An Interview with Sether

Sether is a kind, creative and talented writer featured on this weeks Weekly Writer Spotlight. We asked him a few questions to better understand the writing process behind his wonderful work. If you would like to read his piece, you can check it out on the spotlight page.

1. What is the first book that made you cry?

I’m not exactly sure but it has to be one the final three books in the Harry Potter series; I’d put my money on the Order of the Phoenix. But the book which has made me cry most is the Bible-the Gospel of John mostly.

2. What is the most unethical practice in the publishing industry?

I’m not an expert and I haven’t done much research on this but I think plagiarism is one of them. Of course there might be plenty more but copying someone’s ideas and work is wrong.

3. Does writing energize or exhaust you?

Both! And I think it’s the same for several writers. It’s thrilling when you put an idea to page, but the process can be quite tiring.

4. What are common traps for aspiring writers?

Difficult question, considering that I’m an aspiring writer too. But I’d say a lack of patience and humility can be devastating.

5. Does a big ego help or hurt writers?

Definitely hurts. Ego never helped anybody. Jerry Jenkins says humility can be used to mold writers into more than they are. Ego is destructive, I think.

6. What is your writing Kryptonite?

YouTube, Google and Deezer. I could have an amazing idea for a short story or poem which can easily be snuffed out by these three distractions. You know when you use Google or YouTube for the most irrelevant things? Like-how tall is J.K. Rowling?

7. Have you ever gotten reader’s block?

Yes! I’ve had it for the passed two months. Of course, I read my Bible everyday but there’s been immense apathy to much else. It will go eventually, it always does.

8. Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?

If I ever write something that might inflame the government, I most certainly will. They’ll still find me, I think, but it would still be pretty cool-wouldn’t it?

9. Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

I try to be original. As I get older I discover more originality within myself. Experiences tend to give one a unique voice.

10. Do you think someone could be a writer if they don’t feel emotions strongly?

I think so, maybe those who think more than they feel, perhaps? But I think emotion helps.

11. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?

I don’t know if we’re friends but we do talk once in a while. Conrad Mbewe-he’s a pastor at my church. He’s written plenty of books. His wisdom has definitely been a tremendous influence in my thinking and ultimately my writing.

12. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

Oh, dear young Seth, you are about to be crowned the king of Fail-landia. But don’t worry, you’ll abdicate soon enough.

13. If you didn’t write, what job would you be doing right now?

That’s a scary question because I don’t know. I don’t think I’m good at much else. I grew up in a musical family so I know a bit about that. I even used to sing as a child. Maybe I’d sing, I love singing…in the shower.