Father Innocent Emechete sits down with Defiance Press to discuss his forthcoming book “American Decline: The Moral and Political Unraveling of a Nation” and his journey from storyteller to social critic.

Defiance Press: Father Innocent, before we dive into your new book, tell us what first inspired you to become a writer.

Father Emechete: I was inspired to write because I genuinely love telling stories, and people seem to enjoy when I share them. I’m also drawn to reading and listening to other people’s stories, then retelling them in my own way. There’s something powerful about the human connection that happens through storytelling.

DP: How long have you been developing this craft?

Father Emechete: I’ve been writing drama and short stories since high school. It’s been a long journey of honing the skill, but storytelling has always been part of who I am.

DP: What advice would you give to someone just starting their writing journey?

Father Emechete: I always tell new writers to begin with what they know—write about what you’re familiar with and what brings you happiness and fulfillment. Authenticity resonates with readers more than trying to write about something foreign to your experience.

DP: When you’re developing a story, what comes first—the plot or the characters?

Father Emechete: Ordinarily, the plot comes first, and then I create characters that fit into that framework. However, it’s also possible to envision compelling characters first and build a plot around them. Both approaches can work effectively.

DP: Your new book has a very direct title—”American Decline: The Moral and Political Unraveling of a Nation.” How do you approach creating titles?

Father Emechete: The title always emerges from the theme of the book. In this case, I wanted to be clear and unflinching about what I’m addressing—the serious moral and political challenges facing America today.

DP: Speaking of your book’s subject matter, how do you conduct research for such a weighty topic?

Father Emechete: The research approach depends on the genre, but for this book, I’ve done extensive reading of relevant works, searched through countless internet sources, interviewed people from various backgrounds, and spent time in quiet reflection, pushing my imagination into overdrive to connect the dots between what I’m observing.

DP: How do you define success as a writer?

Father Emechete: Success for a writer comes in two forms. The first and most important satisfaction is producing something that people genuinely like and enjoy reading—knowing that your work resonates and perhaps even helps people. The second satisfaction is when the writer can make some money from the work, which allows for continued writing.

DP: How do you handle literary criticism when it comes your way?

Father Emechete: If criticism is constructive, it’s a welcome gem that helps a writer grow and progress. I view good criticism as a gift that makes me better at my craft.

DP: You’ve written other works before. Do you find it more challenging to write a first book or subsequent novels?

Father Emechete: It’s definitely more challenging to write the first book in a series because everything that follows will build upon that foundation. The sequel can develop naturally from what’s already established, but that first book has to be solid and complete in itself.

DP: Before you actually begin writing, is there extensive preparation involved?

Father Emechete: Absolutely! The most difficult part of writing is gathering all the ingredients for the story, making sure the narrative is sound, and arranging the sequence in a logical way. Once you’ve done that groundwork thoroughly, the actual writing becomes much easier.

DP: Given your background as a priest and your focus on America’s moral decline, what do you hope readers will take away from this book?

Father Emechete: I hope readers will gain a clearer understanding of the connection between moral foundation and political stability. As both a priest and an observer of American culture, I’ve witnessed how the erosion of moral principles inevitably leads to political chaos. My goal is to help people see these connections and perhaps inspire them to be part of the solution.

DP: Do you see this book as primarily diagnostic, or are you offering prescriptive solutions as well?

Father Emechete: While the book certainly diagnoses the problems we’re facing, I believe any honest assessment must also point toward hope and restoration. As a priest, I’m fundamentally in the business of redemption—both for individuals and for nations.

Father Innocent Emechete has been writing drama and short stories since high school, bringing his unique perspective as both a Catholic priest and keen observer of American culture to his work. “American Decline: The Moral and Political Unraveling of a Nation” will be his latest examination of contemporary social issues.

“We are all aware of the damage the welfare system did in minority communities in America. Those minority neighborhoods are still suffering from the scars of unmitigated welfarism of the seventies and eighties. When the welfare system was introduced in this country, it was a temporary helping hand to poor Blacks and Hispanics who had a misfortune in the family or some other temporary situation to get back their independence once more. But it was hijacked by politicians as an instrument of using government money to get minority votes in elections. By using this tactic to stay in power, the welfare system became a permanent structure that ruined poor communities across America. That was and still is how the Democrats solidified their hold on Black Americans for votes till today. They gave them free government money for unalloyed votes and allegiance. That is why President Biden told a black American, “if you have to think if you should vote for me or Trump, you aren’t black.” The monthly checks, food stamps and government High rises in the poor neighborhoods as free accommodation, finally took away the independence of these minorities to be free to go as far on the ladder of success as possible. That freedom would liberate them from politicians who would like to think for them what was best for them. What more devastating help can the government give to a man who receives a welfare check, food stamps and free accommodation in a high rise every month doing nothing? Meanwhile his two sons with their children and two unmarried daughters are there with their children in the High rise under the same government freebie. For generation after generation, such people’s economic growth and or awareness is permanently blocked or stunted. Just imagine the damage these politicians have done to the pride and dignity of these black people. Over the years, the damage becomes irreparable. The greedy politicians want to make these poor people dependent on the government to make sure they have their votes come the next election which keeps them in power. But the unfortunate result is that the Government has shut down the psychological, mental and personal growth of parents, children and grandchildren of High-rise dwellers. That was, of course, the beginning of the problems of the American poor neighborhoods of today where abortions, drugs and other crimes abound. A political party used the welfare system and free abortion to poor women to hold a generation of minorities hostage in their own country. It is an unfair control of a segment of the population because the politicians want to run the lives of the poor people perpetually by taxing and blowing the Federal deficits whenever they are in power in order to give free money to their hostages to keep them quiet and loyal. In the meantime, abortion is highest in these neighborhoods because it is free. Young people give up education for drugs, sex and gang activities.”