(Left: Obe Keno, Right: Mr Temitayo)
You are welcome to Episode 19 of the YOUNG AND BOOKED SERIES.
Here with me today, is our guest. Meet Mr Adekola Temitayo ,a Nigerian Storyteller who explores the captivating themes surrounding African identity, aiming to promote and enlighten others about the richness of the African culture
He is going to answer a few insightful questions about himself, his journey and perspective as a young author in Nigeria , and you’ll definitely enjoy this so please grab a seat and let’s get right into it!
Keno: (with smiles) Welcome to the YOUNG AND BOOKED Series Mr Temitayo, thank you for having this interview.
Mr Temitayo: (smiles) Thank you Keno, for having me as a guest on this amazing series, it’s a special thing you’re doing on this blog.
*pssst….Hey YOU reading this, thank you for joining us in promoting the Nigerian Book Industry!.
Keno: (smiles) Alright, I’ll get right into the questions now….. When did you start writing and why did you decide you wanted to become an Author?
I discovered that writing provided me with a means to effectively communicate and express myself
Mr Temitayo: (smiles) I started writing at a young age, mainly creating children’s comic stories. Drawing and watching cartoons inspired my passion for storytelling as a kid. However, my decision to become an author came later when I was in my second year of University. The reason behind this choice was not solely because I enjoyed writing stories, but because I discovered that writing provided me with a means to effectively communicate and express myself, along with sharing my opinions and ideas with others.
Keno: (nods) I can relate to that last sentence there. Question 2, How did you go from just having a dream to actually achieving that dream of becoming a published Author? What little and/or large steps did you take towards it?
Mr Temitayo: (smiles) As the saying goes “Your heart knows the path that aligns with your true purpose, and when you follow it, you tap into a reservoir of inner strength that propels you forward.” Becoming a published author was a journey that started with a dream and required both small and significant steps to achieve. After completing my first book and receiving positive feedback from friends, I was determined to see it published. In a state of excitement, I reached out to a publisher and obtained an estimated cost to publish 1000 copies. With a sense of determination, I began making calls and exploring options. Throughout this process, I am grateful for the support and guidance of my mom, who played a significant role in helping me bring my dream to fruition.
Keno: Wow, interesting. Question 3, What is the best thing about being an Author to you?
Mr Temitayo: For me, Being an author allows me to use my imagination to build entire worlds and characters, feeling like a “small god” (smiles), which is what I find to be the best part of what I do. It’s a means of self-expression that enables me to communicate my ideas, tales, and thoughts to readers everywhere while also witnessing their appreciation and learning from my writings. I find it to be joyful.
Keno: (laughs) A “small god” indeed, it is nice that you find joy in it. Question 4, What life lesson(s) have you picked up on your journey as an Author?
One crucial lesson I have embraced is the importance of unwavering consistency in pursuing my dreams and staying true to what I believe works for me.
Mr Temitayo: (smiles) Throughout my journey as an author, I have learned valuable life lessons that resonate deeply within me. One crucial lesson I have embraced is the importance of unwavering consistency in pursuing my dreams and staying true to what I believe works for me. You know often, those around us may lack faith in our aspirations and the visions we hold for ourselves. However, it is ultimately our determination and dedication that validates our path. We must prove ourselves to the sceptics, and when the pieces of the puzzle start to fall into place, people will rejoice in our accomplishments.
Keno: (nods) Those are some special lessons you’ve picked up. I’m inspired. Question 5, What is your favorite genre to write and why?
Mr Temitayo: Drama is my cherished genre. As a budding screenwriter with a profound admiration for Wole Soyinka. Through my scripts and theatrical works, my profound reverence for the man is evident, illuminating my passion for drama.
Keno: (nods) That’s interesting. Question 6, Your books “TRAUMA” & “SCOURGE” truly have special levels of depth and poignancy that can be denoted even from the blurb. I personally feel so too. So I’m rather curious…. What experiences (people, places or events) inspired you to write them?
