Onyi Nwabineli | Two Sisters Figuring Out Life

1--What is the title of your latest release?

ALLOW ME TO INTRODUCE MYSELF

2--What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?

Throughout her childhood, Anuri Chinasa was the star of her stepmother’s social media empire. Now, at twenty-five, Anuri is struggling with her identity, with alcohol and with understanding her place in a world where millions know her face. When she sees her half-sister, Noelle being pushed down the same path, Anuri decides to take action to ensure that Noelle has both a voice and a choice in her future.

3--How did you decide where your book was going to take place?

I am Nigerian and my father’s family is from Anambra state, so I knew parts of the story would be set there. I have lived in London for years and it feels right that I set the story primarily in the place I have called home for such a long time.

4--Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life?

Absolutely. She’s tons of fun

5--What are three words that describe your protagonist?

Tenacious, multifaceted, protective

6--What’s something you learned while writing this book?

There are too many things which appear innocent on the surface but are actually quite unsettling when they are scrutinized a little more deeply

7--Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?

There may be a chapter I finish and despise, so I’ll go back immediately and rework parts, but generally, I will write until the end and then start working on an update draft

8--What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?

This is too tough a question! I can’t resist French toast, pistachio gelato or good BBQ

9--Describe your writing space/office!

Honestly, I write best when I am abroad. Much of my work has been created beside a body of water or under a palm tree. At home, I have dual monitors, lots of plants and a huge window on and around my desk

10--Who is an author you admire?

Akwaeke Emezi

11--Is there a book that changed your life?

There are too many of them, but Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe is right up there

12--Tell us about when you got “the call.” (when you found out your book was going to be published)/Or, for indie authors, when you decided to self-publish.

I was at home eating a late dinner. My agent, Amy, and I had been in contact for most of the day. I was a debut novelist and had no clue about the process, so Amy had been amazing about keeping me informed about what to expect. When she called me to tell me that Graydon had made a preemptive offer for Someday, Maybe, I could not speak for almost a minute. And then I screamed

13--What’s your favorite genre to read?

I am a consumer of pretty much everything, but I love contemporary fiction so much. I learn the most from it

14--What’s your favorite movie?

Amelie

15--What is your favorite season?

Autumn

16--How do you like to celebrate your birthday?

I always leave the country and it is always perfect

17--What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?

I am one of millions who has become obsessed with K Dramas. I highly recommend The Glory

18--What’s your favorite type of cuisine?

Nigerian

19--What do you do when you have free time?

Sleep, read and buy too many candles

20--What can readers expect from you next?

Something a little different from my first two novels. It will involve wicked women

ALLOW ME TO INTRODUCE MYSELF by Onyi Nwabineli

Her life. Her rules. Finally.

Anuri Chinasa has had enough. And really, who can blame her? She was the unwilling star of her stepmother’s social media empire before “momfluencers” were even a thing. For years, Ophelia documented every birthday, every skinned knee, every milestone and meltdown for millions of strangers to fawn over and pick apart.

Now, at twenty-five, Anuri is desperate to put her way-too-public past behind her and start living on her own terms. But it’s not going so great. She can barely walk down the street without someone recognizing her, and the fraught relationship with her father has fallen apart. Then there’s her PhD application (still unfinished) and her drinking problem (still going strong). When every detail of her childhood was so intensely scrutinized, how can she tell what she really wants?

Still, Ophelia is never far away and has made it clear she won’t go down without a fight. With Noelle, Anuri’s five-year-old half sister now being forced down the same path, Anuri discovers she has a new mission in life…

To take back control of the family narrative.

Through biting wit and heartfelt introspection, this darkly humorous story dives deep into the deceptive allure of a picture-perfect existence, the overexposure of children in social media and the excitement of self-discovery.

Multicultural African-American | Women's Fiction | Women's Fiction Family Life [Graydon House, On Sale: May 28, 2024, Hardcover / e-Book, ISBN: 9781525896033 / ]

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About Onyi Nwabineli

Onyi Nwabineli is a Nigerian-British headwrap aficionado. Born in Benin, Nigeria, she grew up in Glasgow, the Isle of Man and Newcastle, and now lives in London. Onyi is the co-founder of Surviving Out Loud, a fund that provides fiscal support for survivors of sexual assault, and the founder of Black Pens, a writing retreat for Black womxn. Someday, Maybe is her debut novel.