Category: Writing
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Essay in HuffPost
I am beyond excited that one of my essays was published in the Huffington Post today. With the rich cultural tapestry of Lagos, Nigeria as the backdrop, It picks up some of the major themes from my recently completed memoir: a daughter’s love, grief & loss, complicated family dynamics and the mother of all secrets…
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Took a Break, But Ready to Return
Hey everyone, it’s been a while since I’ve posted anything about my writing and the status of my memoir. It’s been an incredibly busy time with the transatlantic move from New York to the suburbs of London, settling my two teenage daughters into a new school, unpacking into a new house and trying to kick-start…
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My creative community
The writing life is a solitary one. Sitting couped up for hours with only your words, characters, and literary worlds for company, can sometimes feel gloomy. I certainly felt that way as I embarked on my journey to write my book over 5 years ago. I felt lonely, uncertain of myself and prone to bouts…
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Nigeria – the setting and landscape of my story, but also a character.
When I began to write my memoir, Oduduwa Crescent, I wanted Nigeria, the setting and landscape of the book, to be as well-drawn as any character. My book is, in its essence, the story of my charismatic father, whose rise and fall is set against the tumultuous backdrop of post-colonial Nigeria – a time of coup d’états,…
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LOVE your book but….
I am deep in the querying process for my recently completed memoir. It’s a pretty tough process, one characterised by constant rejection and unfiltered feedback – both good and bad. Last week, I spoke with an agent who I got connected to via a writing group I belong to. It was a remarkably short conversation,…
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On connecting with creative outlets.
How do I stay rooted in creativity when I am knee deep in a project? This is my fifth year working on my book. The book is now on its 6th draft following some very constructive feedback I received to reduce the word count from 120K down to 95K. Working on a project consistently for…
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The perils of naming a book
I’ve written a memoir, a personal memoir and it’s taken me 4 years to do it. After pouring out my memories – both joyous and distressing, I’ve come to that part of the journey where I’m trying to figure out what to call this ‘thing” that I’ve created. I’m a consummate movie fan and I…
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My Book Mood Board
When I began writing my book, I put together a mood board to inspire me – essentially a set of visuals that captured the world of my story, my characters, and the essence of the narrative. Vibe and mood Playing some of the music that filled our house from my childhood – Diana Ross, Abba,…
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How Dani Shapiro’s podcast, FAMILY SECRETS, inspired me to confront the shame of a family secret and write my memoir.
In 2019, I was diagnosed with a benign brain tumour and had surgery to have it removed. The surgery, though traumatic, went very well and all the pathology came back completely cancer-free. A relief, an immense blessing. Following my surgery, I spent several months at home quietly recuperating, which forced me to take time to…
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How I found my writing coach
Screenwriting is an absolute passion. I love telling a story through visual stage directions and sharp, succinct dialogue. I love reading screenplays too and have been inspired by amazing screenplays that have been turned into equally amazing movies – GOOD WILL HUNTING anyone? As mentioned in one of my earlier posts, I’ve had the writing…
Novice Memoirist 