Meet N.S. Ugezene (Barstow, California)

3 things about NS you may not know:

1. He likes the TV shows "30 Rock" and "Seinfeld."

2.  He’s into weightlifting and has been a fan of it since elementary school.

3. He started writing creatively in high school and was recording music before he decided to go full circle with writing

UBAWA: What's your favorite color? and why?
NS: Green. It's not even about money. Lol. I like green because it's a mellow color. I am usually a reserved person and something about the color green keeps me from losing my mind. Sounds crazy? Don't worry. I'm not.



UBAWA: What's the last country you visited? Tell us about your visit.
NS: I have honestly never been out of the United States. I would like to visit Nigeria, which is where my roots are from.

UBAWA: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
NS: I would have to say that I'd live in either Italy or Spain.

UBAWA: If you had to choose between owning a nice car or a nice house, which one would you choose?
NS: A nice house. Cars do nothing but depreciate no matter which one you get. I'd be happy with an economy car.

UBAWA: If you could create your dream job/career, what would it be?
NS: I believe I am well on my way to creating a dual career. I just have to stay focused. Once I succeed as a Program Director and author/CEO, I will feel a little less stressed.

UBAWA: Most people say success is a matter of luck; what do you think?
NS: That is true for some people but the majority of people have to bust their butts to make things happen. I do believe that people have to be very strategic and not only rely on hard work because you can just be working hard to be broke. You also have to put forth some smarts to get somewhere.

UBAWA: Tell us a little about how you became an author.
NS: I wanted to become an author after reading "Hood Rat" by K'Wan. At the time that I read his novel, I was far from where I wanted to be as a writer. The other part of this was that my mom and my best friend would compliment my writing ability whether it was me writing scholarly papers or my ability to write good lyrics for songs.

UBAWA: Many self-published authors face some sort of challenge when publishing their first book. What was your biggest challenge?
NS: The biggest challenge was making sure the final product was as polished as possible. I also had issues getting the words out because I was unsure just how much I should be writing in order to have a book long enough.

UBAWA: If you had to choose one category, where would writing fall for you: a hobby, a passion, a career, or a gift? Explain
NS: A passion. No matter how much I meet failure, I keep wanting to put out novels for readers and I hope they see what I bring to the industry and consider me one of the best eventually.

UBAWA: Some things are not for everybody. Do you think writing could apply to this statement?
NS: Yes. Some people aren't meant to be writers because they are far better at something else. I feel that writing is the best thing I do.

UBAWA: Do you use an outline before you write or do you just write?
NS: I used to outline but now, I just write as I go. I think it can lead to less stagnant writing when you just let your mind go.

UBAWA: Many authors prefer complete silence when they're in the writing lab, how do you like to set your atmosphere?
NS: I normally like for there to be some music on. I put on Christian hip-hop and the TV. When I get annoyed, it's because of distractions that drown out the music.

UBAWA: What makes your writing style different and unique?
NS: I believe that I apply literary techniques in my stories. I try making my writing less formula-based and want to make them less predictable. I think that following a system makes a story boring.

UBAWA: Do you think it's helpful to invest money into taking writing classes and workshops or are you a self-taught writer?
NS: I am mainly self-taught. When I want to add something new to my arsenal, I put in time doing online research.

UBAWA: Before you begin to write, is there some special ritual you adhere to or do you just write?
NS: I just write. It's key for me to get right to it if a lightbulb is going off in my mind. I have lost plenty ideas due to the simple fact that I was nowhere near my computer.

UBAWA: Have you ever looked at something you wrote and asked yourself, "Did I write that?!" Please do tell. : )
NS:  No. When I've failed, I do get bothered but I strive to get to a point where my writing ability is debatable enough for readers to defend me if someone is bashing my work. It really fuels me to be more and more creative when I am viewed as failing.

UBAWA: What's your opinion on the state of Urban Fiction? Is it an accurate depiction of real life or a bad influence on the people who read it?
NS: Urban fiction is a definitely a depiction of real life but it's stuck in one place. Fellow urban authors are going to always be like STHU when there's criticism of the drama but look at rap music. You have Kendrick Lamar...different from the typical west coast artist. He distinguishes himself from the crowd and is positive in some sense like Tupac was. Another west coast artist that comes to mind is Snoop Lion. After all these years, he reinvented himself. That's what is needed in urban fiction. Do we really need the status quo to stay in effect? If we had more openness in urban fiction, it would help greatly.

UBAWA: Nowadays, it seems that every time you turn around, someone else has a new book out. Do you think the industry should be more stringent as to who can write and publish a book or is it fine the way it is?
NS: It is fine for many people to be stepping forward to put out a book. The question is 'are they doing it to cash in or do they genuinely care about the craft?'

UBAWA: If you could give advice to an aspiring author, what would it be?
NS: I would advise them to make sure they are almost at the top of their game before they put a book out. Don't just release a book if you are questioning your level of skill.

UBAWA: Before you leave, tell us one thing that you would like to be remembered by.
NS: I'd like to be remembered as an author who wasn't afraid to go outside the box and one who put out a variety of novels. At the end of it all, I hope that readers see that I was versatile.

About his book, “The Church Show”

The Bridence Network was looking was looking to move past being the 'Best International Network of 2009.' To spearhead their newest venture, "The Church Show," they decide to enlist Clint Raspin, a TV producer who after five years, is looking to capture the defining moment in his career. He is trying to develop a notable standing in television while the Bridence Network wants to cater to two distinct television markets. Will there be conflict or cohesion between Clint and the heads of Bridence?

With the help of the network, Clint is able to sign on five leaders of churches in various parts of the globe. Unfortunately for one leading man, being on the show proves to be a liability. He suffers the misfortune of having his church go up in flames. When the Bridence Network fails to show concern for him and his church, Pastor Gregory Barnes takes legal action against the network, all while trying to find out who is responsible for burning down his church. Nothing can prepare him for what he is about to find out.

At that point, Pastor Barnes must re-evaluate what his ambitions behind running a church are. He must also come to grips with the fact that he alienated himself from the people who cared most about him, all because he wished to walk soundly with God. In spite of being deceived, will he be able to offer the person who burned down his church forgiveness? The bigger question is 'will he stop looking to be noticed and simply accept the role he has been designated by God?'



Connect with NS online: https://www.facebook.com/nugezene?fref=ts

---