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Interview – Segun Starchild
When did you start writing books, what moved you to start writing?
I started working on my first book ‘Black Egyptians’ in late 2009. I was, and still am obsessed with Egypt and I wanted to explore for myself as well as teach others the true history of such a great people, especially since it was surrounded in controversy. I remember writing short stories at school in English, I was good, I won merits and distinctions for English several times but over time I forgot how much of a natural writer I was until I picked it up again.
In what genres do you write? Do you plan writing in other genres?
I write non-fiction, and sci-fi. I also have a book half written which is romance and some songs, screenplays I did for fun. But generally I like to remain in non-fiction and sci-fi as that is where my passion is.
Tell us about your novels. Why should everyone buy them?
My published titles are ‘Black Egyptians: The African Origins of Ancient Egypt,’ ‘The Capability Test,’ ‘The White & Gold People,’ and ‘Kamun vs. Leviathan,’ due to be released next year. You can find more info about them on my websites but for now I’d talk about the third one as it’s the most recent.
The White & Gold People is based on the dress saga that rocked the world 4 years ago. I thought it was brilliant, so brilliant that I decided to write a book about it. I really wanted to explore the possibilities that could come from it, in an alternate reality where the dress was so much more than it seemed. The fact it went viral and caused so much commotion is reasonable, but something as big as the dress can’t just come and go, it has to be brought back to life!
What is your all time favorite novel/book? What makes it special?
I should probably read more books than I do, but we all say that right, so in my ‘circle of books’ that I’ve read I’m going to go with ‘The Ultimate Frontier’ by Eklal Kueshana. It uncovers historical facts that one would never know, gives us a higher code to live by and reveals the depths of human potential.
Tell us a bit about your writing process.
With non-fiction I start writing about subjects of the book that I already know or want to talk about. I then go about researching each topic and mini topic from (notes I’ve made, books, online) and add more info to each sentence until I’ve made my point then move on to another until it snowballs into pages and then a complete chapter. One thing that I like to do in non-fiction is cross reference each fact with multiple sources, that way I know it’s true.
With fiction I have a habit of writing the things that I’m most interested in, the big plots or parts that I have a deep connection to. I write in order for the most part but may pick a chapter or two and complete it if I’m feeling the vibes. If what I’m writing is technical I make sure I do the research first then find my way of incorporating it into the story.
Writing is a process of self-discovery, I have an idea in my head of how a story would go but when I get into it I reach a point where the story writes itself, I’m just the author guiding the story to become itself.
What author would you love to have dinner with?
David Icke. I like someone who is brave enough to state their mind and go against the grain. It makes the world a better place. We would have so much to talk about. Reptilians, conspiracies, consciousness, 5G. Ah. I think I need to make this happen for real!
Tell us about your hobbies and passions other than writing.
I love fitness, that involves the gym, martial arts and athletics. I trained for 5 years as a 400/800m athlete and loved it. I love to go out for a run and feel the winf beneath my feet, and also love to get in the ring and do some thai boxing. TV / Film are daily habits of mine, it’s what I enjoy and helps my mind wander. It certainly gives me ideas for new books! I also like to travel and play computer games if I can find the time.
We have many followers who would like to start writing a book or are already writing their first novel, any advice for these brave people?
Yes go for it. It’s a fun and humbling process and you will learn a lot about yourself. Try and find your style, meaning do what works for you and listen to your inner voice. I got a lot of work done at night for my first book and in the White and Gold People I was most creative writing after work at my office desk. Don’t be scared to share elements of your life in your book, your experiences good and bad made you who you are.
How often do you write, daily, every other day or?
Well my book was published last month so I’m taking a break from writing and going all out on marketing I’ll start writing again when I start seeing my book out there and good sales coming through. When I do write though its tough to do it with a full time job, but I just knuckle down and get on with it.
Do you keep a notebook with ideas for your novels? If so do you carry the notebook with you so you won’t forget any ideas?
Yes I make notes when I read books that are references for upcoming titles, or record it in my notes app on my phone. I only carry a notebook if I’m actively reading research material other than that it’s a causal thing kept on my phone.
How important is it to have your facts right and are there any instances when you bend history to fit your story?
Well as a non-fiction writer and ‘a man of truth’ I wouldn’t go about changing history, truth is healing. Of course, fiction is different and you can write whatever you like. Maybe because I do both styles of writing I can be serious in the non-fiction and be as playful and creative I want in the fiction so I don’t feel a need to compensate.
What are you reading at the moment?
‘Magicians of The Gods’ by Graham Hancock. It’s a very interesting book that explores evidence about a comet that wiped out the Earth 12,800 years ago and warns that a Great Return will occur in our lifetime!
How is it to be an author in your country? Do you have a good support from the local public?
The UK certainly has a well-supported infrastructure of writers, we even host the London book fair! I do think black writers don’t get the same opportunities though but I’m not going to give excuses because I believe in my talent and hard work. I organised a book tour with Black Egyptians in libraries, and universities and it was well supported. As a writer you just have to get out there in any way you can, I don’t think there’s a particular formula you just have to be willing to go the extra mile.
Certainly you have had some interesting episodes as an author, fans related or others, share one of them with us.
I’ve had a few occasions from women when they find out I’m an author and they give me a certain look. It’s hard to describe, but I like it!
A final message for our circleofbooks.com readers.
Thank you for taking the time out to read the interview. I hope you enjoy my books and if you do please support and share it with your network. Most importantly, ‘be nice to people.’ It takes more energy to be bad! Love and light!
Thank you Segun Starchild. We at circleofbooks.com wish you much success!
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