CNN Lokko's journey as an author: Balancing creativity, responsibility
Renowned author Christine Naa Norley Lokko-Richter with pen name C.N.N. Lokko, who is known for her captivating storytelling and diverse genre exploration, will release her fourth book for her ever-growing fan base on August 11, 2023 at the Accra Conference Centre.
Advertisement
In an exclusive interview, Lokko shared insights into her journey as an author, the challenges faced during her latest project, and her unique approach to writing.
Reflecting on her evolution since her first book, Lokko reveals that writing the debut novel was a personal challenge she set for herself. However, with the subsequent success and the launch of a series, she felt the weight of responsibility to her publisher and readers. Despite any reluctance, she acknowledges the honour of having strangers appreciate her work and strives to deliver stories that maintain the same level of engagement and enjoyment.
As a seasoned writer, Lokko acknowledges the development of her writing style and themes over time.
She actively addresses previous critiques, aiming to create more nuanced and less predictable characters in her latest book, pushing the boundaries of her creativity and storytelling prowess. Her books include: Trinity High: Students in Crime, Trinity High: Back to School and Trinity High: Investigation Galore and the latest being Trinity High: Big Changes.
With every book presenting unique challenges, Lokko admits that time management remains her most significant hurdle. To overcome distractions from family and other responsibilities, she adopts a change of environment by working at libraries or fast-food places to maintain focus and allow the creative juices to flow freely.
Lokko's previous works have explored various genres, and while she remains tight-lipped about the themes in her latest book, she promises an enthralling experience for readers.
Intriguingly, Lokko reminisces about her early days as an author when she and her best friend and fellow writer engaged in a competition to finish a chapter a day.
Life's busyness has since changed her writing process, with Lokko now meticulously planning chapter outlines, potential conflicts and resolutions. However, she admits that sometimes the characters take charge, leading the story in unexpected directions.
Connecting with her fans is vital to Lokko, and she values their feedback, which has sometimes influenced her writing. Therefore, she encourages her readers to reach out to her through her Facebook page or email with their thoughts and suggestions.
Drawing from her personal experiences has been an essential aspect of Lokko's earlier works. Still, as the series progresses and historical events become more relevant, creativity and logic now play a more substantial role in shaping the narrative.
As a seasoned author, Lokko seeks to challenge herself with each new project, finding inspiration in life's experiences and allowing time to bring forth fresh ideas for future books.
Collaboration has also played a significant role in enriching Lokko's writing process. Her best friend and fellow author, Dr Kezia Awadzi, has been a valuable sounding board, offering recommendations and brainstorming sessions during tough plot dilemmas.
For aspiring authors, Lokko advises embracing new experiences and growth while remaining true to their creative vision. She encourages them to persist and find inspiration in everyday life.
Finally, despite living abroad, Lokko's motivation for working with Ghanaian publishers such as Afram Publishers remains rooted in the distinctly Ghanaian subject matter of her books, forging a strong connection between her stories and her homeland.
C.N.N. Lokko's latest book Trinity High: Big Changes is now available through Afram Publication (Ghana) Ltd, offering readers another opportunity to delve into her imaginative worlds and be captivated by her storytelling prowess.