Category: Teenbiz Dialogue

Ayodeji Ajagbe: An award-winning Nigerian author who is embracing hard-work

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Inspired by A.H Mohammed, the author of “The Last Days at Forcados High School”, Ayodeji Ajagbe popularly known as Timmy Turner are an award-winning author, creative writer, and romance novelist. Born in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, he began his professional career in 2016 and he has written eight books since his debut as an author. His celebrated works include What Happened to Helen, Reflection: Rulers and Prey, High School Lovers, Sad Love Story, Meant To Be, Memories, and Reasons To Live.

He’s also the founder of DailyPress Bookstore, an affiliate of DailyPress PLC. An online bookstore that helps people read books, stories, and research work for students and lecturers. His book Meant To Be has served as the foundation for many of his books.

Colin Luther Powell who was an American politician, statesman, and diplomat opined that a dream does not become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work. Here’s an exclusive interview with our young, and multi-talented author, who is burning the candle at both ends.9

1. As an award-winning author, how did your writing journey begin?

Coming to think about it, the start of my writing journey has to do with my introverted tendencies. As a kid, I hid behind the facade of this funny, humorous, crazy person but at the same time, I rarely felt comfortable enough to portray my real emotions or thoughts and not only because they were so different from people around me but also I had a better outlet.

That outlet is pouring my heart out through writing and do you know the best part, no one gets to judge you nor do you have to justify the way you feel.

And maybe I got into writing because I have always loved reading.

And if you are asking how I got into writing professionally, well let’s just say I don’t know how to do anything else.

2. Gaining publicity as a young youth with a positive impact on society is among what many people aspire for. What inspired you to become an author?

I have always loved the sound of the language. I think the music of the human voice is beautiful, and writing feels like a magic technology that can carry a voice across great distances, cultural divides, and generations. I get satisfaction from writing and I feel compelled to do it the way one feels compelled to shower and eat breakfast in the morning. Writing feels nice.

3. A follow-up on all your socials gives two books a higher standing: “WHAT HAPPENED TO HELEN” and “REFLECTION; RULERS AND PREY”. Give a scope of both books.

For Reflection: Rulers and Preys, I let my readers explore the challenges of student politics in the world of 24-hour news and social media as well as the conflict between political ambition and staying true to who you are.

The main character, Comrade Oluwatimileyin Turner, Chief Whip, is a cynical, manipulative politician determined to become President. He is willing to use every secret he knows, every pressure point he can find, and every dirty trick in the book to secure his rise to power—and in the process confirms just about every dark and terrible thing you thought you knew about politics.

I wrote about my extensive real-life experience in student politics for the book, and the result is an electrifying vision of how exceedingly violent governing can be behind closed doors.

What Happened to Helen, there are many stories in the world, but only a few are heard. So I wrote a book to be the voice of all those stories. What Happened To Helen is a book of anecdotes published as a work of fiction. It includes the stories of love, pain, and betrayal. Every one of us has different stories in our lives but most of them are unheard, unspoken, or ignored. So I wrote What Happened To Helen to introduce the lives of common people and their untold stories. We all are somewhere broken inside and lost in darkness, but it is our willpower and the hope of a better tomorrow that gives us the strength to fight that darkness and makes our life beautiful. What Happened To Helen is not just my book, it’s the book of millions of people who live with hope.

4. What was the inspiration behind the two books and others that you write?

My first book, Reflection: Rulers and Preys, was born during the lockdown in 2020.

Over the years, I enjoyed writing articles and short stories. Publishing them on Facebook and Wattpad was a thrill. Yet I did not have the skills and confidence to write a whole fully fledged novel. The task appeared daunting.

Finally, one fine day in 2020, I decided I better try writing a novel. The plot was swimming around in my head. I knew I had to write that book. A flimsy, lean book was no answer for this big burst of energy.

I honestly did not know at the time I could write a full book.

It happened in Ibadan, Oyo state during the ASUU strike. After several hours of talks with Kehinde Irhodia, I settled on a bench overlooking the sky-blue canvas before me and dreamed up how this bristling story would unravel.

Those days, I was filled with awe. Imagine holding a printed book in your hand. Imagine readers lining up to get your autograph. Imagine traveling all over the world and lecturing about my book. Imagine fame and fortune.

Nothing happened that way. It was a slog. Paragraph by paragraph I grappled with the story and the writing schedule. The plots thickened.

