TEN WORDS OR FEWER INTERVIEW: Sam Ayertey, author of Transformation of a Village

Sam Ayertey, author of Transformation of a Village, has been invited to take part in TriumphOfTheNow.com‘s “Ten Words or Fewer” interview format!

Read on below!

Q: What is the title of your book?
A: Transformation of a Village

Q: Why did you choose this title?
A: To embrace both the infrastructural and human development needs of the community.

Q: What’s the book about?
A: It is about the development of rural areas.

Q: Why did you write this book?
A: Because very often governments overlook the development of villages.

Q: And why now?
A: The villagers want to take the initiative after a long wait.

Q: Why do you write, generally?
A: I write for pleasure, to express an opinion and to educate others.

Q: Where/how do you write?
A: I write early mornings, late nights and anywhere / any time an idea comes to mind.

Q: Are you working on any new projects?
A: Yes. It is an autobiography, entitled, ’My Life’s Story’.

Q: What/who do you read?
A: Fiction/J K. Rowling.

Q: Why do you read?
A:I read to acquire knowledge and to entertain myself.

Q: Where/when you do read?
A: At home, parks and on trains when quiet, mostly.

Q: What are your politics/values?
A: Life is not a competition.

Q: Why might someone with oppositional politics/values enjoy your book? If they wouldn’t, do you regret that?
A: Because he might need alternatives. No. Not, at all.

Q: Describe the ideal reader of your book.
A: One who has concern for rural development.

Q: How do you relax?
A: I forget about book/writing, sit or lie down while I listen to inspirational music.

Q: Are we alone in the universe?
A: No. That cannot be.

Q: Do you listen to music?
A: Yes, I do.

Q: What differentiates us from the animals?
A: We are endowed with intellect and creative powers.

Q: Do you have a mantra?
A: No.

Q: What is your preferred breakfast – something you could have every day?
A: A medium bowlful of porridge oats with two toasts and scrambled eggs.

Q: What is the highest altitude you’ve been to on land?
A: The Krobo Mountains in the eastern region of Ghana.

Q: What is the largest animal you’ve seen running free?
A: The elephant.

Q: When was the last time you climbed a tree?
A: When I was a teenager.

Q: What’s the best decision you’ve ever made?
A: The decision not to follow the ‘crowd’.

Q: Would you relive your life as a spectator if you could?
A: No. Life must just continue.

Q: What do you need to thrive?
A: Trust in myself.

Q: What do you need to survive?
A: Believe.

Q: How do you nourish yourself on a psychological level?
A: Whatever happens, I do not brood on it; I just move on.

Q: What is a soul?
A: Everything about a person apart from the physical body is the soul.

Q: Have you ever been on a pilgrimage?
A: Yes, recently to Aylesford shrine in Kent, England.

Q: Have you ever written any songs?
A: No.

Q: Describe your hairstyle.
A: I always maintain pixie cut hair.

Q: How many close friends do you have?
A: Three.

Q: What makes a “close friend” close?
A: Absolute trust.

Q: What’s the most popular thing that you don’t enjoy?
A: Talking loudly on the phone on public transport.

Q: What’s the most unpopular thing that you do enjoy?
A: Helping the needy physically and financially.

Q: What’s one skill you wish was taught in schools that isn’t?
A: Money Management.

Q: What’s the best museum, gallery or historical monument you’ve ever visited?
A: Natural History Museum, London.

Q: Would you like to suggest a new question for future interviewees?
A: Yes. ‘As a writer, what is the main problem you ever encounter?’

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BIO:

Sam Ayertey was born in 1945 in Odumase-Krobo, Ghana. He was educated at Mount Mary College and the University of Ghana. On completion, he was awarded a grant for post-graduate studies in literature at Atlanta University, Georgia. He obtained the M.A. degree in 1975. Sam lectured at Spelman College, Atlanta, before returning to his native country.

There, he taught for a few years and relocated to Britain to pursue a course in order to satisfy his quest for writing. He actually started writing at the University of Ghana, where he won two academic prizes for short story and verse writing. Transformation of a Village is his first major work. Sam Ayertey spends his leisure time listening to music and watching movies, whilst also enjoying literary and sporting activities. He is married and blessed with three children.

BUY THE BOOK:

Transformation of a Village is published by Austin Macauley Publishers and can be purchased in paperback and eBook format on Amazon at: https://tinyurl.com/4czj5mmp and https://tinyurl.com/44ymet5h

Transformation of a Village is also available to purchase at Foyles and Waterstones

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“Ten Words or Fewer” gives writers (novelists, poets, essayists, playwrights, screenwriters, anyone writing anything else) the opportunity to introduce themselves and their work. If interested in taking part, email triumphofthenow@gmail.com for more details.

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