Bio:
I am Ojomo Ayodele Olaitan, a graduate of Agricultural Science from Adeyemi Federal University of Education Ondo State, Nigeria. A Catholic by birth, an avid reader, a comic lover, and a movie guru. A lover of deep artworks.
RLN: How did your journey as a writer begin?
OO: It started in the university, my 2nd year to be precise. I entered for a competition on lekeku; the theme was on Nigeria. I remember I was in a statistics class. I hurriedly wrote my piece and gave it to my friend to proofread. Then I submitted and absolutely forgot about it. Three days later, I found out I won, so from there on out, my flame was ignited. I never knew I would be a writer and a poet. Let’s just say I fell into my dream and I am glad I did.
RLN: Which authors and writers inspired you to write?
OO: Well, I read a lot of fantasy novels even before I started writing, so there was Terry Brooks author of The Elfstones of Shannara.
J. K. Rowling- Harry Potter.
Chimamanda’s- Purple Hibiscus also inspired me.
RLN: What genre do you write?
OO: Well, I write more of Fiction and short stories. I love short stories that portray experiences of our day-to-day life, especially in Nigeria.
RLN: What has been the highlight of your writing journey?
OO: Oh, well I won an Avid reader’s competition, I came first. It’s a platform that hosts competition for thousands of writers all over the world.
I have an audiobook produced by Mixsiefunbooks titled Lee’s Genesis. Listen for Free here
And re-posting of several of my works by major global poetry pages have been the highlight of my writing journey.
RLN: Apart from writing, what do you do?
OO: I work in the Agric Industry and also manage a small poultry farm at home. Writing isn’t really that financially buoyant in our country if you get my point.
RLN: What would you like to be remembered for as a writer?
OO: My works, my poems and stories. For their authenticity, realness and how they were able to touch, help and heal millions of souls.
RLN: When should we be expecting your first paperback book and in what genre?
OO: Hahaha, a book? Not anytime soon. I have one which has been in the works but it has been on hold for a while now. It needs some major editing, additions and all. It would be fantasy definitely or an extended, intense short story, but it would take the grace of God for me to publish a book. Hahaha
RLN: What’s your view of the Nigerian literary space and how can we project the Nigerian story to the world?
OO: Well, we have been making good strides. People are delving more into writing. I would urge young budding writers to focus more on our stories; They need to be heard by the world. On a general scale writers and artists are not appreciated in our country, the government should endeavor to establish book clubs, conventions and make the processes involved in book publishing less stressful
RLN: You write about Nigerian culture and some soul-stirring themes, what inspired you on this route?
OO: Well, my background inspires most of my writings. I grew up in Nigeria with a Yoruba dad and an Igbo mum so that’s as good as it gets and everyday life experiences constantly inspire me to write more. I can tell you I have a lot of Nigerian stories I have not yet published. I always say, you cannot be a writer in Nigeria and say you do not have inspiration. It is just not possible.
RLN: What advice would you give a newbie writer on writing in a distinct way that will make them stand-out?
OO: Be real, write your own stories. Yes, you can adore but do not imitate any writer’s style, find your own. Write every second of every minute of every hour of every day if possible, as quickly as the inspiration strikes you, don’t postpone. If you’re venturing into writing for fame or money as your main goal. I can assure you; you might find none of those. Writing is a selfless lifelong vocation.
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