I stumbled on his story on his Facebook page and became a captivated fan. His stories were thrilling. At that time I was toying with the idea of writing a Bible-based Christain story and reading his writing on Bible-based characters really pushed me to take the step that gave birth to my first Christain romance story, Decoration of Faith.
He is so full of talents; I have followed the trail of his writing and have often wondered how he coordinated the many parts that makeup who he is?
Who is Dr Ekpo Ezechinyere?
I am a medical doctor and a passionate writer (different genres of writing), but my focus is majorly faith-based. I am also one of the writers of Strain, a Nigerian movie that won the Best International Movie award at the Urban Film Festival, Miami in 2020.
I founded the Facebook groups, Christian Writers and Authors Network (CWAN) and Heaven’z Muzik with some friends. CWAN is a nest for Christian writers who want to sharpen the swords of their crafts. We employ Solomon’s iron sharpens iron concept. HM is for lovers of gospel music.
I am also a consultant, counsellor, and coach.
I blog at https://drekpo.com/.
How did you become a writer?
I had always dabbled in writing. Starting with romantic poems in secondary school, I graduated into writing for the press of my medical school. Ultimately, I became the Editor of the NCCMDS (Nigerian Christian Conference of Medical and Dental Students) Press of my university. However, it was after I became a doctor that I got the call to go the whole nine yards and write for God.
What lured you into becoming a Christian writer?
I had an epiphany. Dr Luke was also a huge inspiration. He wrote two of the biggest books in the Bible, and the artistry of his documentation was stratospheric!
Furthermore, one of the best ways of preserving generations is through storytelling, and I realized if we don’t bring our Christian stories to life, they might become fossilized for our children.
The Bible is the greatest story resource ever and unfortunately, in my book, A Guide to Christian Writing, I mentioned that with the holy writ, many Christians are like a Jedi Knight who doesn’t know what to do with a light-sabre. Woe is us (in Paul speak) if we don’t tell our stories. Stories not told are at the risk of being hijacked. Last, I wanted to tell biblical stories in ways that will resonate with the next generation. Same content, but contemporary methods of delivery.
Any interesting fact about your book/script you want to share with us?
My book, A Guide to Christian Writing, is a cocktail of many things, but the message is about why, and how to become a Christian writer/author. Strain is a movie on sickle cell disease, but the entire essence of it is hope.
How do you get information or ideas for your stories?
Praying, reading voraciously (the Bible especially), meditations, observation, mostly.
What does your family think of your writing?
Lol…It’s an accepted way of life now.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in writing your books/scripts?
I knew nothing, absolutely nothing. Writing is a universe of its own.
Is there any author or book that influenced you either growing up or as an adult?
Plenty. Wilbur Smith, Dean Koontz; however, the most influential ones were Charles Swindoll and Max Lucado.
What do you consider your best accomplishment as a writer?
Stepping out to be used despite all my fears and inadequacies.
How many books have you written? What are the challenges you faced in writing and publishing them?
I have written two, but only published one: A Guide to Christian Writing. Traditional publishing is like reaching for the stars. Navigating the bends of the digital world can frustrate sometimes. All in all, it has been a significant learning experience.
How do you market your work? What avenues have you found to work best for your genre?
Social Media and Amazon mostly.
How do you combine being a doctor, a storyteller and a scriptwriter?
I learnt to multitask like a juggler. I recently took a break from medicine, though. But presently gearing to wade back into its pools.
What is your best script so far?
I am working on one which I want to produce.
What are the challenges of being a writer in Nigeria?
Unlike in more developed worlds, making a career of writing in Nigeria is still like climbing a branchless, smooth tree with greased palms.
What measures are you taking to promote your books and are they yielding fruits?
Social Media and Amazon. It has been slow so far (drip, drip), but every day, I am learning and applying the skills that will stoke the flames of momentum.
What are the feedbacks from your readers like?
Encouraging, mostly. They fuel my passion.
Where is the best channel to reach you and learn more about your books?
My website https://drekpo.com/
Christian Writers’ and Authors’ Network (CWAN)
Heaven’z Muzik
Facebook: Ekpo Ezechinyere
Facebook Page: Christian Writing with Dr Ekpo
Instagram: @docekpo
Twitter: @docekpo
Amazon
Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers, especially in your genre?
I would advise them to develop grits and tenacity more than anything else. It’s a marathon and not a sprint. It is he who endures to the end that will be saved.
For the Christian Writer, inspiration trumps all. If not, all that we will give our world will be enticing words of men’s wisdom that lack the power to inspire and transform. We would be chefs cooking insipid meals. The letter kills, but the spirit gives life.
What else are you great at that few people know about?
Lol… speaking, leadership, people skills, teaching, coaching, etc.
How do you relax?
Movies, Music, reading, watching football and wrestling, playing video games, taking walks…
What’s your favourite music/film?
Difficult choice o. Very. But for movies, I’ll choose anything from the Star Wars and James Bond franchises.
I will go with Anchor by Hillsong for music.
Book link for those in Nigeria:
https://drekpo.com/christianwriting/
Amazon link: http://mybook.to/Guide2ChristianWriting
