Interview with our latest author, Ola Ademola-Adesanoye

Everything and Nothing book coverToday we are featuring an interview with Ola Ademola-Adesanoye, our latest author! She has just published her debut novel, titled “Everything and Nothing”. Find out more about Ola, and read her thoughts on writing and publishing.

Please tell us a bit about yourself. 

I am a middle child, this certainly contributed to me finding books. I have been fortunate to live on four contents and am a vinyl record collector.

How did you discover your love for writing, and how long have you been writing?

I had always enjoyed writing compositions since primary school like – writing about Your family, Your best friend, Your school holidays, etc. I poured my body, mind, and soul into those as far back as then. My teachers would compliment my creativity in primary and secondary school. Following on from primary school – the first week in secondary school, I entered a competition and was published in the school magazine – “The Debater”. Life happened and writing took a back burner until now.

Please tell us a bit about your new book, “Everything and Nothing”.

It’s fiction, a contemporary novella hoping to touch on real issues.

Is this your first book? What inspired you to write it?

Yes, this is my first published book. I hoped to tackle a few burning issues that I am passionate about.

What was the easiest and hardest part of writing this book?

The easiest part was imagining and thinking up the story in my head. The hardest part was setting the scene/tone when it came down to the writing itself.

How did you come up with the title?

It was a light bulb moment, when I was writing one evening and wanted to craft in words around Ken and Bibi’s blossoming friendship/relationship. “Everything and Nothing” came to mind after many tries and it stuck.

Is inspiration for the book drawn from some of your own experiences?

Some, however, fiction for me means drawing from my past, present, and dreams/future.

Are there any similarities between you and Bibi, the main character?

Not necessarily so. However, Bibi and Maya’s evolution is symbolic. More of that in the sequel… watch this space.

Apart from love, what are other main themes that the story explores?

Advance Care Planning, Dementia, Depression, Interracial Marriage, and Stigma/Shame

What lesson(s) would you want readers to take away from the book?

  • Destigmatisation
  • It’s okay to grow and evolve
  • Learn from mistakes rather than dwell on them.

What challenges did you encounter during the process of writing, editing, and publishing the book?

Haaa…. Where to begin! First off, my coach and editor both have the patience of saints. This was my first time so whether that is normal or not unusual to Tolu and Amma, I can’t speak for them. Every time I went back to read the manuscript, there was something I wasn’t sure about or didn’t read well or I had questions about. So, a lot of back and forth, research, and uncertainty.

What inspires you as a writer?

Keeping things in perspective and taking the little wins. Now, I have a writing buddy who keeps me in check. Also writing around topics that I enjoy, topics that intrigue me, or topics that I am passionate about.

What book(s) are you reading now?

Two books – my mood dictates which I read. The first one is Bridie Hallifax, “Not in a billion years” and the second one is Dorothy Koomson’s, “I know what you have done.”

Who are your favourite authors and what do you admire in their work?

Mary Higgin Clark – First, I was inspired by her beginnings and how she got into writing – She started writing short stories to supplement her family income. Then, her first novel did not sell well but she persevered at it. I love her ability to craft mystery and suspense into writing.

Sidney Sheldon – He often wrote about determined women and I always wanted more after getting to the end of his books. And lastly, Martina Cole – Her ability to craft and set the tone for crime and her gangster stories is phenomenal.

What skills have been particularly helpful in your writing?

Being a voracious reader, being open to constructive criticism and changes, and creativity and style

What are your current projects? Are you working on the next book?

Yes. I am working on the sequel to “Everything and Nothing” and also thinking up other stories for the future. Watch this space…

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Take the plunge and connect with a community of writers (it’s easy these days especially online). Then start small, with short stories, blogging, etc. Rome was not built in a day; the journey of writing is a time for growth and personal development.

Where can readers buy copies of “Everything and Nothing“?

You can get the book from Amazon USAmazon UKSmashwords, Barnes and Noble, and most online retailers. Readers in Nigeria can download the ebook from Okadabooks and Bambooks. I am also hoping to make paperback copies available in Nigeria soon.

Thank you very much Ola, and we wish you much success in all your endeavours.

Thank you.

About the author

Ola grew up loving books, these were always her go to place. She was nicknamed ‘bookworm’ by one of her cousins when she was about nine, as she habitually had her nose in a book. She had always hoped to author a book one day but never got round to it, until now of course. This is her first novella; she enjoyed the gruelling process so much that she is already working on a sequel.

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