Writing books is my passion

Writer Ushindi Ellioth. PHOTO | ELIZABETH TUNGARAZA

What you need to know:

  • Dedicated writer talks about what drives him to continue writing inspirational books

Ushindi Ellioth is a writer of a new book titled ‘Make Big Things Happen While Employed’. He works as an accountant at the Ministry of Finance. Success magazine interviewed him about his new book.

Tell us about your book and what makes it unique

The first thing that is so special with this book is its title, it’s really unique. Recently there has been emphasis on how employment kills personal dreams and ambitions. This book shows that it’s possible to attain a happier life and realize most of your dreams while employed. it offers alternatives to thinking and making things happen while working for someone else. It suggests practical of making life in employment more enjoyable. It also guides on how to stay positive and pursue your own goals under a timetable or schedule. Furthermore, it shows possible ways of allocating one’s time to attain a socially balanced life. You don’t need to be out of a job to find more pleasure and a fulfilling life. This book presents a win-win approach to both employee and employer.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I never thought of becoming a writer until when I was officially introduced to a culture of reading books. It was through this behavior I started developing interest in writing. I went further engaging in social media writing and the desire to write was deepened, it finally became real after meeting someone who guided me through the release of my first book.

How long does it take you to write a book?

There is no fixed time required, it depends on author’s decision. Some may take months, some years, it depends on the contents and weight that the author needs to present. The book is a creation of ideas that will outlive you, the value of it depends on the time you invest in it and the concern you have for end users. To me writing isn’t entrepreneurship, authors have responsibility to the community in which they write and therefore it takes time to release a book that will indeed benefit readers.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

Writing is magical. While writing you start to understand things in a different way. You improve your reasoning ability and extend your comprehension. I wonder how I started understanding things I once took for granted. Writing has increased my ability to learn from every day actions through analyzing and finding a lesson out of them. I have realized writing isn’t a gift but a decision, anyone can write if he can decide to do so.

Where do you details or ideas for your book?

I got information and ideas from all known sources that I was able to access. In my everyday life I learn from my environment, through reading books, through thinking, through social media, through papers, observation, arguments, discussions, music, stories, meditations, etc.

How many books have you written, which is your favourite?

Currently I have four books but only one has been published; Mastering Decisions, Yes I Can Change My Nation, Kijana 100%, The Walk to Financial Freedom (Opportunity Seeker Guide), Uza Chandarua Chako, Urejesho wa Ibada ya Mungu wa Kweli (Worship - the way of life) and Make Big Things Happen While Employed.

The best thing about this book ‘Make Big Things Happen While Employed’ is it guarantees and plants a seed of employees’ mindset shift. I don’t mean it will answer all questions someone may have but it will surely initiate a reader’s mind to a new way of thinking by acting as a catalyst to reasoning and questioning a status quo. The book has addressed questions on money, business, borrowing, family planning, workmate relationship, personal financial planning, contracting, building houses, buying a personal car, and retirement.

What do you think makes a good story?

A good story must be simple yet thoughtful; it must arise from an environment that can be well understood, it should be meaningful yet unpredictable. It must be narrated such that a reader can easily connect dotes to perceive it, whether short or long it must give a lesson to audience.

What made you choose this theme for the book?

I like writing purposeful stories; I write when I have something I want to take in hand. The reason for the choice of story is in the heart of a book and the lesson it addresses. The choice of the story is a product of a continuous learning, reflecting and meditation concerning employees and the kind of life we lead.

Does writing energize or exhaust you?

To me writing is both entertaining and exhausting; it starts with entertaining before it exhausts me after finishing the writing session. Whenever I get new ideas my passion for writing is renewed. It’s simply a circle that never comes to an end.

What does your family think of your writing?

My parents never told me what I was passionate about when growing up. I can’t say anything of myself during my childhood, but what I know from my parents is I was a very curious and inquisitive child, that’s all I know.