‘How I published 5 books during lockdown’

Eighteen-year-old David Toluwalase Ojapinwa finished secondary school in 2019 and took writing seriously until the COVID-19 lockdown across the country.

During that period, he completed and published five books namely ‘The Fugitive’, ‘The Ultimate Countdown’, ‘Forgiveness for Vengeance’, ‘The Pandemic’ and ‘The Throne’. In this interview he talks about how he achieved this feat and more. Excerpts:

Bookshelf: You began writing prose fiction after you finished secondary school last year and succeeded in completing and publishing five books during the COVID-19 lockdown. How were you able to achieve this?

David Toluwalase Ojapinwa: I intend to study Medicine and Surgery in the University of Maiduguri. So, while waiting for admission, I finished my first manuscript and gave it to an editor and several others for feedback. This leap of success stimulated me into writing the other four books.

I get motivated by reading a wide range of books because it challenges me. I nursed the idea of being a writer from secondary school when I spent time reading without writing.

Also, I usually finish one manuscript before going to another. This keeps me focused. I wrote ‘The Fugitive’ from June to August 2019, ‘The Ultimate Countdown around October 2019 and finished early January 2020. ‘Forgiveness for Vengeance’ was in March 2020. ‘The Pandemic’ and ‘The Throne’ was completed in July.

Bookshelf: Do you tailor your writing style to that of a particular author?

Ojapinwa: No. Every author has his or her style and no author should necessarily adapt another’s style. Like I said, I get my inspiration from the books I read. But above all, I get my inspiration from God and write as it comes.

Bookshelf: What informs the characters you build in your stories?

Ojapinwa: When I think of my characters, I usually look at the basic attributes I wish to have and the negative ones I don’t wish to have.

Bookshelf: How do you approach writing?

Ojapinwa: I start with a central idea. But as I keep writing I get more ideas until the main idea of the story is enriched.

I write mostly at night because I don’t want anything to interfere with my writing. My parents are very supportive so there is no distraction from them.

Generally, my family motivates me a lot and I am privileged to have a father who is also a writer. In addition, music motivates me. Whenever I listen to a particular song, I get inspired.

Bookshelf: What challenges did you face while writing?

Ojapinwa: I didn’t struggle to write. But the one work that took me the longest time was ‘The Ultimate Countdown’. It took me a longer time to publish because it is voluminous. Also, tying the knots in the ending was challenging, but I later succeeded.

Bookshelf: How do you intend to market your books?

Ojapinwa: I intend to do so by creating awareness. I have been invited to radio stations to talk about my work books. Social media is another tool. I believe a combination of these channels can get the books to readers. I am also a member of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Plateau State chapter.

Bookshelf: How would you say being a member of ANA has helped you grow as a writer?

Ojapinwa: It’s always a privilege to meet with other authors, especially those who are already established. It gives me the needed network to reach a larger audience with my work and, hopefully, get where other great writers are. To be part of a literary society is essential for every writer.

Bookshelf: Where do you see your writing career in the near future?

Ojapinwa: In five years’ time I hope my books will go around Nigeria and even beyond. I also want to write an academic work. My focus in the next five years, generally, is to have the world read what I have written. I intend to release more books because there are some that are unpublished.