Emerging author treads the less taken science fiction path

Celestine Oganga, author of The Attache – A Community of Spies, began writing at the age of 15.

All through high school and while studying actuarial science at Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology and law at Catholic University, she wrote her debut novel.

She has taken a break from studying to promote her book which is a science fiction, a rare genre in the Kenyan literary scene.

It took you six years to write the book. Were you tempted to give up?

Yes, at some point I wanted to give up. It was hard trying to balance school and writing. I even had to put writing on hold for a few months. 

Why science fiction?

I grew up watching science fiction movies, so I guess the influence came from that.

Which science fiction authors have influenced your writing?

I have not read so much of science fiction books though I have read thrillers and adventure stories. I grew up reading Enid Blyton’s books and I enjoyed them even in my teens. JK Rowling’s Harry potter series is my favourite so far. Also her life story has inspired me to continue writing. 

Science fiction has changed over the years, from outer space to aliens to fantasy. Do you think it’s at a better place now? More realistic?

Definitely it is more realistic now because the level of imagination is limitless. And I think most people try as much as possible to relate with fantasy/fiction to make it more believable.

What do you mean by ‘kind of understanding of the evolution of creativity” in your description of the book?

I think every story is unique in its own sense. Creativity cannot be confined to a certain box and so it evokes and changes every time just like technology.

A story that was done in the previous years can be modified to be more appealing today. And so the way people understand the changes and the reasons behind the changes constitutes to the ‘kind of understanding of the evolution of creativity’. 

Your book is about a young woman trying to finding her place in life. As a new writer, do you share a similarity with your character?

I think there is a bit of similarity with the girl in the story in my personal life. Just like everyone else, I struggle to understand myself and to know how I fit in the world. I think knowing your place is very important in order to have a fulfilling life.