My inspiration for “TRAUMA” stemmed from a combination of personal curiosity and past experiences.
As for “SCOURGE,” the inspiration came from real-world events and the prevalent issue of rape, particularly its profound impact on society and the girl child.
Mr Temitayo: (smiles) Thank you. I often receive that critique frequently, and it’s quite understandable. Even in my book blurbs, I intentionally cultivated a sense of anticipation to pique the curiosity of my readers, enticing them to delve into my books and uncover the truth behind the events that transpire within. My inspiration for “TRAUMA” stemmed from a combination of personal curiosity and past experiences. While in Uni, I encountered a lecture that discussed the story of a child named Aja, who was mistakenly labelled as Abiku by his bigoted parents, but it was sickle cell anaemia. This sparked my interest in exploring the intersection of sickle cell disease and Abiku. I came across news on dyslexia while scrolling through Instagram in 2020, which prompted me to combine these topics in my writing. The aim was to shed light on the challenges faced by individuals with these conditions, raise awareness among parents and teachers about dyslexia, and highlight the need for expensive treatments like bone marrow transplants for sickle cell patients. I also incorporated the concept of tribal marks to immerse the readers in the perspective of someone like Aja, who was misunderstood due to cultural misconceptions. To ensure accuracy, I conducted research through travels to Oyo and Osun, also asking medical professionals and friends questions, and utilizing online resources. The book delves into the complexities of resilience, the lasting impact of trauma, and the process of healing and recovery.
As for “SCOURGE,” the inspiration came from real-world events and the prevalent issue of rape, particularly its profound impact on society and the girl child. During my time in Osun, I had the privilege of hearing captivating stories and learning about the town’s cultural taboos from my friend’s grandfather, whom we fondly called Baba Arowosafe. Fascinated by these narratives, I decided to delve deeper into the history and customs of the town, incorporating them into the setting of my book “SCOURGE.” Sadly, Baba passed away after my initial interviews for “TRAUMA,” so I dedicated “SCOURGE” to him as a tribute. The book explores themes of resilience, survival, and the indomitable spirit of humanity when faced with overwhelming challenges.
Keno: (nods) Wow. I appreciate the in-depth explanations. Question 7, If you were to summarize the type of Author you are in a sentence, what would it be?
Mr Temitayo: I am a Nigerian playwright, short story writer, and scriptwriter who explores captivating themes surrounding African identity, aiming to promote and enlighten others about the richness of African culture.
Keno: Interesting. Finally, Question 8, What type of works or projects can be expected from you in the future?
Mr Temitayo: As an aspiring screenwriter, my future projects will encompass a variety of works that aim to captivate audiences on the big screen or in my books. I am eager to collaborate with producers (any slight opportunity ) and bring my unique stories to life, ensuring that they resonate with viewers and leave a lasting impact. Additionally, I am particularly passionate about working on Pan-African stories. These narratives will focus on bringing together individuals from different African backgrounds, showcasing their diverse experiences, cultures, and perspectives. Through these projects, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive representation of African stories and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the continent’s rich.
Keno: (smiles) That’s so good. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. It was lovely to have you, Mr Adekola. Thank you for this interview and for being our guest on the YOUNG AND BOOKED Series.
Mr Temitayo: Thank you, It was a pleasure to do this with you. Dear Readers, I would love to connect with you on Instagram.
Keno: Also, this is your invitation to join our Instagram community @taleofthebook if you aren’t already with us! And you might want to check out Mr Adekola’s book “SCOURGE”.
As the saying goes “Your heart knows the path that aligns with your true purpose, and when you follow it, you tap into a reservoir of inner strength that propels you forward.” Becoming a published author was a journey that started with a dream and required both small and significant steps to achieve.
-Author Temitayo
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Thank you for reading YOUNG AND BOOKED Series 1: Episode 19. Each time you read, you are showing your support for the cause. See you in 2 weeks on the next Episode!.
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