After five months, the book was ready. All 50,000 words in a row and I was feeling the pressure of publishing now.

5. You have been a full-time Vice Chairman of the National Association of Writers, Kwara Estate. How has been the experience, and mostly, the role played in such a position?

I thoroughly enjoyed working with different writers in Kwara State’s writing community as the Vice Chairman for the past year.

As the Vice Chairman, I was responsible for the coordination of the activities of the Association. I presided at general or executive meetings and act as The Chairman, in the absence of the Chairman or when the Chairman is unable to act in that role. I also acted as the official spokesperson in conjunction with the Chairman.

It is true to say that nothing under the sun is swift but with effort and commitment, everything is possible. What have been the ups and downs of your writing career/ challenges?

As a published author, when I post on social media, I typically share my positive news. Sometimes it feels weird like I’m bragging. But many of my social media followers who are not writers may not understand that I need to share the good news because there is so much in publishing that is disheartening: the rejection, the lack of control over traditionally published authors, and the waiting. There is so much behind the negative scenes, that my psyche must share any good news with the world to tilt the scales. I’m teetering on a slippery slope.

Being an author has innumerable joys, but so many disappointments as well. Contracts that never materialized, non-responding editors, lack of sales, less than perfect reviews, and the years it can take from manuscript to published book.

5. Book marketing requires specialist skills that many authors haven’t had the chance to develop. What marketing strategies do you usually employ when promoting your books? And has your marketing journey been enjoyable?

Difficulty varies by individual ability. There are a lot of people writing nowadays, in the days of self-publishing, that would have been weeded out by the old, traditional methods of attracting interest in a manuscript by being skilled.

But the real difficulty as time goes on is selling books.

People don’t read like they used to. Even the movie industry is suffering because high-quality authors are finding it difficult to sell enough to call their efforts financially worthwhile.

Between the glut of terrible writing and the lack of readers, authorship must necessarily become an exercise in masochism.

My marketing journey has been enjoyable. Thanks to the social media marketing courses I took back then. I pay for sponsors on Facebook and Instagram and they give my book a mind-blowing reach and audience. Scribd also advertises my books on Google quite often, and I’ve been able to get more sales from those advertisements.

6. How much does it take to be a renowned writer?

Good heavens, if I knew the answer to that, I’d have Steven King’s fame and fortune.

7. some ambitious readers and readers would wish to have a hold of your written copies. Where can we find your books?

My books are available in major bookstores worldwide. You can get a copy from wherever you are.

Reflection: Rulers and Preys — https://g.co/kgs/HfjPzq

What Happened to Helen — https://g.co/kgs/NMxFo1

8. What would be your word of advice to upcoming and aspiring writers?

Research publishing and how book selling works. Most authors are clueless about this and end up having unrealistic expectations. Learn everything you can about this, then move on to learning about the genre your books are in. Learn about what readers expect to see on covers, what they expect from storylines, etc. Go back to your books and see if they meet the criteria you’ve discovered.

Have your books been professionally edited? If not, then this should be your next step. No book should be published without being professionally edited — this does not mean you have the English teacher down the street read through the manuscripts. You need to hire a professional who understands what is expected from the genre you’re writing for.

While the editor is toiling away, you need to research how book marketing works and then make a business and marketing plan based on what you’ve learned. Being an author, especially a self-published one, also means you’re a businessperson. You must treat your book(s) like a business or you’ll never get anywhere.

When creating your marketing plan, be as specific as possible so that you will have a step-by-step plan set in place. It’s easy to get lost in all the marketing possibilities out there, so you need a definite plan to keep you on track. You should also establish a budget — free marketing options only take you so far.

Next, research how social media works and set up accounts for you as an author (do not just use your accounts -that’s unprofessional and none of your readers want to know what Timmy Turner did on Sunday!).

When the first round of edits has come back to you, and you’re sure of the direction the book is taking, you can start looking for a cover designer and/or illustrator. Again, you need a professional so your book covers don’t look like they were made by a kindergartner.

I could go on and on, but you get the idea. Educate yourself about every step involved in the process and then when you’ve got everything done and published, then constantly and consistently market your little butt off!

9. Your hobbies?

I enjoy listening to music, I like reading and I love evening walks.

10. Your social media handles?

 Twitter: https://twitter.com/the_ayodimeji1?s=21

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theayodimeji/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_ayodimeji1?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

By MAXWELL KAMAU AND JOE MWANGI.

