also hugely important for me as a kid.
WHAT DEBUT AUTHOR SHOULD WE BE KEEPING OUR EYES ON?
Chukwuebuka Ibeh is definitely one to watch. His debut novel Blessings will stay with me for a very long time. Another one is Chinenye Emezie, whose debut novel Born in a House of Glass is one of my favourite reads of the year (a reissue).
WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED TO WRITE?
I’m at my most creative when I have the space and time to indulge in and absorb other art and also when I have adequate time to relax. This usually means I do my best work when I’m away from the UK (lol). I’m writing this in Hong Kong and I have done more work on my third book in the last two weeks than I have in months. Maybe I should move away?
IF YOU COULD GO FOR DINNER WITH A CHARACTER, WHO WOULD YOU PICK AND WHY?
This is too difficult to answer! There are so many but right now I think it would be the main character (the schoolteacher) from Kanae Minato’s Confessions. The reason? Revenge fascinates me and hers is particularly unhinged and expertly done. I’d be terrified the entire time we ate but I think it would be amazing.
DO YOU HAVE ANY READING RITUALS?
I just need to be comfortable. Discomfort for me leads to distraction. If I’m in comfy clothing, warm (or cool depending on the temperature outside), and know I have a decent stretch to lose myself in the story, then I’m happy.
ALL TIME FAVE READ
You guys are really asking the tough questions! All time fav read is way, way too difficult for me to answer but I will say In Perfect Light by Benjamin Alire Saenz is one of the most beautiful books that exist in this world.
CURRENT READ
My current read is Colin Walsh’s Kala.
NEXT ON TBR
Next on my TBR is And So I Roar by Abi Daré.