Liberian Literary Magazine February Issue 0215
Liberia’ s Deadest Ends, and The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament. Liberia’ s Deadest Ends is set in Liberia from 2004 to 2012 after the declaration of peace, as the country recovered economically and psychologically through stabilization programs, truth and reconciliation, and community development. Hence the characters are based on real events and situations over the many times I visited Liberia and worked there.
For me, the book is about the end of the‘ deadest ends’( a term that the writer Graham Greene used when describing Liberia) and the beginning of its rebirth, recovery, and reconciliation. I love hippos so I also added the theme of Liberia’ s hippopotamus population returning to its homeland when peace was restored. I even have a giant wooden carving of a hippopotamus in my home.
What inspired you to write this title or how did you come up with the storyline?
The title‘ Liberia’ s Deadest Ends’ is a reference to the Graham Greene novel, Journey Without Maps( 1936) about his travels in West Africa.
When I started my research, and told people that I was writing about my work in Liberia, they would quote this phrase. It was a starting point in the novel, representing the past that is behind the country and the peaceful future that lies ahead.
Is there a message in your book that you want your readers to grasp?
I think there is a message in the Liberian book for readers around the world to take courage from challenging situations, no matter how impossible they seem, even if they seem to go on endlessly. There is an end to hardship –‘ this too will pass’ is a phrase I use often. Conflict will end and peace will endure. Liberians have learned this through extreme suffering, but they have endured and shown extreme resilience through faith, solidarity, love, family, friendships, trust, truth and reconciliation.
In misfortune, loss, and in tragedy, people find their own strength, their own truth, their own inner sense of peace and comfort, by reaching within or by reaching out.
Is there anything else you would like readers to know about your book?
Life is a long journey. And as Graham Greene’ s title says, it is a journey without maps. There are u-turns, wrong turns, misguided turns, intentional distractions, unintended side trips, sudden disasters, unplanned godsends, a myriad of challenges, and even dead ends. By stopping, slowing down, breathing, and being grateful for everyday life experiences, we can take each step forward on a peaceful and meaningful course.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Writing is usually a solitary experience and one of concentration and determination. Write with at least one person in mind, and don’ t worry whether the rest of the world appreciates your work or not.
If you write with passion, from the heart, there will be an audience. For practical advice I think writers should be readers. Read, read, and read some more. I read books from authors of various nationalities, experiences, and ages, because every author is unique with their own interpretations of their lives.
Reading gives a writer a |
whole larder of techniques, |
styles, character definitions, |
genres, and plots to draw |
inspiration |
and |
energy |
from. |
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I also believe that nature is a source of inspiration, because it emits peace and creativity. Culture is also inspirational for me- all arts, such as music, writing, drama, dance, poetry, and painting. I surround myself with wonderful people, invigorating nature, and beautiful art for happiness, contentment, inspiration, and creativity.
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