The bluestar insider.

Antony Achayo, a prolific writer, leader and a passionate lad about politics

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For the avoidance of doubt, who is Anthony Achayo?

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Anthony Odhiambo Achayo is a 22-year-old lad from Rarieda constituency, Siaya county. He’s a third-year student from Rongo University currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Communication and Media Studies.

What was growing up like?

Life was tolerable. I can’t whine or complain because my parents played their responsibilities well by demonstrating to me their unconditional love and support. My smile today is a reflection of their nice work!

You are now the acting General Representative in the school of Information, Communication, and Media Studies (INFOCOMS) at Rongo University. What inspired you to venture into such a lucrative position?

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(Laughs). Having been in the school of INFOCOMS for the last year, I spotted some gaps that needed to be filled with someone who had a great passion for what the school majored in, that is, journalism. I felt that if the students got a chance to be led by such an individual then their welfare shall be well catered for. And without fear, I want to create and seal permanently my legacy.

What are some of your main roles?

As a general representative, my fundamental role is to make sure that our student’s welfare is well catered for. I also act as the intermediary between the students and the administration. My other role is to represent my school in the RUSA congress.

Describe your leadership style.

I enjoy sitting down with my fellow students whom I represent to get their opinions after which we discuss vividly how solutions can be reached.

What common challenges are leaders likely to encounter while in the line of duty? And how best can one overcome them?

Well, misunderstanding between the leaders and students is one of the major challenges that we experience. Therefore, we need to create ample time and understand one another for successful leadership.

You are also an incredible scribbler with several bylines in politics, business, lifestyle, and education. Tell us more about your writing journey.

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Writing has been my passion since primary school. In my first year at the university, I experienced a greater transformation as far as writing is concerned when I met Mr. Jackson Ngari — a fellow communication student and a freelancer. Jack as most of the students calls him, mentored me in article writing for both online and print media. In the beginning, we joined hands with other three prolific writers to produce our first ever article which was published on one of the leading websites. That motivated me and today I am a renowned writer for major mainstream publications under the sun.

Larry McEnerney, a former program director at the University of Chicago’s Writing Program once said that writing is not all about conveying your ideas to the readers; it is about changing their ideas. How do you achieve that as a writer?

I always achieve this through writing on matters that I am very conversant with hence this enables me to write without limit and through this, I easily change my reader’s perception of the world.

Photo by Lisa Fotios on Pexels.com

Writing has indeed introduced you to innumerable opportunities. Share with us your latest grab.

Writing has unlocked for me uncountable doors. An essay competition that was organized by Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) offered me the chance to attend a four-day seminar at The Kenya School of Government, Nairobi. It was an honor and I felt motivated to pursue more and more.

On 11th June 2021 your article titled, “A free press means a more society; let media freedom reign” was published in the Daily Nation newspaper, and you were defending the freedom of journalists. How has the freedom of the press been undermined in the country? And what needs to be done to ensure that media freedom reigns forever?

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Press freedom has been majorly undermined by those in power and even the general public has on several occasions been denying our journalists access to news sources. Journalists face violence and intimidation for exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of expression. The range of threats they are confronted to include murder, kidnapping, hostage-taking, offline and online harassment, intimidation, enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention, and torture. A free press benefits all of us because it informs citizens, contributing to a people’s pool of knowledge. It also provides citizens with a means of calling attention to violations of their rights. So journalists should be left free to do their job as long as they abide by the code of conduct for the practice of journalism.

As a leader and an avid writer, who has been your source of strength and inspiration?

Whoever has always been there to motivate me to keep on pressing stands to be my source of strength and inspiration to me.

Tell us the happiest day in your life so far.

The day my first article; ” How radio Maisha fired up my interest in journalism” was published in the Standard newspaper.

What about your most embarrassing moments?

(Laughs). Not really, I have never experienced any embarrassing moments because I am always keen on all my moves.

How do you spend your weekends?

Since I am a writer, I normally spend most of my weekends reading books and doing research for any of my upcoming feature stories. I am also an ingrained melophile, meaning the music is the soundtrack of my life.

Any advice to your fellow youths outta there?

Do whatever you are doing with a lot of passion when the opportunity shows up.

The blue star insider

BY MAXWELL KAMAU

Jackson Ngari: I Believe In The Transformative Power Of Story Telling

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Could you introduce yourself to the Netizens?

