Josephine Amoako is a passionate lover of words who is on a mission to inspire the world with her gift, one piece at a time.
Where did your passion for writing come from?
My passion for writing came from my love of reading novels and watching movies and TV series. I am a big fan of dialogue so the more I appreciated them, the more I was spurred on to write lines that others would find engaging as well.
What do you hope people will get from reading your work?
It is my hope that anyone who chances on any piece of mine would be inspired to see beyond his/her present circumstances, be caught up and entertained in a made-believe world and yet learn valuable lessons from it as well as be encouraged in the walk of faith with God.
What do you enjoy writing about the most?
I enjoy writing about friendships because it’s something I cherish very much. I believe that positive and godly friendships are a blessing from God. Good friendships keep us grounded and open lots of opportunities for us. I like to remind people of that.
Where do you get the inspiration for what you write?
I derive inspiration from everything and anything. Ultimately, it’s God who drops the ideas into my mind. A conversation, a comment on a radio or TV talk show, lyrics from a song, a situation I find myself in at a point in time etc.
How did you get into blogging?
I’ve always loved for others to enjoy my pieces. I first began publishing my posts on some Christian writers’ site where I received feedback from fellow writers, but I wanted a platform where I could call my own. One of the writers I followed on the site had a blog and I checked it out. I found out WordPress was free, and I signed up. I’ve loved it since.
What advice you have for someone getting into blogging?
For newbie bloggers, I advise that you cultivate a habit of personal motivation and consistency. It takes a while for people to read your posts and be regular followers. Find other blogs that are in your niche and learn from the best but find your own voice. Originality is key in the world of blogging. If you imitate others, you’ll burn out at a point and find yourself wanting.
Which writers inspire you the most and why?
I’m inspired by almost every writer whose work I’ve read. Each writer has a unique voice and style and there’s something to learn from all of them. Some of my favourite writers are JK Rowling, John Grisham, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Boakyewaa Glover, Francine Rivers, Kwei Quartey, Chigozie Obioma…the list is quite long. They have all inspired me in different ways and I continue to discover more writers who are helping to shape my writing.
What is the one thing that you can’t live without?
That’s difficult to answer. I’d say a Bible as a symbol of my relationship with God. If that is missing, so is my ability to function as a writer and pretty much everything else.
Of all your work which one is your favourite?
Another tough question. Of my story series, I love all of them. Most of the time, the one I’m working on at that moment becomes my most favourite as I am emotionally invested in the lives of the characters. I think the story that spoke to me personally was ‘Family Beyond Blood’. I learned the power of forgiveness through writing that story.
What has been your biggest achievement as a writer?
My biggest achievement as a writer is imparting into the life of my readers in a life-changing way. I feel fulfilled when I read comments of how blessed they are by the post or how encouraged they feel.
What have you learned about yourself through your writing?
What I’ve learned from my writing is that practice indeed makes perfect. I have seen myself improve throughout the years, but I know I can’t afford to be complacent. There is still more ground to cover to be the very best I know I can be.
What song is the soundtrack to your life?
I don’t think I have one soundtrack that sums up my life. Every season comes with its own song. Currently, one of such songs would be Jonathan McReynolds’ ‘Make Room’. I’m at the point in my life that I need God to be top priority in all things, so I want to make room in my life for Him.
Which bloggers do you follow and why?
I follow several bloggers from across the globe to learn their perspectives of life. I follow Kavuyi, Beaton, Keni Kodjo, Beauty Beyond Bones, Spoken Word by TSW etc.
What is your favourite thing about being Ghanaian?
The favourite part of being Ghanaian is the peace I enjoy in my homeland. Of course, things are not perfect out here but at least, when I’m in a car stopped by the police, I have no fear for my life like other black people in other countries do. For me, that’s a blessing. I love the hospitality Ghana offers as well as the ability to make fun of serious issues as a mechanism to water down tension in the country.
How would you like to be remembered?
I’d like to be remembered as the writer who broke down walls and created bridges with her words; transformed lives and reconciled hearts with her pieces.
What advice would you give to upcoming young writers?
My advice to upcoming young writers is to keep on writing even when you don’t feel like it. Writer’s block is bound to rear its ugly head from time to time, but it will pass no matter how long it takes. Keep reading and be curious about the world. Every piece information is important.
My links are:
Blog – Joseyphina’s World: http://joseyphina.wordpress.com
Facebook: JoseyphinasWorld
Twitter & Instagram: @joseyphina
Thanks for the feature. Much appreciated.
You are welcome 😊