C.M. Okonkwo's Blog: Everything Literature, page 4

5 Series, 5 Months Campaign - Week 2

Dear readers,
#Because it's Week 2 of the 5 Series, 5 months Campaign!
#Friday #August #TGIF
The three types of team players
From “ride or die” loyalists to selfish climbers and accidental disruptors, "Dim Noo Abroad" shows us three kinds of people you’ll find in any workplace:
1. The Caros – Quiet observers who see the whole picture but are often ignored.
2. The Miracles – Strategic performers who don’t mind bending rules.
3. The Dumebis – Well-meaning but easily influenced and confused under pressure.
In your team, who gets rewarded? Who gets sidelined? And who truly makes culture work? 
#Read #Learn #Grow#People. #Culture. #Strategy.#Travel #Through #Stories with #CMOsphere.
Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or somewhere in between... discover books by #Author #CMOkonkwo  #Like #Comment #Share
#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO
#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

5 Series, 5 Months Campaign - Week 1

Dear readers,

#Because it's Week 1 of the 5 Series, 5 months Campaign!
#Friday #August #TGIF
When Marriage Is A KPI
10 women. 1 goal: Marry a man abroad. But behind the drama is a lesson in people, culture, and management.
In my novel Dim Noo Abroad, the Eastern Nigerian marriage market is a battleground. The girls strategise, gossip, lie, and manipulate their way towards one goal: status.
Sounds like workplace politics? That’s because it is.
From Miracle’s high-performance, low-integrity hustle, to Dumebi’s desperate decision-making, to Caro’s overlooked wisdom, every character mirrors someone you’ve worked with.
As we begin the Desperate Wives Series under Where Fiction Meets Function, I’ll unpack 10 real HR lessons from this fictional drama novel.
1. Don’t Hire for Image — Hire for IntentionCharacter: StellaInsight: Stella’s obsession with projecting the “perfect married image” mirrors many hires made for aesthetics or social fit rather than alignment of values. In organizations, when people are recruited to look the part (titles, accents, affiliations) instead of being the part, chaos follows.
2. Performance Without Integrity is a RiskCharacter: MiracleInsight: Miracle is sharp, manipulative, and can get things done, but often by crossing moral lines. In the workplace, this is your “results at all costs” employee. They deliver, until the ethics committee gets involved.
3. Culture is Contagious — Especially the Toxic KindGroup Dynamic: The 10 girls share a culture of desperation masked as ambition.Insight: When the majority of a team believes “getting ahead” requires manipulation or deception, it creates a groupthink that is hard to break. Culture doesn’t need approval to spread, just acceptance.
4. Desperation Breeds Poor DecisionsCharacter: DumebiInsight: Dumebi’s desire to marry a man abroad clouds her judgment entirely. In HR, desperation to fill roles often leads to wrong hires, or worse, compromise in ethics and standards.
5. People Lie on Their Resumes… and in RelationshipsCharacter: Multiple girls who lie about their status, partner, lifestyleInsight: Just like CV fraud, people lie to fit in socially or professionally. It’s not just about screening, it’s about creating a culture where honesty is more rewarding than deception.
6. Unseen People May Be the WisestCharacter: CaroInsight: Caro, often overlooked, provides wise commentary. In the workplace, the janitor may have better insight into the culture than the CEO. Always listen to the ones who observe more than they speak.
7. Emotional Labour is Still LabourCharacter: Tessy & AmaraInsight: These characters are emotionally drained from trying to meet expectations. In the workplace, emotional labour (trying to appear cheerful, polite, professional) especially for women, should be acknowledged and supported.
8. Diversity Without Inclusion is Performative SettingCharacter: Different personalities, backgrounds, behavioursInsight: The girls are diverse but exclusionary; they form cliques, gossip, and create hierarchies. A reminder that having a diverse team is not enough if inclusion isn’t part of the system.
9. Sometimes, Conflict Is a Cry for HelpCharacter: GloryInsight: Her combative behaviour masks insecurity and unmet emotional needs. HR should be skilled at distinguishing between problem employees and employees with problems.
10. Desire for Validation is a Hidden DriverCharacter: Hallelujah & KemiInsight: These characters want public acknowledgment more than private peace. In organizations, people stay in toxic jobs or relationships because the title makes them feel seen.
What do you think?
In case you missed the initial post and the free book, click HERE.
#Read #Learn #Grow#People. #Culture. #Strategy.#Travel #Through #Stories with #CMOsphere.Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or somewhere in between... discover books by #Author #CMOkonkwo #Like #Comment

