Dragon Soul Press had a chance to interview Ebuka Stephen, an author featured in Soul Ink: Volume 2.

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1) Introduce yourself!

Hello I’m Ebuka Stephen a writer and a Nigerian undergraduate, currently having my BSc degree program in Human Anatomy at College of health sciences, Okofia.

I convey events and happenings around me to others using poetry. Reading poetry is one of my addictions lately, I’ll say it’s a food for my mind, aside this, listening to Gregorian Chants is what I find pleasing.

2) What prompted you to begin writing?

My push towards writing poetry didn’t come easily.

I had doubts but still I wanted to be heard, then I met Gospel Chinedu, a reputable poet in my College. The insight he gave me made me the believe that anyone can write, coupled to this, his Poetry acceptances was a good drive for me and that was how I grabbed the pen and kicked off writing.

3) Do you have a favorite story?

I equally love all my poems. If am to choose my favorite, it would be “Monster”. Monster is a literary piece that depicts two orphaned siblings, an older brother who often maltreated his caring sister.

4) What is your writing process like?

My writing process has been great, improving in every new piece I write. Although my Academic Activities take more of my time but I make sure I give every poem my best anytime I write. In writing I feel unique and I want anyone reading my poem to feel the same.

5) Where do you draw inspiration from?

I draw my inspiration from three things:
The first, is other writers, reading poems by other writer has been a great inspiration for me.Their works drives me to write non-stop with this feeling of wanting others to read my works too. Next, is rejection. I’ve come to understand that as a writer, rejections are bound to occur at some point in this writing journey.For any reason be it may, rejections won’t stop me rather it triggers my writing mood and has help me improve my creative writing skills. Lastly My inspiration could come from anything anywhere. I have understood that as a poet It is needed to learn making meaning out of anything possible and perceive creativity everytime.

6) Who is your favorite author/what is your favorite book?

Ellen Bass, Leila Chatti and Gospel Chinedu are the poets I so much admire. My favorite poem is PRE- by Maureen Morris. She used the prefix “PRE” as a catalyst to dig deeper into nostalgia and what it really means to reminisce. It was so mind blowing.

7) What is a goal you have for your writing future?

As an emerging writer, I plan to keep writing as much poetry piece as I can. I currently have about twenty pieces of written poetry both published and otherwise and am still writing to top it up and my plan for at least the next few months are the lists of magazines and contests on my submission target list. My plans for my writing future may be to get an M.F.A degree in creative writing.

8) What do you hope readers enjoy?

I hope that anyone reading my work would have a vivid imagery of the context of my poems.

9) Where can readers learn more about you?

I currently don’t own a website. I currently tweet. You can also contact me via ebukastephen05@gmail.com.