The Mt Kenya Times 
Gabriel S. Weah
By: Wanjohi. P. Mugambi
Briefly tell us who you are and more about you.
Poet, novelist, teacher by profession, and devout Christian, Gabriel S. Weah, alias “Lyrical Genius,” is an eminently multi-talented Liberian award-winning writer who learned his writing career through dreams. Lyrical Genius, as he is commonly called, hails from Sinoe County, Liberia, and was born unto the union of Mr. and Mrs. Weah. Gabriel S. Weah from the Land of Liberty is the author of six books: three poetry collections, two novellas, and a novel. He has co-authored over thirty international published books, including the World Guinness Book of Record-Hyperpoem Project. Gabriel S. Weah was shortlisted among the first 101 international English-speaking Saino writers in the world, invented in the Republic of Nepal by Mr. Khemlal Pokhrel on March 25, 2020, according to Motivational Stripes, the world’s most visited literary platform. He is also one of the many writers to be featured triple in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th international poetry anthem videos translated into 72 languages.
What motivated you to become who you are now?
First, writing wasn’t my dream, and I never thought I could be one. Growing up, particularly at age 13, I had a dream, and I saw taught by a strange man. Even back then, I didn’t know what I was writing or had thought. After I graduated from high school—this was 2018, this same strange man came and thought me. Again, I didn’t know what I was writing or being thought. But before I woke up, he said, “Go and use what you have been thinking and educate others.” With this being said, my thirst for writing grew. Effectively 2020, I penned down my first poem titled Life and Death. I didn’t know what I did was even poetry. It was a lady from Nigeria that told me.
What does your ideal day look like?
As a writer, the absence of books makes me yearn. I love reading and doing research. Almost every day I write. This brings me joy. Besides, meeting new writers, local and international, has not only made my day; hence, it has empowered me on a gradual process.
What is the favorite aspect of your work?
Writing is not just about inspiration; rather, when you write, it should speak to the soul and should touch you, the writer, including your audience. With this being said, I most often write for the voiceless, the brokenhearted, and those affecting my country, Liberia, and the world at large. The favorite aspect of my work is that you do not just read it and pass. This is because of the reality it carries and the imagery used, including the poetic devices. Some writers write to impress, but as for me, I write to express. This is who I am.
What is the hardest part of what you do?
Writing is not easy. This is the real reality. I am from a country, Liberia, where a preponderance of the youths do not love to read, including degree earners. And because of this, writers do not make any good sum of money from their label. This year I wrote five books: two poetry collections, two novellas, and a novel. But because of financial support, I have not been able to publish them. Sometimes my parents give up. They complain that writing in Liberia is free. Despite the passion I have, writing needs support. The hardest part of my writing career is financial support. This year I have been nominated for an international award in the Philippines, but I cannot go because of the lack of finance. Last year I had award programs in Nigeria and India. Again, because of the lack of finance, I have to let it go.
Have you ever incurred challenges in your work? Please tell us about it.
Yes. Not all writers are editors. I am a writer, but I am not an editor. Even though I speak English, this does not mean I am a professional editor. Most time after writing, I sent my works out to a few trusted writers to critique, including editors. Unless it is an emergency, it’s when I write and edit it myself and then send.
How do you foster yourself to keep moving?
Writing is my passion. In fact, my blood. I know what I want to achieve from writing. And because I know, I keep motivating myself that I can make it. Positivism is not what you preach; it’s what you speculate and practicalize. A writer is like a president. Many are hoping on them. And with this built mindset, I have always told myself that I can make it. Even if thousands went and failed, my story is different. I can make it. Life is bittersweet. Starting as a writer might be hard, but with determination, perseverance, and dedication, I can make it. I don’t care what people say. Success isn’t a serendipity; it’s what you work toward and hope to achieve.
Do you advertise your work? If yes. Tell us how it has helped you.
Yes. Over the past years, I have used social media, specifically Facebook, to advertise my works. And to admit, it has helped me greatly. Through posting my works on Facebook, I was given a scholarship to study life coaching and mentoring. Through posting my works on Facebook, I was connected with international great writers. Through posting my works on Facebook, people whom I thought I would never talk with became my friends. Through posting my work on Facebook, people have admired it and sent me money. Through posting my works on Facebook, my first book, TEARS OF STRUGGLE, was financially supported and published in 2022 by a writer who works in the United States. There are so many to count.
What advice would you like to give someone who wants to be like you?
To all those who want to be like me, I would like to encourage you to keep doing what you are doing. Don’t allow anyone to discourage you. Even if your writings are not perfect, do not stop. There is time for everything. Today you might not be perfect, but tomorrow, I tell you, you can still make great history. But remember this: to be like me means you should be dedicated to not only writing but also reading and doing research. You need to do these things. It will help increase your knowledge and persistence for tomorrow’s legacy. Dedication, persistence, obedience, and the fear of the Lord are the formulas that I am using. So, apply it and see your reward.
Given a chance, what impact would you bring to the world, nation, and yourself?
If I am given the chance, my impact will be for writers to partake in the world’s Olympic competition. Writers are artists. They deserve everything good. For my nation, Liberia, since reading is a serious problem, if I am given the chance, I will organize a reading competition, a writing competition, and the President Book Critique Awards for emerging and accomplished writers. As for myself, my greatest dream is to someday win the Noble Laureate Prize for Literature and to have my country’s name on the world map. Thank you!
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