Vasco Dagama Odong
- Who are you?
Vasco Dagama Odong is my name, a passionate writer, an activist and editor.
- Where are you from?
A Ugandan who hails from the previously war ravaged zone of Northern Uganda, an Acoli from the land of the great poet- Okot P’ Bitek.
- What is your profession?
I am a teacher of Literature in English and English language and currently a masters’ student for English Linguistics at Gulu University.
- Where did you publish it?
My poetry anthology was published from Uganda-Iconic publications, the most reliable modern publication house that awakens the dreams of writers.
- Who is your illustrator?
My illustrator is Daniel Tusiimukye, an award winner and the CEO for Iconic Publications.
- Did you make an input on cover design?
Well, the cover design that we have now speaks volume for the title poem. It was a collective effort engineered by the illustrator.
- Your best poem from your book, tell us more about that poem!
Wow, how do I even begin this! My best poem is my worst poem. ……I hear the roar of Father Christmas// cool yet sends shivers down my spine….. Christmas Eve, 1979 on page 79. That’s where we can visualize the dark history of our land. It has birth the current nepotism, betrayal, dictatorship and all the coloured hearts in my country today.
- Who motivated you to write?
A writer writes his time!, its’ intrinsic for me. If mortals are to be counted, then I can mention Ngugi Wa Thiong’o. He is a true definition of art for man’s sake school of thought.
- What inspired you to write?
I drew my inspiration from the books I have read, they’ve taught me disciplines.
- Do you have fans? How do you react to fans?
There comes a time when even your best fan becomes your worst and vice versa, that’s dynamism. I appreciate everyone from their positions.
- Bogus versus legitimate publishers, have you encountered such?
The worst nightmare for young writers is publication, every dream dies there. The two are there and it takes an eagle to wear the crown.
- Merging the books with community service, are you involved in any community service?
I am a humanitarian and working with the refugees from South Sudan. I serve, accompany and advocate for them. The poem ‘Cry my beloved south Sudan, 1999’ laments of the sorrows of our brothers and sisters.
- How did your faith help in marketing your craft?
When you send faith ahead of you, everything becomes your tool. I am an optimist.
- How many copies did you sell so far?
It is a barely a week and at least 50 copies are out and more have been booked.
- What is your future plan?
Oh, that is a very broad question. To narrow a little, my future plan is to ensure that books bring social change and connect with writers in Africa and beyond.
- Encouragement to upcoming writers, what can you say?
Ink that thought, cook and serve it. You might be the best cook.
- How can people get your book?
There are book sites to check out like Amazon, Bookzeera Uganda, Iconic Publications and bookshops.
- Do you plan to convert your book to an ebook too?
Surely, that’s the goal. To make it more accessible.
- Parting shot or last word!
Get yourself a copy and don’t miss out the lines.
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