Interview with Tracey

Remember our Looking for Papa alternative ending contest? We caught up with our winner, Tracey Fletcher, and here’s what she had to say.

Hello Tracey, how does it feel to be named the winner of the alternative ending contest?

I feel elated and very excited. Having your work recognised gives the feeling that you’re on the right path and your voice is being heard.

Were you at all surprised? Did you think another ending could have nicked it?

Actually, I wasn't particularly surprised because I felt I had written from the heart and my comment was subsumed in the theme of the story. It was an open competition so, yes, another ending could have nicked it.

Which other of the shortlisted endings would you have picked?

To be very candid, I had a very short time frame to read other comments. I just glanced through one or two of them so I don't have a particular comment to refer to.

Tell us a bit about how you got to know of the prize and what motivated you to enter the competition

I am subscribed to a writing platform that notified me of the competition via e-mail. I felt motivated to enter the competition after reading the story Looking for Papa. It's a story that rings a bell in Lagos, Nigeria. I could relate to it.

What did you think of the story? Were you surprised by the ending?

The story buttressed a lot of sensitivities, emotions, and themes like the fight for freedom and change. And yes! I was surprised by the ending. I honestly didn't see it coming. That's what makes a good read. The suspense and the twists in the plot keep you on your toes.

Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into writing?

I was born into a family where reading was a must-do. I grew up reading almost everything I could lay my hands on. I can comfortably say I have read close to a million books. I read about two books in a week or more. Unconsciously, I began learning how to write through reading. I remember writing stories as assignments for my friends during our Secondary School days. Three years ago, I started writing professionally.

What kind of books do you like? Who is your favourite writer?

I love fantasy, adventure, crime, mystery, law and suspense. Right now, my favourite writer is Terry Goodkind. I spent the whole of August and September reading his sword of truth series which was made into the movie series known as "Legend of the seeker". It's an amazing story line.

Any writing goals?

I would love to see my stories published and read all over the world. I have written three novels and I am currently working on a collection of short stories. I would equally love to see my stories made into movies because I strongly believe that one of my stories will give the Legend of the Seeker and Harry Potter series a run for their money.

That sounds really interesting. Can you tell us a bit about your writing?

As a Nigerian-born Brit, I believe myself to be Nigerian at heart and I also believe very strongly in the representation and selling of the African culture through writing. My stories are intrinsically woven around the daily experiences of the average Nigerian youth in areas such as relationships, money, self discovery, fulfilment and happiness — with the aim of provoking thought and change. With the flexibility that applied fiction offers, I am able to present my stories in hatched forms and allow my readers get immersed in them in order to cause the ripple effect I desire so strongly.

Awesome! We wish you the best of luck. Thank you very much for your time.

You’re most welcome.

Bio

Tracey Fletcher is a Nigerian-born Briton based in Lagos, Nigeria. She is a voice over artist, script editor, red carpet host and a writer. She’s had a stint as a magazine columnist writing articles geared towards youth development. She is a writer of three novels and is currently working on a collection of short stories.