Frequently Asked Questions
✍️ Author Q&A with Dandy Ahuruonye
Who is Dandy Ahuruonye?
I’m a Nigerian-born Irish author with a passion for storytelling that bridges cultures, generations, and genres. My work spans fiction, children’s literature, technical writing, and cultural commentary; all rooted in a desire to give a stable foundation to children, preserve heritage and provoke meaningful reflection.
What inspired you to become a writer?
Growing up in Aba after surviving the Biafran war as a child, I was surrounded by oral traditions, proverbs, and stories that carried deep wisdom. Writing became my way of honouring those voices while exploring new ones. I’ve always believed that stories are vessels: for education, for truth, for healing, and for change.
Your books range from children’s stories to encyclopaedic anthologies. How do you choose your subjects?
I write what I feel compelled to preserve or explore. Sometimes that’s the innocence of childhood, as in Groccolli or History Tree & the Wrinkles of Time. Other times, it’s the complexity of post-colonial identity, as in Long Search for Greener Pastures and Half of a Stolen Tale. And then there are works like The Whispering Poet, which serve as cultural archives, safeguarding Igbo and African proverbs for future generations.
What is The Whispering Poet and why is it important?
It’s a 600-page anthology of Igbo and other African proverbs — a literary and cultural treasure trove. Proverbs are more than sayings; they’re distilled wisdom, often poetic, always profound. This book is my tribute to the elders, the storytellers, and the oral historians whose words shaped communities. Something else that make it a special publication is that most of the relevant proverbs are presented in both Igbo and English.
You’ve also written technical guides, such as The Shoemaker. What led you there?
Before becoming a full-time author, I studied fashion design, opened a fashion studio from where I designed handmade custom-made items for customers in a position to afford them, and I later worked in corporate management. The Shoemaker is a practical guide for artisans and professionals in the footwear fashion industry, blending creativity with discipline. It reflects my belief that craftsmanship deserves intellectual respect.
What themes do you explore in your fiction?
Values, morality, fun, fantasy, family, identity, migration, dignity, and the tension between tradition and modernity. I’m particularly interested in how individuals navigate inherited beliefs in a rapidly changing world. Whether it’s a love story in rural Ireland or a futuristic tale of air addiction (Trillion-Her), I aim to challenge and entertain.
What makes your children’s books unique?
They’re playful, teach important values, imaginative, and culturally textured. I want children to laugh, wonder, obey their parents, and learn; not just about the world around them, but about themselves. Books like The Quiet Duck and A Noisy Chicken, The Eel and Phil in Kill and The Grass Fart in Donegal Bay are whimsical, but they also carry subtle lessons about family, friendship, nature, and curiosity.
How do you balance truth and creativity in your writing?
Truth is the foundation; creativity is the architecture. Even in fiction, I strive for emotional honesty. I want readers to feel seen, whether they’re African, European, young, old, or somewhere in between.
What do you hope readers take away from your work?
A stable family environment. A sense of connection. To culture, to history, to imagination. I hope my books spark conversations, challenge assumptions, and leave readers with a deeper appreciation of the human experience.
Where can readers find your books?
All titles are available directly through my website, with links to purchase or learn more. You can also join my mailing list for exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes insights.