MOMENT WITH SAMUEL BABALOLA

 

My guest and I go way back then as undergraduates of the department of English in the Premier University (University of Ibadan). We nicknamed him elder because he was the eldest as well as the brightest among us (myself and David Oluyomi). 

We were so keen on creative writing that we took courses in creative writing, went to literary events, put in for poetry contests and even challenged each other to 'poetry duel' together with Olaitan Mudashiru, our friend from the Laris department. 

Please, make welcome Samuel Olayiwola Babalola.

Can we meet you? 

My name is Samuel Olayiwola Babalola.

When can you say that you discovered that you were a writer?

I discovered my writing talent at the University of Ibadan, Ibadan Nigeria.

How many books do you have to your credit?

I have three books as of now on Amazon Kindle and three more are still on the way.

Let's open our discussion with your first publication. What inspired you to write it?

My first publication consists of eleven short stories. I posted some of them on my Facebook page and one of them Ajeku (Left Over) went viral. People still plagiarize the short story today. I own the copyright and I am inspired to let more people across the globe benefit from it and others.

What did you seek to address in the book?

Ajeku and other stories contains short stories of hope in the face of the life's uncertainties and others teach humanity and good morals with the Bible as the basis.

Can you say writing is profitable in general?

If one is writing to either become rich or earn a living, one might be in the wrong trade. However, with diligence and perseverance writing eventually pays.

Should one write simply because one desire to win awards, horn one's writing skills or simply to entertain oneself and others?

Writing for awards is not writing at all.  Write because you have messages for humanity. Rewards will eventually come.

Let's talk about your latest publication. How did you come by that title, Ajeku? Was it suggested by you or by the character (the person whose story you retold)?

Ajeku is a Yoruba word that means 'leftover' or food crumbs. The protagonist is so poor that he relies on his mates' leftovers. Fortune smiles on him later...

Are books (fiction and non-fiction) leaning towards faith based themes doing better in demand than secular ones?

As of now, faith based fiction has fewer readers compared to the secular. Hopefully, the situation will improve with time.

What will be your advice to intending writers that they  make their habit above all other things?

A writer must be a voracious reader. Reading wide will help your own writing in many ways.

How can one buy your books?

You can get my book online on https://www.amazon.com/author/osb. 

Any final words? 

Believe in God, yourself, and what you do.

This where we draw the curtains. However, you can follow my guest on:

Facebook, Babalola (Samuel) Olayiwola.

Instagram: BabalolaOlayiwola

Twitter: Babalolalaiwola.

email: babalolaforjesus@gmail.com

WhatsApp/ Telegram

+2348039356031

Till next time, take care of you and be you. I am Yours truly,

Julius Topohozin.