Interview with Olutunde Oluwole
Published 2016-05-26.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I was born in Lagos, Nigeria and grew up in Lagos, Ijebu-Ode and Sagamu.
When did you first start writing?
I started writing around 1998 in high school.
What's the story behind your latest book?
As a medical student, there was poor internet penetration then. There was limited access to pathological specimens with no guideline for answering steeple chase/OSCE questions. The idea for this book was conceived after one of the mock exams revealed this glaring deficiency.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
This book was prepared for print publishing. The graphics artist did not understand our vision, leading to delay. The financial implication was also substantial.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
The ability to pass knowledge to others to avoid the pitfalls I had encountered.
The joy of showing others the way of constant and never-ending improvements.
What do your fans mean to you?
They are the reason and motivation for putting the best knowledge together.
Who are your favorite authors?
i loved the way J.R.R. Tolkien was able to use words to create a whole new literature world. His books are a source of inspiration.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
I have a lot to contribute with little time to do so. I want to share all I have learnt while seeking out avenues to increase my store of knowledge.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I work as a sonologist, practise some computer programming lessons, read the Encyclopaedia Britannica and go out for fun activities with my friends.
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
Mainly from recommendations by my friends.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
It was a paraphrasing of a folklore on tortoise.
What is your writing process?
I have an idea, I research around it, find out the new angle that is currently being neglected and write on that.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
It was a story on tortoise folklore. It was about the need to be wise in administering justice and the need to temper it with mercy sometimes
How do you approach cover design?
I believe in a modified minimalist approach where bold images are used with lots of white spaces.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
1. Holy Bible (there a lot of historical characters that can be used to create various genre of writing).
2. Lord of the Rings trilogy by JRR Tolkien (it shows the power of words to evoke vision in a reader).
3. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie (the suspense was masterful).
4. Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson (the story teaches human resilience in the face of adversity).
5. OGBOJU ODE NINU IGBO IRUNMALE By D. O. Fagunwa (an exciting story of adventure in Yoruba).
What do you read for pleasure?
I read various science fictions to have a glimpse at the technology people are currently working on and would soon be released in the near future.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
This is my first book to be published with Smashwords. I am happy that the requirements were not onerous.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
Yet to see anyone make an impact. Plan to deploy what has worked for other authors in my niche.
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