Written Author Interview
1. Tell me about yourself. What do you like to do outside of writing? What is a day in the life like for you?
My name is Adeleke Anuoluwapo. Outside of writing, I am currently serving as an NYSC corps member at the prestigious University of Ibadan in Nigeria. I also enjoy crocheting and drawing, which are creative outlets that help me relax and express myself in different ways. A typical day in my life usually revolves around balancing work, family, creativity, and finding inspiration for my stories.
2. What inspired your first novel? What got you into writing in the first place?
My first novel, Whispers of Summer, was inspired by a random idea that came to me one day. I started imagining a love story where a girl falls in love with her brother’s best friend, and I immediately began outlining it in my Notes app. Before I knew it, the idea had grown into a full story. I’ve always loved storytelling and creating emotional scenarios in my head, so writing became a natural way for me to express those ideas.
3. How do you come up with characters? Are they spontaneous or meticulously planned?
My characters are usually carefully planned. I spend time thinking about their personalities, motivations, and how they will influence the story. I believe every character should contribute something meaningful to the plot instead of simply existing in the background.
4. What are some of your favorite genres to read?
I love reading romance, contemporary African literature, literary fiction, fantasy, and emotional character-driven stories. I enjoy books that make readers feel deeply connected to the characters and their experiences.
5. What’s the most difficult thing about being a writer?
One of the most difficult parts of being a writer for me is balancing writing with obsessive compulsive disorder. There are moments when it interferes with my creativity and makes it hard for me to write consistently. Sometimes I can go weeks without writing because of it. However, my passion for storytelling always brings me back, and I try not to let it stop me from creating. So far, I’ve written four novels and I’m still working on many more.
6. What is your process to completing a novel from outline to final product?
My process usually starts with imagining the storyline and daydreaming about different scenes and emotions. After that, I outline the chapters, develop the characters, and come up with a title. Once I begin writing, I become deeply invested in the story and it’s difficult for me to stop until I’ve fully brought it to life.
7. What’s the most unhinged thing you’ve written in your novel?
One of the most unhinged things I wrote in Whispers of Summer was separating the two main love interests for five years because of a heartbreaking misunderstanding. The emotional tension and twists throughout the story definitely put the characters through a lot.
8. What’s one thing about being a writer that absolutely drives you up the wall?
For me, it’s writer’s block, although I try to avoid it by outlining ahead of time. I usually plan out a large portion of my story early on, sometimes up to thirty chapters, which helps me stay motivated and consistent. Most times, if I start feeling stuck, I simply begin developing another story idea. The only periods where I truly struggle creatively are during difficult OCD episodes.
9. What does being a successful writer look like for you?
To me, success as a writer means creating stories that people genuinely connect with emotionally. I want readers to discuss my novels, relate to the characters, and build communities around the stories. I would also love to see my books adapted into films someday. Most importantly, I want my writing to reflect real struggles and emotions, especially the experiences of women, in a way that makes people feel seen and understood.
10. Describe your writing journey. If you had to write a story centered around it, do you think you could pull it off?
My writing journey has been filled with growth, creativity, self-discovery, and emotional expression. I started writing because I had stories constantly forming in my mind, and over time, writing became more than just a hobby for me, it became a part of who I am. Despite challenges like balancing school, NYSC, and personal struggles, I’ve continued to write because storytelling is something I truly love.
I definitely think I could write a story centered around my writing journey someday. It would probably be emotional, chaotic, inspiring, and deeply personal , the kind of story that shows both the beauty and difficulty of chasing a creative dream.
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About
Adeleke Anuoluwapo is a Nigerian writer passionate about emotional storytelling, romance, and character-driven fiction. She is the author of Whispers of Summer and has written multiple novels exploring themes of love, heartbreak, grief, healing, and human connection. Beyond writing, she is currently serving as an NYSC corps member at the University of Ibadan. She also enjoys crocheting and drawing, creative outlets that inspire her artistic expression. Through her stories, she hopes to create characters and moments that readers can deeply connect with and remember long after finishing the final page.
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