We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ugochi Emenaha. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ugochi below.
Ugochi, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
I hear the statement do what makes you happy– and it sounds nice. But what if what makes you happy is in direct conflict with what makes others happy. In a way my generosity stems from a combination of these beliefs. Give of your overflow, whether its time, money, or words of encouragement. And when you are in need, if someone is giving of their overflow your own needs will be met. I think my generosity comes from the idea that I know what lows and highs mean and the only difference between the two has been the gifts that others have shared with me. So I give so that I can fill in the space of someone’s need until they are able to give.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m an educator and a writer. This year I am focused on publishing two new novels, and am working on finding agents and publishers who are a good fit for the work that I am doing. I have done the self-publishing route with two award winning children’s books both available on Amazon. Now, I want my writing to reach a wider audience and given the fact that I am a full time educator, the traditional route is a good fit for me.
I’m also applying to poet laureate for the city of Houston and I believe that and many other writing opportunities are at the door waiting for me!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
As a jill of all trades, the best advice someone gave me is to find an area, stick to it, and make it great. It’s nice to be able to do a lot of things, but focusing on doing one thing well has really helped me redefine my writing journey. The three areas of knowledge that I think are most impactful on my journey are spiritual, physical, and mental health. I have been able to connect these three areas through walking and journaling and it has transformed my overall health and ability to perform as a writer, educator and even a parent.
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
Any writer will tell you that they had to overcome many rejections before they got through their breakthrough moment. As an aspirant in the traditional publishing setting I have had to apply to hundreds (no exaggeration!) fellowships, programs, journals, etc. And with that comes an alarming amount of rejections. Not because your work is not good– but because you are one of the good writers, poets, and speakers. That has been my mindset shift– I firmly believe that I am a great writer— but there are others like me. In order to not give up applying to programs, I focus on the small wins. For example when I got a rejection letter with positive feedback (stating that I had made it to the finals) I was overjoyed and have a copy of that rejection letter printed and framed in my office. Or I applied to Luvvie Ajayi Jones writing program and through the generosity of her organization was able to get a full scholarship– well that’s kind of a big win! But the point is in my application and writing journey, I am going to face rejections and persistence and grit is what I am using it to continue until the right door– or doors open for me. I believe that I will have an agent and publishing deal this year that believes in my art and my experience. And when I get my first NYT bestseller, I will look back on this moment and be glad that I did not give up.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: urbankidinthecity
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ugochi-emenaha-b02b071bb
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