Interview with Sola Odemuyiwa
Hi Sola. It’s great to meet you as you know I have already reviewed your book THE PREGNANT MULE and was fascinated by the fact that it is set in a dystopian Newcastle Upon Tyne, for those readers who are unfamiliar with you, why not start by telling us a little bit about yourself?
I was born in Newcastle and grew up in Nigeria, returned to Newcastle to train in Cardiology. I am married with two children and work as a consultant cardiologist in Surrey.
Yes, your background in cardiology is apparent in the book, scarily so, I would say! What is the worst job that you have ever done, and why?
My preregistration year as a house officer in a busy maternity hospital in Lagos because I felt so out of my depth. We were so understaffed and asked to work such long hours that it is rumored that during a Caesarean one surgeon fell asleep and almost fell into the operation site.
Your ability to make light of awful situations also shines through in the book – So much so that I don’t know what to believe!!! I can “imagine” that there might be a grain of truth in what you have just said, but then I think NAH, no way! Or maybe I am just being blonde!! Moving on, i you could have written any other book by any other author, what would it be, and why?
Smiley’s people by John Le Carre. An intricate plot, the names of the characters, simple language, insight into the intelligence service, the impact of the protagonists’ private lives on the outcome.
How would you think your parents would describe your book? Does this differ from how you would describe it?
My father would probably describe it as irreverent in its treatment of authority. My mother would have been surprised at my interpretation of family relationships. She may have thought that it was too violent and explicit in places.
What Genre is your work – Do you have any plans to work outside of it? I consider my work to be political thriller subgenre medical. The book I am writing now is in a similar vein. I hope to write a historical novel one day.
I would be interested to see where you go with your historical novel and how you interpret key events…What inspired you to write your first book?
The increasing prominence of extremist political and racist groups. It gave me a way of exploring free will, choice and destiny
Yes, your books are certainly not light reading and you are bold in the fact that you tackle some hefty subjects!! Do you ever get ideas at random moments, and if so how do you hang onto them?
I do, usually when I am shaving in the morning. I have a book by my bed so I hurry back to the bedside to write them down. I take a book with me on my bike and one in the car. If a patient says something I like I ask their permission to use it write it down on a piece of paper and stuff it in my pocket.
Quirky!! Do you have a structure when you are writing, and if so what?
No, I am a no outline person, so the third book I am writing is a mess at the moment. I have about 100000 words and am now writing the plot. I will put it all together again at the end. So a lot ends up on the floor so to speak
Which was your favourite character to write, and why?
Adam Maginot was my favourite because I think I succeeded in making him bad without making him totally evil. He is a composite of a lot of people I know or know of.
That is TERRIFYING given where you work! What are you reading at the moment, and why?
Edgar Allan Poe “The fall of the House of Usher and Other Writings”. His weird imagination appeals to me.
I’ve never read anything by Poe but would certainly love to at some point…What is your favourite movie and why?
“Goodfellas” for the characters. You hate what they do but you cannot hate them. For the glitz, the rise and fall of Liotta. Some of the scenes are unforgettable. The dead man in the boot for example. The dialogue, the casual evil.
Do you have an opinion on life after death, and if so what?
I do not think there is life after death. We live as molecules in others but we are not alive as whole physical entities
That is the doctor/scientist in you talking…Totally changing the subject when you eat out would you choose Chinese, Indian or Italian, or other, if so what?
Indian, more filling and I like nan bread.
London, Paris or New York and why?
Paris. I’ve been once before because it reminds me of when we were courting.
Yes, Paris is definitely the city of love. My husband I got engaged there and I would love to go back with him…BIG HINT MR HALL…What inspired you to be a writer?
The need to express what I could not say and to leave a legacy for my children and I hope one day for my grandchildren.
How do you overcome writers block?
Write down what I hear on the television and improvise round it.
What advice would you give your 18 year old self?
Look hard before you leap.
Do you have a football/soccer team that you are passionate about and if so what?
Newcastle United
Most definitely the RIGHT answer, a TOON fan!!! It has been a pleasure to meet with you Sola, even if you have heightened by complex about what doctors get up to behind the scenes…I am already paranoid about surgery…don’t think I will ever be able to face it again LOL!!!
You can buy the pregnant mule here http://www.troubador.co.uk/book_info.asp?bookid=2032