#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO
#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

New Campaign: 5 Series, 5 Months

Dear readers,

#Because a campaign is upon us!
#Friday #July #TGIF
Great news!!! From August to December 2025, you are invited to join me on a literary and professional adventure like no other — my 5 Series, 5 Months campaign.
You — and the rest of the world — will discover five unique fiction series, all written by me, each one packed with humour, drama, and suspense, and infused with real-life lessons and HR insights (because that's my field).
The goal? To revive a culture of reading, introduce bold African stories to new audiences, and connect fiction with everyday workplace insight.
Every month, a new series will be unveiled — and the first book in each series will be absolutely FREE.
You’ll get to travel through stories, reflect on characters and behaviours, and uncover practical insights. From the structure of a covert organization to the chaos of a community chasing marriage abroad, from calculated crimes to beautiful romance — every story teaches something about people, culture, and strategy.
So join me. Every Friday. Let’s read. Let’s reflect. Let’s reimagine HR — one story at a time.
Kicking off the series: Desperate Women
This five-part series follows ten young women in Eastern Nigeria, all desperate to marry men living abroad.
The first book, Dim Noo Abroad (Igbo for “My husband is abroad”), is my third novel — born from an offhand comment in 2011. I was chatting with two friends when one announced she was moving back to Nigeria. When we asked why, she said, “Because I want to get married and I don’t want to end up like those girls in the East always saying ‘Dim noo abroad.’”
That line stuck, and the story grew three years later, from scraps of dialogue to full-blown chapters written during a solo writing retreat. It resonated deeply with readers. One of my cousins even said it reflected her own university experience in the East.
So, if you love drama, know someone who lives it, or want stories that entertain and enlighten, this one’s for you. Even if you don’t, it still is.
You can read 'Dim Noo Abroad' HERE. Let’s read. Let’s reflect. Let’s reimagine HR — together
#Read #Learn #Grow#People. #Culture. #Strategy.#Travel #Through #Stories with #CMOsphere.Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or somewhere in between... discover books by #Author #CMOkonkwo #Like #Comment

#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO
#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

New Campaign: 5 Series, 5 Month

Dear readers,

#Because a campaign is upon us!
#Friday #July #TGIF
Great news!!! From August to December 2025, you are invited to join me on a literary and professional adventure like no other — my 5 Series, 5 Months campaign.
You — and the rest of the world — will discover five unique fiction series, all written by me, each one packed with humour, drama, and suspense, and infused with real-life lessons and HR insights (because that's my field).
The goal? To revive a culture of reading, introduce bold African stories to new audiences, and connect fiction with everyday workplace insight.
Every month, a new series will be unveiled — and the first book in each series will be absolutely FREE.
You’ll get to travel through stories, reflect on characters and behaviours, and uncover practical insights. From the structure of a covert organization to the chaos of a community chasing marriage abroad, from calculated crimes to beautiful romance — every story teaches something about people, culture, and strategy.
So join me. Every Friday. Let’s read. Let’s reflect. Let’s reimagine HR — one story at a time.
Kicking off the series: Desperate Women
This five-part series follows ten young women in Eastern Nigeria, all desperate to marry men living abroad.
The first book, Dim Noo Abroad (Igbo for “My husband is abroad”), is my third novel — born from an offhand comment in 2011. I was chatting with two friends when one announced she was moving back to Nigeria. When we asked why, she said, “Because I want to get married and I don’t want to end up like those girls in the East always saying ‘Dim noo abroad.’”
That line stuck, and the story grew three years later, from scraps of dialogue to full-blown chapters written during a solo writing retreat. It resonated deeply with readers. One of my cousins even said it reflected her own university experience in the East.
So, if you love drama, know someone who lives it, or want stories that entertain and enlighten, this one’s for you. Even if you don’t, it still is.
You can read 'Dim Noo Abroad' HERE. Let’s read. Let’s reflect. Let’s reimagine HR — together
#Read #Learn #Grow#People. #Culture. #Strategy.#Travel #Through #Stories with #CMOsphere.Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or somewhere in between... discover books by #Author #CMOkonkwo #Like #Comment

#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO
#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

Another Year, Another Gift

Dear readers,

#Because it’s another year!
#Tuesday #Birthday #NewYear
Another year, another beautiful gift from God. I remain deeply grateful for the precious gift of life, for my amazing family, extended family, and in-laws; for my wonderful friends who have become like family; my loving church community; my fantastic colleagues; the brilliant writing communities I belong to; and the incredible HR network that inspires me.  May God’s love and blessings always be evident in our lives.
As part of giving back, I’m giving out 100 copies of #TwentyOneDays to undergraduates—with your support. And guess what? The more supporters I get, the more copies I’ll give out!
Join me and other amazing individuals and organizations in building a stronger reading culture in Nigeria. Please check the flyer to see how you can support. #ThankYou
Who wants some #cake? 
#TwentyOneDays Is #Ten today!
#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO
#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

Free Sample... Chapter 5!

