CONVERSATION WITH JOZY: RICHARD PAA KOFI BOTCHWEY

I met Richard Botchwey this year when we both attended the African Women’s Dinner 2016. I was there to auction off items to raise money for the Anne Wafula Foundation for the Disabled and Richard had travelled all the way from Accra, Ghana to donate for auction his two bestselling novels The Tale of an Orphan; A Lesson to Learn and My shoes don’t fit; A young man’s conversations with God. Richard’s writing transcends cultures and his is a story of hope. He wants the reader to know that you can succeed no matter what the tragedies or circumstances of your life. Richard Paa Kofi Botchwey comes from the Central Region of Ghana. Born to Fante parents he is the sixth of eight children. He is an internationally published Author, Poet and Social Entrepreneur. Currently in the United Kingdom Richard has appeared on several Talk Shows and Radio Stations to promote his books and share his story. He set up the Orphan Trust Movement a non-profit organization which helps many young people across Ghana. His facebook page feeds the soul with inspirational quotes that tell of his wisdom beyond his years. At our first meeting I was quickly captivated by his warmth, he smiles broadly and you quickly feel like you are old time friends. I knew I wanted to interview him after I had learned of his amazing story of survival and the way he has used his own trials and painful experiences as an orphan to help other orphans. Here, he shares his story.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I realized I wanted to be a writer when I was nine years. By then pen pal writing was the norm. I was addicted to it. It was during that time I discovered my writing skills.

I had pen pals myself as a child in Africa. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

[Laughs] I have been asked this question several times. Ideas come to me naturally. And even if they do not flow, I always go to God in prayer to bless me with supernatural ideas. Then again I get ideas from the events that happen around me. I am a good observer naturally. Writing is all about imagination and observation.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I wrote my first book when I was fourteen years old. I don’t remember the exact year.

I read somewhere about how your life inspired you to write The Tale of an Orphan; A Lesson to Learn. What made you decide to write the story?

After the death of my parents, many people ridiculed my siblings and I, calling us witches and wizards. Orphans are often used as offertory boxes or doormats and I’m not happy about how we treat orphans in our world today. I was inspired to write The Tale of an Orphan; A Lesson to Learn to inspire orphans and also, to help people understand that, orphans are not doormats or offertory boxes. The fact that someone has lost the parents does not mean they have lost their world.

What does your family think of your writing?

To be honest, it was tough trying to fit into the family puzzle as a writer. It was tough, because everyone knew me as a brilliant boy and all they wanted was to become an engineer or perhaps a doctor. Writing was seen as a hobby. And even now many people think it is a hobby and does not pass the litmus test as a profession. However, the truth of the matter is that, writing is not just a hobby. For me, it is a profession. And I am glad today they have come to accept this: I’m born to be a writer.
 

I have heard that a writer’s life begins when the book is published. How have you prepared for promoting your books?

Well, for me I believe a writer’s life begins the moment an idea hits the brain cells. Having a book published is just as a pregnant mother conceiving a baby. How the child, which in this case is the book will grow depends on how the mother (the author) raises (promotes) it. Writing is like breathing. I cannot go one day without thinking about writing or reading to write something. I start promoting my books right from the day I get the idea. I put my books on amazon and all online bookstore platforms. I promote through radio and television, magazines and newspaper interviews. My book tours also boost my sales and bookings throughout the year.

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

Yes, I hear from my readers every day. Most of my readers are inspired by my writing. They tell me to keep writing. When I go wrong they tell me, and this has helped shape my writing. I thank them for their feedback.

Do you have a favourite bookstore where you enjoy browsing, and if you do, what makes it special?

I like to visit www.amazon.com for all my books. But then again I am not limiting myself to amazon, because in this eon, there are several amazing online bookstores one can easily get all types of books from.

Which authors do you most enjoy reading?

I like to read Kofi Akpabli, Wole Soyinka, and a host of them. 

Which books and authors have helped you develop into the writer you are today?

There are many names, but Kofi Akpabli, a CNN African Journalist Award winner has been my mentor since 2011. And I am so blessed by this humble man full of wisdom. For books I think they are countless. I have read almost every book on writing, editing, etc.

The Tale of an Orphan; A Lesson to Learn and My shoes don’t fit; A young man’s conversations with God are both perfect choices for book clubs. Are you a member of any?

Currently, I am not a member of any book club, but I am a member of Ghana Association of Writers.

How do you think book groups will respond to your novels?

I believe book groups would be inspired by my books just as it has inspired thousands of people.

I’m sure readers would like to know if you have other interests aside from writing do you have any?

Yes, I like to sing when I’m in my room. I like to travel. I like to draw. I like to cook sometimes.

How do you balance your writing life with your other responsibilities?

Balancing my writing life and my other responsibilities is not difficult for me. I have been doing this for the last 11 years. When I have to write I make time to write and when I have to attend to other things I make time for them too. It is all about disciplining yourself by staying true to what you say you will do.

Do you have any suggestions to help our readers become better writers?

Writing is a profession which pays more joy than money. And for you to become a better writer you just have to keep writing. Enjoy the journey. Also, writers are often advised to write what they know. Well, for me, I will encourage you to use your imagination to write what you do not know. That is where the creativity is. That is where you get to wow the creative industry that you are an outstanding writer.

The Tale of an Orphan; A Lesson to Learn and My shoesdon’t fit; A young man’s conversations with God are availailable to order on Amazon.

You can contact the Author for talk shows, seminars, workshops & speaking engagements at:

 

Email: richardbotchwey@gmail.com

Facebook/instagram/Twitter: @richardbotchwey

Website is: www.richardbotchwey.com