‘IJEM’ is an exquisite collection of short stories that explore topics pertinent to current times and contemporary Nigeria.
It discusses through a tapestry of themes enmeshed in bittersweet comedy, issues such as depression, problems faced by women in business, career and relationships; fake churches and dishonest men of God cum ministers deceiving and duping people.
This book, authored by Chisom Winifred, GrassRoots.ng Staff, pulls you to the fore front of the Nigerian dilemma and keeps you glued till the end.
Our South East Bureau, Sandra Nnaemeka had a chat with Chisom. Excerpt
GRGuest: First, congratulations on putting up such book. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Chisom: My name is Chisom Winifred Asogwa. I’m a graduate of applied biochemistry from the Enugu state university of science and technology. I’m a freelance writer, content creator and a self-published Author.
GRGuest: What’s your book all about? What informed the title?
Chisom: ‘IJEM’ is an Igbo word that means ‘My Journey’. It’s a collection of short stories centered on different themes that are personal to me. My aim was to talk about my experiences and lessons I’ve learnt thus far in life in an interesting and captivating way that would influence my readers and spark conversation.
GRGuest: What is the crucial message you were trying to deliver via the book?
Chisom: The message I wanted to clearly deliver was to put out there, the challenges, worries and experiences that most Nigerian youths go through that has in-adversely shaped our perspective towards life. My intent was to counter some negative perceptions and present a fresh and new approach to life, for self fulfilment.
GRGuest: Is this the first book you have written?
Chisom: Yes, IJEM is my maiden publication.
GRGuest: At what age did you start writing? Whose your motivator when it comes to writing?
Chisom I’ve always written for as long as I can remember, a trait I owe to my dad. He always supplied me with books from my nursery days. I read a lot as a child, from lantern books to Enid Blyton books to my book of bible stories. He offered to my young mind, a variety of options and it cultivated my voracious appetite towards reading. He not only made me read, I always had to summarize each book I read. Thinking back, I’ve always been writing. Comprehensions, letter writing, book summary, essays etc. My dad is my motivator when it comes to writing.
GRGuest: Do you have the intention of writing other books?
Chisom: Yes I do. I already have another manuscript. It’s currently with my editor.
GRGuest: Where can one buy the book? Online or bookshops or both?
Chisom: IJEM is an ebook, so it’s only available online. It’s accessible on okadabooks.com
GRGuest: Writers are usually introverts, is this same with you? How would you define your personality?
Chisom: I would describe myself as an introvert. I rather stay home and read than go out. But that doesn’t mean I’m a hermit. I love meeting new people, holding intellectual conversations, find out other people’s perspectives towards life. I also love traveling and discovering new places and cultures.
GRGuest: From your point of view, how can young people of today develop interest in reading and writing?
Chisom: Reading is a necessity for me. I read because I need to. The same way we eat to nourish our bodies and stay alive and healthy, I read to nourish my mind to stay sharp and updated. A young person who doesn’t read is in serious danger. Our minds are our most powerful asset in life. To develop a habit of reading, one needs to see it as a necessity to stay ahead in life. Reading and writing sort of goes hand in hand, if you read a lot, writing down your thoughts or what you learnt won’t be a Herculean task. It’s much harder to write when you have nothing upstairs.
GRGuest: What’s the next phase for you?
Chisom: The next phase for me is to establish myself as an authority in the writing industry. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a step, IJEM is my first bold step in this journey. 
GRGuest: Sometimes, writing books like this is usually a means to enter into the movie industry. Do you have such ambition?
Chisom: Lol no. I have no interest whatsoever in acting. I rather watch and appreciate others.
GRGuest: Any other message you would want to send to your fans out there?
Chisom: Opportunity doesn’t come to those who wait; it comes to those who dare to attack. Don’t sit around waiting for an uncle or father or mother to help you in life. You’re solely responsible for your God-given destiny.