INTERVIEW WITH LIVINGSTONE IMONITIE

INTERVIEWER: Can we meet you?

STONE: My name is Livingstone Imonitie, an Engineering student from University of Benin, Google Certified Online Marketer, a writer and public speaker.

INTERVIEWER: When did you start writing and public speaking?

STONE: I think I started writing and speaking when I was in kindergarten but then it was A B C. I started sending short write ups out to my whatsapp contacts in November 2015 but public speaking and teaching started in 2012.

INTERVIEWER: How do you manage to combine your studies with your writing and speaking career?

STONE: It's quite simple. It all boils down to time management and dedication to what I love doing. I read when it's time to read and I work with a time table. I plan for everything.

INTERVIEWER: Where do you get your inspirations from?

STONE: It was a friend of mine, Joshua Navi whose work inspired me into writing but most of inspirations come from God, others from reading books, watching movies and my experience in life.

INTERVIEWER: What were your challenges as a young writer and speaker when you started?

STONE: When I first started, nobody had my time. Nobody wanted to read my write ups and I almost gave up at some point. Most people don't like to read motivational write ups/books or listen to motivational speakers and that was a big challenge for me. I had to invest in myself by studying more and practicing more to be unique. People want to see something unique and that is what I always bring to the table.

INTERVIEWER: What gives you joy as a writer and speaker?

STONE: My readers and listeners. When I write or speak and I hear  testimonies of how my work has helped people, I am filled with joy. When I get positive comments outside Africa concerning my work and when my readers demand for more of my write ups, I shed tears of joy. They are the source of my joy and inspiration and I do what I do for them.

INTERVIEWER: Currently, how many write ups and books have you written?

STONE: "70 Push Ups For Success' was my first book and I gave it out for free. This "13 Secrets You Should Know About Life Before You Die' is my second book and I gave it out for free too. I have so many write ups, they are all on my blog. Visit my blog to check them out.

INTERVIEWER: If you give your work out for free, how then do you make money?

STONE: Everything is not all about money. I want to impact and change lives and I'm doing that through my gifts. Money will surely come, but for now I want to create value.

INTERVIEWER: Will you focus on your writing and public speaking or Engineering after leaving school?

STONE: There is nothing wrong with doing both. My 6 years in the University shouldn't be a waste. I will work as an Engineer and still be writing my books and speaking to the youth.

INTERVIEWER: What do you do with your free time apart from writing and speaking?

STONE: Traveling + Photography + Visiting friends = FUN

INTERVIEWER: That will be all for now, thank you for your time.

STONE: You are welcome. Have fun.