We just love the writers we feature on our #WriterSpotlight series.
Today we are sharing the story of Omotayo who started writing when he was in JSS2. He was told that his articles will never amount to anything but today, his work has been featured on various platforms online.
Want to find out his ultimate goal as a writer? Keep reading.🙂
Hello, please introduce yourself.
My name is Omotayo Sobayo. I’m currently in my third year studying Computer Science at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta popularly known as FUNAAB. I’m a blogger, spoken word poet and I do a bit of graphic design.
You are a student, writer and graphics designer. How have you been able to combine all these abilities?
Honestly, I must admit it has not been easy combining the three and that’s where determination comes in. I try to set my priorities right and make sure none is left deficient. It also deals with time management which I’ve come to learn a lot about.
Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?
No, I never even gave it the thought when I was younger. But here I am, being interviewed as a writer. Life can sometimes be ironical.
How did you discover your writing ability?
It all started when I was in JSS2. There was this boy in my class who loved to write novels and draw comics. Although I could not draw, I decided I could follow the writing path just like he did. So I asked for his advice, and he never hesitated to put me through. I recall that the name of my first book was ‘Vampire Slayers’. Since then, I’ve never relented in writing. I’ve written numerous articles and poems which have been published on websites, blogs and magazines. It has evoked an unending spark of passion in me.
What’s the worst thing anyone has said about your article?
That was when a friend said: “Your articles will never amount to anything.”
Has there been any time you wanted to quit writing?
Oh yes. I’ve wanted to give up several times and end my contract with writing. It’s not so easy. It’s hard to let go of something that has come to stay with you. There are days I feel I should get involved in something more productive and that writing isn’t cut out for me. There are also times one puts in so much effort into an article or poem and then no one compliments the work.
What lessons have you learnt from blogging?
I can sum it all up in a sentence: NEVER BORE YOUR READERS.
What do you do in your leisure time?
I watch TEDx videos, read, surf the net for writing, technology and business information.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Time waits for no one. Acquire as much knowledge as you can and use it in imparting your environment. In other words, discover purpose early enough.
Do you have a writing mentor?
No, I don’t. But I look up to Suli Breaks in my Spoken Word poetry field.
What would you say is your ultimate dream as a writer?
Hmnn…That would be to write an article or book that would grant me the opportunity of winning a Nobel Prize in Literature.
Do you consider writing as work or pleasure and why?
Right now, it’s all pleasure to me. But if it presents itself as work, I wouldn’t hesitate to plunge into it.
Any last words for upcoming writers especially those who want to become freelancers?
The road to a successful writing career is not an easy one. You can make it if you keep your pens busy and your muse flowing continually.