Wole Adedoyin interviews Olasumbo Comfort Adeogun: My Writing is Deeply Inspired by My Love for Nature, Beauty, Life Experiences, and Interactions with People

WA: WHEN DID YOUR WRITING JOURNEY BEGIN?
SUMBO: My writing journey began in higher education. Before then, I had a passion for writing, but it was in the higher institution that I truly excelled. I often wrote poems and articles, posting them on the notice board for other students to read and comment on. Over time, my interest shifted to prose writing. I regularly submitted my poems and articles to my department and other departments for publication in the school magazine. Every time I was asked to contribute, I felt immense joy because writing brings me great happiness.

WA: WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT WRITING?
SUMBO: I am most excited when I see a piece of writing because of its originality, message, and style.

WA: WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE WRITERS AND WHY?
SUMBO: My favorite writers are Prof. Wole Soyinka, Prof. Niyi Osundare, and Chimamanda Adichie. These remarkable individuals are my favorites because they exhibit a sense of humor, uniqueness in their work, and are national icons.

WA: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR NEW WRITERS STARTING OUT?
SUMBO: My advice to new writers is not to rush. A rolling stone gathers no moss. In other words, take the time to develop your craft to achieve the best results.

WA: WHAT INSPIRES YOUR WRITING?
SUMBO: My love for nature, beauty, life experiences, and interactions with people greatly inspire my writing.

WA: WHAT IS YOUR WRITING ROUTINE?
SUMBO: My writing routine usually takes place in the early hours of the day or sometimes in the evening. I have a small office I created in my room where I do most of my writing.

WA: WHY DID YOU START WRITING?
SUMBO: I started writing during my first year in higher education out of my love for humanity and as a way of giving back to society.

WA: WHAT WAS THE FIRST PIECE YOU EVER PUBLISHED?
SUMBO: The first piece I ever published was titled "Time."

WA: DO YOU ENJOY WRITING?
SUMBO: Yes, I do.

WA: HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU STARTED SHARING YOUR WRITING WITH THE WORLD?
SUMBO: I felt on top of the world when I started sharing my writing because it's one thing to write and another to realize that the world is reading your work.

WA: WHERE DO YOUR IDEAS COME FROM?
SUMBO: My ideas come from the books I read, inspiration, and my experiences.

WA: HOW DID YOU FIND YOUR PUBLISHER?
SUMBO: I found my publisher through the Association of Nigerian Authors, Oyo State chapter.

WA: HOW DO AUDIENCES RESPOND TO YOUR WORK?
SUMBO: The responses I receive from audiences are usually encouraging.

WA: WHERE CAN PEOPLE FIND MORE ABOUT YOU?
SUMBO: People can find more about me on Facebook (Olasumbo Adeogun) and Instagram (adeogun.olasumbo).

WA: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR DEDICATED WRITERS?
SUMBO: Dedicated writers should stay connected to God, stay focused, work hard, have fun, learn continuously, and love people.

WA: WHAT ARE TYPICAL MISTAKES NEW WRITERS MAKE?
SUMBO: A typical mistake new writers make is thinking they know it all because they have access to information on their smartphones. Mentorship is crucial and should not be overlooked.

WA: WHAT IS YOUR MOST ENJOYABLE BOOK TO WRITE?
SUMBO: My most enjoyable book to write is "Songs of a Maiden," a collection of poems.

WA: WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST PUBLISHED BOOK?
SUMBO: My first published book was "Songs of a Maiden." The journey began last July when I sent the manuscript to my editor and sought funding for publication. Shortly after, I submitted a business proposal and was selected as a beneficiary of a grant. This allowed me to fund the publication, and the rest is history.

WA: WHAT IS THE KEY THEME IN YOUR BOOK?
SUMBO: The key theme in my book is 'LOVE,' the greatest of all.

WA: WHERE CAN PEOPLE FIND MORE ABOUT YOU?
SUMBO: You can find more about me on:

• Facebook: Olasumbo Adeogun

• Instagram: adeogun.olasumbo
  

  Olasumbo Comfort Adeogun, a native of Abeokuta in Ogun State, is a trained teacher and special educator who graduated from the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo. As a teenager, she actively volunteered with the Educare Trust NGO and served as a peer educator for the Association for Representative and Family Health (ARFH). She is a proud member of the International Women Writing Guild and currently serves as the Treasurer for the Oyo State Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA). Her poetic works have been featured in various local and international anthologies, including "J.J. Rawlings: Memories and Mementos," "An Anthology in Memory of Chinua Achebe," and "ANA@40." Her debut book, "Songs of a Maiden," is a collection of poems that seeks to convey the true beauty of life, instill hope, and explore the realities we all face, driven by her passionate desire to make a positive impact on the world. In this interview with Wole Adedoyin, she talks about her work and her passion for writing.