We are excited to feature Wunmi Falodun on today’s #WriterSpotlight. Wunmi is a bundle of talents and she is excelling in all that she’s involved in. She’s a nurse, social entrepreneur and an amazing writer. Since she wrote her first book to share lessons from her experience after loosing her mom, her writing has only become better.
You will love her interview with us.
Hello Wunmi, please introduce yourself.
I am ‘Wunmi Falodun, a social entrepreneur, a publisher and the founder of a non-governmental organization called Mylivinghope, which reaches out to people from different walks of life with the message of grace and hope, by sharing real life stories of encouragement, embarking on outreaches to orphanages, indigent children, as well as reaching out to teenagers across schools. I am a registered nurse who holds a first degree and a masters’ degree in Nursing Science: Community/Public Health Nursing.
Why did you choose to write or what led you to writing?
I started reading books at a very young age. I enjoy reading a whole lot. This helped me fall in love with words and writing. As a child, I desired to change and impart my world through writing. This led me to blogging about real life issues that brings hope and encouragement to my readers. My first book was written based on what I experienced during my early days, by losing my mother at a tender age. I shared the real life lessons I’ve been privileged to learn so far.
As a publisher what advice would you give to any writer seeking to get his work published?
Those seeking to get their work(s) published should be determined and deliberate about it and not give up. The first step to starting anything is to start. Know exactly what you want and don’t settle for less. Ensure also that your work is concrete, genuine and up to standard. Your sole purpose should be to bring about a desired change and to add to knowledge. Every other thing is secondary. Learn to ask questions, plenty of questions. The bulk of what I know, and what helped me was acquired through asking questions. If you don’t ask the right questions, you will most definitely get yourself shortchanged. Information is vital. Lastly, learn to adequately network and work with credible people, as the ability to leverage on relationships is capable of opening certain doors.
What would you say is the biggest challenge facing the publishing industry?
The present Nigerian economy to a large extent does not support publishing. A lot of people do not actually make adequate profit from publishing and this make some people see publishing their work as a waste of time and energy.
How has the acceptance for your book, ‘My heart found answers’ been?
It’s been humbling and awesome. The feedback has been amazing. Quite a lot of people could relate with the book and the real life lessons. The book has also traveled far and wide, even to places I have never been to.
Where is the weirdest place you have ever gotten inspiration from?
Most times, it’s on the bus whilst travelling. At other times, in the shower.
How rewarding has writing been for you?
It’s been so rewarding, it isn’t just about profit but the influence and impact. People I don’t know walk up to me or call to say they’re blessed by something I have written. I get to consult for quite a number of people because of my writing and some speaking engagements too.
What’s the worst thing anyone has said about your article or book?
Someone once complained that his copy of the book was not properly bound and the book gave way.
Will you ever retire from writing?
No way!
What are your thoughts about the reading culture in Nigeria?
It’s gradually improving. Gone are the days when it was said that Nigerians had a poor reading culture. These days, they are a lot of brilliant and articulate materials and articles all over the place. We can only hope that this continues to get better.
What do you do in your leisure time?
I try as much as possible to sleep, I don’t joke with my sleep. Though I don’t get to sleep so much most times. I also play with kids, I find it highly refreshing.
Why do you think writers are not well-recognized in Nigeria?
The quality of an individual’s work is what brings credibility to such a person. A lot of Nigerian writers are not so thorough with their works and this could be a major turn off. We are also gradually getting to that point as a country where writing is taken seriously.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Never doubt your abilities but learn to delegate.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
JERUSALEM!!!! I’d love to see those things I’ve read in the bible and have a firsthand experience.
Any last words for upcoming writers?
Keep writing, don’t relent. Be yourself, don’t be tempted to compare yourself to another writer, you are uniquely different. Consistently carve a niche for yourself and keep being inspired. Don’t let failures derail you.
What is your ultimate dream as a writer?
To shine my light all over the world and restore hope to generations.
