Books

Music fuels UH alumnus book debut

Chinedu Achebe was like most college students who changed his major multiple times and scrambled around to find what fit him best until he ultimately discovered it.

Following Barack Obama’s inauguration, Achebe, a former UH student who studied economics, wrote and self-published his own novel.

“Blunted on Reality” follows Obi Ifeanyi, a Nigerian lawyer in his late 20s who is trying to figure out the complexities in finding value in his job, dealing with his family and juggling between two women during the Obama presidency.

After graduation, the Richmond, VA native worked as a sales representative with Nextel Communications until he landed his current job working in the tax department of a state government agency.

His focus on promoting “Blunted on Reality” has taught Achebe that everything takes time and patience.

“I honestly never had any intentions of writing a book.” Achebe said. “I think after Barack Obama won the presidency, I started to think about documenting this historic moment in history. I decided to carve my own unique story line covering the span of one year beginning the day after Obama won the presidency.”

Achebe has gained confidence since releasing of his novel in May. He set forth goals he aims to achieve, pushing himself to trust in his writing that portrayed his own sense of creativity and sustainability that he was once unaware of.

When he initially started writing he did not believe his fingers would continue to tumble the words on his laptop in the dining room of his apartment, where he wrote the majority of his novel.

His soul filled with the lyrics of Fela Kuti, Jay-Z and John Coltrane. The title of Achebe’s novel was ultimately inspired by The Fuguees’ first album titled “Blunted on Reality.”

“I feel that my passion for writing has been with me my whole life, but I think it took me writing this book to see the full manifestation of everything,” Achebe said.

A company that handled the editing portion of Achebe’s 174 page novel provided him with information on how a book is put together on the interior and the cover design — which shows how life can be reflected in a multitude of lenses — ultimately aided in the novel’s production.

Achebe’s accomplishments in his career alongside his personal aspirations of writing — all post graduation — are commendable. He possesses the characteristics of a truly successful UH graduate and an inspiring individual to future writers and self-published authors who he hopes will view his path as an example to follow.

Aside from marketing audiences and keeping true to the form, Achebe wishes for all aspiring writers to start working as soon as possible and to cherish the time they have with their creations.

“You should just enjoy the moment.” Achebe said. “Don’t be carried away with thinking you aren’t a successful author because you didn’t make the New York Times Best Seller list. The reason that you wrote your book in the first place is because you had a story to tell.”

For more information on “Blunted on Reality,” visit amazon.com/author/chineduachebe

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