My name is Jackson Ngari, a student pursuing an undergraduate degree in Communication and Media Studies at Rongo University. For the past two years, I have dedicated my time seeking and sharing untold stories of Kenya with a hope to improve the plight of my fellow youth men. 

I believe in the transformative power of storytelling. A proud demisexual, deputy parent and a Podcaster.

What sense are you trying to bring out by calling yourself a deputy parent?

Being a deputy parent, I mean, every firstborn kid knows this, you become a second parent to your siblings. You become a caretaker when the parents aren’t around. Sometimes, you cancel your plans just to babysit–Which is the worst thing ever. You have to sacrifice getting some of the things to make sure that your siblings have them first like getting clothes, they should have them first and you have to be the understanding one. Every little thing should be done for them before us. Sometimes, it means going through the whole day hungry, just to make sure your siblings are well fed. You have to defend them everyday even when they’re getting out the right path, be their emotional supporter. Be that sister or brother that they can rely on and love more than anything in this world.

You ameliorate the the plight of your fellow youth men through seeking and sharing their untold stories. In which constructive ways do you share your tales, through podcasting?

If podcasting has taught me a thing, it’s that everyone has a story and I love to share them. But honestly, storytelling has always been a big part of the society. So when it comes to telling tales or rather banters, I’d usually go with podcasting. In podcasting, I use stories to talk about real issues and real lives. There’s lots of positives to sharing your story and, depending on what you’re cool with, there are many different ways to do it. Every story shared is a chance to make someone feel less alone.

Most of your up-building and transformative articles have been making an appearance on different magazines like Radiant Magazine, Campus Vines and Students Magazine. What pushed you to venture into writting and start fighting for the welfare of youths?

Haha! Writing is a passion, it can’t be chosen. It just pushes you to the edge and when you try to resist it, it becomes even mightier and throws you into precipitate. Some people, like me didn’t have a choice. Overall, writing is a way for me personally to convey stories, news because I’m taking Journalism, experiences, thoughts and actions are better than anything else.

And why only the youths?

Indeed, youth represent vibes, energy and take around
75% of our population, are very creative and innovative and should be beacons of hope that should always fight for the community at all times.

As one of the prolific writter and an outonomous podcaster we have so far in Kenya, which other main roles do you play in society apart from addressing matters affecting youths? And how do you balance the roles?

Well, for the prosperity and betterment of our society and as a student, I usually get involved with discussions and community works like communal cleanings, etcetera. Therefore, young men and women of all ages and proffesions should do their best to serve the society. Balancing the roles is even much easier– I usually plot or set some working hours and stick to them.

You’re also a champion of mental health. You recently wrote and managed to publish an educative article that appeared on the Daily Nation newspaper concerning it. Share with us some light about mental health and how society has been affected.

You see, what I do is that; I create personal and meaningful ways to help raise awareness of support evidence-informed education on teen depression and suicide prevention. I’m very determined in making sure that no young person ever feels alone in their depression or in their darkest days.

As a torchbearer, you’ve been illuminating all the dark areas of concern in society for the past two years through storytelling and from it, some of the societal problems are believed to have been solved. Which other specific areas do you also like talking most about may it either be in written form or the podcast that you do?

I pay attention to people’s personalities, their cries for help, their opinions, their beliefs, what they want and put solutions to their problems out there both in writing and podcasting. I enjoy putting up a smile on someone’s face.

Do you live believing that what you deliver to readers and those listening to you have got massive impact on their lives?

Yes, of course, the grand responses I get from friends is what that keeps me sailing.

What are some of the greatest achievements you have made so far as far as communication and media studies is concerned?

I’m the founder of podcast dubbed ‘4_reigners’. I got to sign in three of my best-talented friends and we’re currently doing well. I have been recognized by the @Number One podcast in the Country (No Name Podcast Ke). Also, some weeks ago I was verified by Twitter. It really doubled my glee.

Being a baptized christian, I know Bible means a lot to you. Which nourishing verse do you find it best and keeps you doing the most?

Isaiah:60.22 which says, ” The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am the LORD; in its time I will do this swiftly.”

What are your aspirations this year?

Just a favourable 2022. We shoot those shots and make new entries into places we never dreamt of.

Blue Star Insider

By MAXWELL KAMAU

In Every Positive Step There Is Greatness – Benjamin Barasa.

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Could you introduce yourself to Netizens?

