My Journey on British Airways as A Fly Girl – Amanda Epe

Amanda Epe is the first seminal story teller on the narrative of being black cabin crew with British Airways. Amanda Epe writes articles, essays, poetry, fiction and self- help. Her work has been featured in publications and anthologies in the U.K, U.S and in Saraba Literary Magazine Nigeria. A Fly Girl is her debut book, an inspirational memoir of her days working with BA; travel tales through the lens of a black African perspective.

She has a Master’s in Education, Health Promotion and International Development and her blog focuses on promoting health and literary art for women. She spoke to Tundun Adeyemo from www.blackandoutspoken.com


What books are on your Kindle now?
I am reading Bamboo and Fern by Ava Brown. I love memoirs and in this one we are in sunny Jamaica, it is really inspirational. Taken of the bookshelf once again, I am reading Adichie's Americanah, Chimamanda is so powerful, I love her works.  I am also re-reading The Alchemist by my favourite author Paulo Coelho

What book will you be giving away for Christmas? 
Mama Christmas is doing generous this year, look out for A Fly Girl at a price next to nothing.

What inspires you to write? Are you going to keep writing?
Life and experiences mostly, but other writers play a part in my writing. I ought to continue as I know what is good for me.

Is there a time and place for African writing? 

It is a shame that African Writing is a new phase like our African attires, Ankara is now fashionable but we've always worn these garments, African writing is now more widely read, but still publishing in Africa is challenging just as it is for ethnic minorities to be published in U.K.

Talk us through the characters in your book?
We have an activist, a caricature, an entrepreneur, some shopaholics, alcoholics and other addictive personalities like flirts, and of course the protagonist heroine. Also tourists, many ists, including a chauvinist!

Must we always look through the lens of feminism and race? 
In the next plane, when taken to another planet when we elevate there, these words will be archaic. lol

Why is your book different? It is an opportunity to read real life writing whilst going on a world tour of entertainment, adventure and history.

What two things would you like to be remembered by? 
‘Black and outspoken.’(Laughs) I would say a seeker of truth and transformation.

If you had the opportunity to do anything all over again, what would it be?
A Fly Girl, oh yes I'd do that again but this time with larger wings.

Would BA cringe to read what you have to say?
BA has a history of offences with Nigerian passengers, they would hardly be embarrassed by my words, but they would fear to lose bookings and business if like many passengers I have spoken to say they prefer Virgin.

Is there a message behind your book? 
Take that trip to live your dream, and aim for the sky.

Where can we find more about your book?
A Fly Girl, the kindle version is now available on Amazon. A Fly Girl will be available in print from Amazon, Waterstones and all good retailers by January 2015.

For deluxe and author signed copies for people in the UK, you may order from Blossom Books at mail@msroseblossom.org
Connect with her on social media facebook.com/msroseblossom and twitter@msroseblossom
Thank you.

Reviews of A Fly Girl

This book provides a rich insight into the author’s adventures across the globe as cabin crew for British Airways. Navigating her way across the world, the author exposes the difficulties in connecting with citizens from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, many of who held patriarchal norms that challenged the author’s normative assumptions about gender equality. It’s an interesting and enjoyable read. 
Charlotte Proudman, Barrister QC

This book is a woman’s journey to find her true identity, going through the journeys of being a black woman in non-ethnic dominated role. It’s an awakening story of learning about loving and owning one’s true identity beyond the expectation of what it means to be a woman and yes women do fart lol. 
Lillian Ogbogoh, International Best Selling Author and Sensuality Discovery Specialist

Intimate and frank stories give rise to funny and touching moments in this memoir of an air hostess.  We’ve all wanted to be a fly on the wall at times but Amanda is a fly on the world observing complex and evolving social realities through each stop on her travels. Although her focus is those she meets, when her often rose-tinted expectations are dismantled we catch a glimpse of Amanda that is at once unexpected - perhaps unintended and very compelling in its sincerity. A fresh and original voice.
Vanessa Walters, Author and Journalist Guardian & BBC