Today on my blog, I’m so tickled to interview, Nana Prah, whom I greatly admire. Nana, a young Ghanaian woman is also a wonderful and creative romance writer who has churned out four gorgeous novels within this short spate of time I have known her. Her latest, Destiny Mine has hit the Amazon stands and making waves. It is a contemporary, medical, multicultural romance and Book 2 of the Destiny Series!
Hi Nana, great to have you here today. Tell us a little about yourself
Thanks, Celestine. I’m excited to be here. I’ll give you the short humble version. I’m a simple woman who likes the best in life. Whatever I do I put my whole heart into it because I want to succeed. When I’m not able to do that then it’s time to let that project (or person) go.
Ah, it’s all or nothing. I like that. Tell us about your books
I write contemporary romance in the multicultural sub-genre. My first book, Love Through Time, was a paranormal romance. For me, my third book, Love Undercover, is one of the most different settings I’ve ever written because the romance takes place in an immigration detention facility. I was ecstatic when Decadent Publishing accepted me into their Ubuntu line which consists of stories set in Africa because I could show off my country, Ghana. Destiny Mine is the second book in this series.
How did you come with the ideas for the plot of Destiny Mine
Esi and Adam came up with it for me in Midwife to Destiny (Book 1). Esi was single and looking for love while Adam was trying to stay as far away from it as possible. I thought they’d make a fantastic couple and Destiny Mine was born.
Would you say your background as a nurse has impacted in any way on your plots?
Most definitely. I love showing off how wonderful nurses are. The profession is not easy, but when a person is called to it and immerses themselves into making people well or comfortable then the rewards abound, not just for the nurse, but the patients as well. I like showing this in my stories.
Yes, that showed up wonderfully in Midwife To Destiny. How have Ghanaians received your books? Are the books available here in Ghana or do you write only for the international market?
So far only a few of my friends (including you) have read my work. This is because they’ve been sold as e-books. Decadent is making Destiny Mine into a paperback and I’ll make sure to get some to Ghana so I can show my work off a little bit.
That’s great news. I can’t wait to lay my hands on a hard copy. What are the challenges of being a writer in Ghana?
I’m going to be honest. It’s the lack of consistent electricity in Ghana. Yeah, I said it. How is a person supposed to promote herself or write when the electric company doesn’t want to help us out? I did something my friend calls “Living Above The Government” (#LATG) and bought a solar-powered generator which I love.
I can’t write all of the time when the electricity is out, but It gives me more power than if I relied on just the electricity company.
Hmm, this electricity issue is really setting us all back, Nana. And from the look of things, it would persist at least till the end of the year. Now, solar-powered generator! Why didn’t I think of that?
But are there any benefits at all in being a writer in Africa, with particular reference to Ghana?
The experiences and setting of living in the tropics is unique. Plus with a lot of things done on the internet it doesn’t really matter where a person writes from anymore, because we’re all connected.
That’s true. But tell me Nana, why should people buy and read your books?
I like to think that I create stories that people can relate to. I love when I read a book and end up wanting to be or falling in love with a character from that story. That’s what I hope happens to people when they read my novels.
Please give an analogy of what writing is like to you.
Writing is like taking a swim in cold water. You dip your toe into it at first, but then you know it will be less painful if you just dive in. First you feel like you’re going to die, but then you get used to the water and start enjoying it only to never want to get out of the water.
If you could give once piece of advice to Ghanaians, especially the young ones, what would it be?
If you want to write, then do it. Don’t let anyone stop you. Remember to only share your work with those who will be supportive and give you honest constructive criticism. Most importantly don’t take the criticism personally, use it to learn, grow, and become a better writer.
I like that. About the constructive criticism. We sometimes want to pull down our neighbours and friends. Do you think romance as a genre has a place or future in Ghana?
Yes. Ghanaians are learning not to equate romance with sex, but with actual romance. Because of this we want to read more stories that we can relate to both in setting and culture.
Thank you so much for having me on your blog, today. I had a great time with your questions. I wish I had a haiku to share, but there’s always next time.
I enjoyed having you Nana. Yes, there is always next time. 🙂
Blurb
Extraordinary midwife, Esi Darfour, is looking to get married. She’s a master matchmaker but has no luck when it comes to her love life and has yet to find a man worthy of her. Until she has to deal with gorgeous Dr. Adam Quarshie outside of work.
Adam is a player who refuses to get married—ever. His interest lies more in getting her into bed than in having any kind of committed relationship. Esi’s matchmaker instincts warn her to run in the other direction as quickly as possible, but her heart insists she stay…get closer…and see if what they feel for each other can change his mind.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nana Prah is a multi-published author of contemporary, multicultural romance. Her books are sweet with a touch of spice. When she’s not writing she’s reading, indulging in chocolate, and enjoying life with friends and family.
Buy Links
Amazon | Decadent |ARe | Barnes & Noble| Smashwords | Itunes | Kobo | Google play|
Contact Details:
Blog : www.nanaprah.blogspot.com
Twitter: @NanaPrah
Facebook: Nana Prah, Author
Goodreads: Nana Prah
Google + : Nana Prah
Reading Pleasure 
Ohhh so interesting, I enjoyed the interview
Thank you so much. 🙂
Thanks Charmingyellow
Great job on this interview, Celestine. I love her advice to young writers.
Ow, thanks Nadine. I’m so grateful you came by. 🙂
Glad to hear it Nadine.
I can relate so much to this interview! Lack of electricity and Internet connection derailed my blog for a year. It’s hard enough to get motivated to write without all these other challenges. I look forward to reading this book
Madonna, my sentiments exactly. My WIP has been idling on my computer at the office where I can only have snippets of time to type away. As for the home, I can hardly do any reading much alone writing. The kids barely manage to use lamps for their homework. On top of all this, we can’t afford a generator now. (sigh) 🙂
I’m glad you want to read Destiny Mine. Nana is an awesome writer. 🙂 Good to see you here.
I’m sorry that you can relate to the electricity problem, Madonna. It’s a major annoying issue. I’m glad you enjoyed the interview and are looking forward to reading my book.
You are the best, Celestine. I look fantastic on your blog. Thanks for having me on.
Oh, Nana. What can I say? It’s really a beautiful honour to have you here, any time. 🙂
She’s so pretty, did she model the cover book herself? Great interview my sis! 🙂
Yes, Nana is very pretty.I had launch with her sometime ago and I kept looking at her throughout. 🙂 And no I doubt if sh modeled the cover. Thanks Sandra.
Good interview Celestine, oh my she can not only write but she’s beautiful as well!
Thank you Gilly. Yep Nana is beautiful 🙂
You have overcome the challenges of writing in Africa, Nana. Well done. Destiny MIne sounds very dramatic. Looking forward to reading it.
Please read it, Stella. It’s a great book. 🙂
Excellent interview, although not my type of book, it’s always fascinating to get an insight into an author’s mind.
Thank you Ste J. I appreciate your candid comment. 🙂
❤ .
🙂 Thank you Oneanna.
Nicely done with this interview!
Christy, thanks. 🙂
Very nice interview! I think the solar powered generator is a brilliant acquisition for a writer to provide continuity when the power supply is not reliable!
Tiny, thanks. Indeed, the solar generator is a great idea. But for mostly economic reasons, households may not be able to acquire one. Certainly I don’t have one but I’ll surely look into it. 🙂
loved the interview Celestine. All the best Nana!
Trisha, thanks. I’m glad you took time off your busy schedule to come over. 🙂