My real name is Benjamin Barasa. I am 20 year old, a Kenyan by birth and my artistic name is Generic 1990, a real poet with zeal. I am also a second year student at Rongo University taking a degree course  in Human Resource management. 

Why tagging yourself as Generic 1990? Share with us the chemistry behind such a unique stage name.

Generic basically means a typical name that does not give a specific description of something but rather describes and looks at that thing as a whole. Therefore, in relation to that, I chose to call myself Generic because poetry is meant to impact positively all the diverse groups of people worldwide and rather not a specific group. Then I chose this digits 1990 which actually according to me is a year, the 90s in general. Main reason for choosing the year was because poetry is ancient, it didn’t start yesterday. Therefore, it is old enough to give us the best motivation and solution to deal with any emerging situation. So the picture I wanted to bring out in ‘1990’ is that poery is old and old is gold .

What was growing up like?

Growing up was cool especially being brought up in a family that embraced christianity and really held a great value in societal norms and virtues. As we all know that God is the giver of talent, I think he built it further because I always lived to pray and praise him. But as they say, there’s no good that has no bad. Our family was not that well off but atleast we afforded good nutrition. I am happy to be alive today and kicking writing about myself.

When did you start doing poetry?

I buckled down on poetry seriously when I was in highschool, that is from 2015 onwards. Actually before that, I already counted myself a poet but never really had a go for it. I guess maybe I was still growing up so as to know more. On top of that, Ralph Waldo Emerson says, every artist was fist an amateur.

What does Arts and Culture mean to you?

According to me, Art is the most powerful non-living thing. This is because of its ability to influence and inspire. Art enables us find ourselves and loose ourselves at the same time, isn’t that powerful? Yes it is! Culture is the mother of art, through culture we can be able to express ourselves in an artistic dimension.

As a poet, you’ve done a number of pieces. Which is your most favorite poem, so far and why?

There is this piece I have termed ” Medussa “. It’s a romantic piece actually and the reason as to why I am in love with it, is that the girl—Medussa was in my dream, so I decided to paint it down. Though the piece is short, but it really has the words required. I even went to an extend of doing a performance on the piece.

Some claim that writing a poem got to be hard. What’s your thought on that?

First of all, we all know that there is no mountain that got no climb, but the climb can be easier if the necessary effort is applied. This is the same with poetry, if you accept that you are a poet and you are ready to talk poetry and apply what is needed of you with passion then probably words will just flow. Writing a poem is not hard but giving the poem its self interpretation is what is hard. I think that is my self invented sensible Saying.

Which specific areas do you like writting most?

Sometimes I term myself as poet of dark and light because I write all round but I majorly write on current affairs in relation to the modern society, romance and mystery.

Poetry is said to have the power to impact people in society positively. What can you say about that?

That is true. Poetry gives the society an inner eye to perceive a situation as any other calamity that can be dealt with in the easiest way possible. A well delivered poem has the power to transform a serial killer to a serial killer dealer, wiping clean all vice in the society.

Many poets are said to have drawn their inspirations from different valuable sources. Where do you draw yours from?

Mostly I draw my inspiration from my real life experiences. They drive me to better myself, to give myself the best image the mirror will ever reflect. Ancient poets like William Shakespeare and Pablo Neruda have also inspired me a lot.

How is God blowing up your mind lately?

Honestly, God has been the producer throughout, giving me the ability to create those wise rhyming lines and plant them down on paper. All credit goes to HIM.

Tell us what happened on a day you’ll never forget in your life.

I am still growing so I think I am still young and open enough to encounter more experiences that will act as my eternal remembrance. But for now I think the day I will receive the most noble and precious award for poetry honestly, will be the day I will live never to forget.

What best advice have you ever received from your parents/guardians in regards to the poetry you’re doing?

The most powerful breathing words I have ever received are from my little sister. She said, ” You are the  best poet I know, with that ability inside you I am sure the world will look at you with a smiling face.” Those are the words that inspire me to do more and to add up to the little that am doing. 

What next big thing should we anticipate from Generic 1990?

I always say, in every positive step there is greatness, so expect greatness from this Penner—Generic 1990.

The blue star insider.

Generic 1990.

By MAXWELL KAMAU

Mwasingo Gift, A multi-talented Lad, Shares His Experience About The World Of Podcasting

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Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a 22-year-old male from Voi, Taita Taveta County. Goes to Rongo University, Migori. Currently in second year, taking a degree course in Bachelor of Science Communication and Public Relations.

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