Dear readers,

#Because it’s 1 week to go!
#Tuesday #EroticThriller #ComingSoon
As the countdown to the release of my erotic thriller novel ends, I’m giving out another chapter today… for those who asked 😉.
#WeReadWeDontJudge
For mature readers only!
Just send “Hi” to 169bycmo@gmail.com and scroll to chapter 5. You can download the sample this time.
PS: By sending “Hi”, you agree to receive my newsletter with updates on my writing and freebies. You also confirm that you are 18+. Scratch that… you confirm that you are 21+.
What are you waiting for?
#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO
#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

2025 Nigerian International Book Fair is Here!

Dear readers,

#Because the Nigerian International Book Fair is upon us!
#MaundyThursday #17April #BookFair
It’s been a while since I attended a book fair or literary event. I kept telling myself “next year.” But this year, I got the notification and realised just how much I’ve missed the literary scene.
The 2025 edition of the Nigerian International Book Fair promises to be bigger and better. You truly can’t afford to miss it!
Even more exciting, I’ll be giving away 100 copies of #TwentyOneDays to undergraduates with a valid ID card at the fair, in a bid to build a stronger reading culture. So please, tell someone to tell someone to tell someone!
If you would like to support this passion project of mine, please visit www.cmokonkwo.com/booksupport. It would mean the world to me.
#Read #Support #Give 

#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO
#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

Free Sample... Chapter 4!

Dear all,

#Because it’s 3 weeks to go!
#Tuesday #EroticThriller #ComingSoon
As the countdown to the release of my erotic thriller novel continues, I’m giving out another chapter today… for those who asked 😉.
#WeReadWeDontJudge
For mature readers only!
Just send “Hi” to 169bycmo@gmail.com and scroll to chapter 4.
PS: By sending “Hi”, you agree to receive my newsletter with updates on my writing and freebies. You also confirm that you are 18+. Scratch that… you confirm that you are 21+.
What are you waiting for?
#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO
#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

Once Upon a Covid Time

Dear all,

#Because it’s been 5 years!
#NewMonth #1April2025 #Lockdownniversary
In 2020, the world stood still. We masked up, locked in, and watched life as we knew it change forever. Some lost years, some lost dreams, some lost jobs, and some lost loved ones. The virus was deadly, but so was the misinformation that spread faster than the virus itself.
Three days before the #lockdown in Lagos, Nigeria, I was battling malaria. While waiting to see the doctor, I started writing a Covid-inspired novella “Eight Days to Live,” and finished it in just two days. And as the lockdown took full effect, I imagined what was running through people’s minds and what our feelings would say if they had voices. That led to “Voices Inside Your Head,” a lockdown-inspired short story.By 2022, with the pandemic in full force, I reached out to readers and writers, asking them for themes to create poems that would encourage people through those difficult times. That project became “On Keeping It,” my book of 100 pandemic-inspired quotes.
Now, five years later…How did you imagine today would look?Did we heal?Did we forget?Where are the face masks?What happened to the hopes we once held? The dreams? The plans?
I would love to hear from you, and I’m sure others would too.
As you reflect, I’m sharing the first few chapters of all three of my Covid-inspired books, along with an exclusive bundle deal, only on my website.
Just send "Hi" to covidinspiredbycmo@gmail.com to get started.
PS: By sending “Hi”, you agree to receive my newsletter with updates on my writing and freebies.  
What are you waiting for?
Happy reading!
#CovidMemories #ThenAndNow #FiveYearsLater
#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO
#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

New Book... Free Sample

Dear all,

#Because it’s 35 days to go!
#Tuesday #EroticThriller #ComingSoon
As the countdown to the release of my erotic thriller novel continues, I’m giving out a free sample of the first three chapters today!
#WeReadWeDontJudge
For mature readers only!
Just send “Hi” to 169bycmo@gmail.com
PS: By sending “Hi”, you agree to receive my newsletter with updates on my writing and freebies. You also confirm that you are 18+. Scratch that… you confirm that you are 21+.
What are you waiting for?
#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO
#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.