Hello everyone,
Welcome to our monthly feature for authors.
The author for the month of October 2022 is Oyinkansola Ogunyinka, author of ‘A Love For Tomorrow’. I have read and reviewed her book on this website and you can check out my review (in “Book Reviews”) to see if you may be interested to read it.
Today’s interview will give us a sneak-peek into Ola’s life as a published author. I hope you enjoy reading her answers to these ten questions but first let’s begin with an introduction of the author.
So here we go…..
The Author:
Oyinkansola A. Ogunyinka (The Grace Ola) is a dreamer, speaker and avid reader. She has a wild imagination and likes to refer to herself as a hopeful romantic. She has been writing since she was in elementary school and currently works as a content marketing manager while running her own publishing company, Ònkòwé Books.
The Interview:
What were the early influences on your writing and how do they manifest in your work?
Ola: My early influence was the fact that my primary school had a library and we used to have library sessions like any other math or English class. I spent a lot of time reading in the library, in class and at home. This reading habit continued over time and opened my mind to a lot of new experiences. I get a lot of my inspiration from reading, especially from my favourite authors, Francine Rivers, Karen Kingsbury and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
What is the biggest surprise you experienced after becoming a writer?
Ola: Because I’m currently self-published, I’d say my biggest surprise is how much effort I have to put into marketing, sales and distribution. 😂 E kind of choke!
Do you view writing as a spiritual practice? and if yes, how?
Ola: I’d say it is, like any other art form, you really have to connect to your core to create anything beautiful. As a Christian as well, I believe God gives us gifts to build on and use for His glory. And that’s basically what I try to use my books for, my own form of evangelism. Not like bam! in people’s faces, but subtle, gentle and compelling.
How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
Ola: Well, I wouldn’t say it changed my writing process per se, but I’ve definitely learnt a lot of new things since then. How to make sure your cover and title are catchy (cuz people will judge your book by them😂), the need to focus more on proofreading every last page and how to cut through the fog to build out your story’s plot and move your storyline forward quickly instead of going down a rabbit hole of ideas and getting stuck. So yeah, that’s some of it I guess.
What books have fortified you as a writer?
Ola: Francine River’s Redeeming Love is definitely one of my best books yet. I also enjoyed Ted Dekker’s ‘A Man Called Blessed’ and Chimamanda’s ‘Purple Hibiscus’, ‘Americanah’ and ‘Dear Ijeawele’. I think Laura Ingalls Wilders ‘House on the Prairie’ was also one book that really stood out for me. Okay that’s a lot, I’m going to stop now. 😂
What is your best and worst parts of the publishing process?
Ola: My best part is the writing, it’s such a beautifully flawed, almost painful, process. My worst part is the process of getting the books to readers hands and earning a living from that.😭
What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Ola: I’d say it’s ideating. Whenever I’m overwhelmed by life in general, I struggle to get inspiration or the willpower to create anything. And that’s mentally frustrating for me. Wanting to write but being unable to do anything concrete.
What does literary success look like to you?
Ola: That my name alone sells my books, and that readers through them, see God. Also, being able to replicate that success in others through the publishing company God has led me to start.
Tell us something about yourself not many people know about?
Ola: Uh well, the full meaning of the A in my name is Amazing-Grace. Yes, my parents gave me that middle name. Also, I’m a very soft, hopeful romantic and I believe in love so much. 😂
Are you currently working on anything you would like to share with your readers?
Ola: Yes actually, I am working on book 3 in the series. Not sure how long this one will take me because I’m currently still juggling writing with my 9-5 and it’s a lot of moving parts. But, I’m glad that I’ve at least started ideating and taking notes.
Many thanks to the author for granting this interview and I hope you all enjoyed reading her responses to the questions as much as I did.
If you have any more questions for the author, please put them in the comments and she will respond accordingly.
Enjoy the rest of your day.
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