Author/Entertainer

LLR finally got hold of Berenice Mulubah US Who granted this interview. BM, I often call her is well known in the entertainment circle of Liberia. When she is not writing, she is an atcively blogging and radio presenting. She runs the C-Liberia Clearly website.

LLR: Tell us a little about you- your early childhood, upbringing, education.

I was born and raised in Harper city, Maryland Co, Liberia. I was raised in a Christian family. My grandfather was a Methodist preacher. Most of my family member worked with the Methodist as preachers or teachers. I attended Methodist school in Liberia. Moved to the United States in 1997, graduated Simon Gratz High school, Philadelphia. Moved to Missouri, attended Forest Park Community college for a year and the half, dropped out and joined the United States Marines in 2002 to present. I graduated from United States Staff Academy. I'm currently advancing my education.

LLR: What inspires you to write generally?

My inspiration generally comes from life experiences.

LLR: Who are some of the people / things that influence you?

My family, my friends, King David and King Solomon from the bible, they were amazing writers. My daydreams as influence me, I spend more time in my head dreaming about a better world than I do hanging around in reality.

LLR: Can you talk a bit about the inspiration for your first book?

I took a creative photo of me jumping on a rock in my heels. The photographer was amazing, he capture me why I was in the air. I those who came across that picture was curious to know I how I landed in those heels. I said to myself, "Hmm, Landing Safely on a Solid Rock, great type for a book.".

LLR: What is your writing process? How do you do it? How do you pick your topics?

I write to inspire others, I pick my topics based on what aspect of a human life I want to touch with my words. I like simple, easy to penetrate the heart and that's what I look at for. 

LLR: Let's talk books. What are your favorite Liberian books? Why do you love them?

Finding Your Frequency by Saye Zonen. It is my favorite Liberian book because it is something different. Most Liberian writers write about politics, the war and social issues. Few writes about motivational stuff, fun stuff and just something that is not tense. This book is motivational and we need that.

LLR: As a Liberian author, what advantage / disadvantages are there? 

Because of the world, we have had the opportunity to experience other cultures, the more cultural experience you have as a writer, the more advantage you have. 

The disadvantage, like everything else that relates to arts in Liberia, we lack support from our people.

LLR: How has Liberia influenced your works, and what do you think of the future of writing in Liberian? Where do you think it is headed?

Liberia is a romantic country. I grew up right next to the ocean in harper. At night, I could hear the water beating on the rocks in Liberia and that expanded my imagination. I still use those images to create an imaginary world. Liberian writers have a bright future, especially for my generation. We are the blessed generation. Even though we missed a lot growing up because of the war, we are the generation responsible for rebuilding Liberia. How cool is that? We are going to be the pioneers for great writers to come. We have a great responsibility to be brilliant role models. Someday, kids are going to study our work.

What are the greatest challenges for a modern Liberian writer especially in terms of publishing, distributing and promotion, in just getting out there?

LLR: What do you think of digital media in general?

Digital media is perfect for the fast pace generation that we are.

LLR: What is your view on E-books and self-publishing? Have you used either?

My first book is a self-publishing book, great opportunity for new writers but I rather have a publishing company do the dirty work for me. As for me, E-books are not my cup of tea. I enjoy reading the old school way.

LLR: Would you advise writers [published / aspiring] to use E-book or Self-publish?

I say, do your research and pick what best for you. 

LLR: What advice would you give aspiring writers?

Find your own voice and be yourself.

LLR: What are you currently working on? What are some of your future projects?

I'm working on another poetry book. I see some fun, inspiring novels in the near future.