Skip to main content

On writing...

I never really formally introduced myself on this blog.

Ok, here goes. My given name is Oluyemisi Olotu and I am a writer. I wrote a novel in 2000 which I self published called Vision: a plain ole love story. Those who loved it loved it, those who hated it, hated it. I am not good at self promotion so I really didn't sell many copies of the book.

My life's mission is to help people live better lives. So vague, I know. I realized that writing wouldn't help bring that to life so I returned to my derailed path of medicine and became a pediatrician. I thought that I could be like William Carlos Williams  and continue writing, I planned to resume my now defunct online web magazine (bostonchile) but make it Worcester based. Ha! The joke was on me, Medicine is a jealous mistress, so to succeed, I had to put away my writing. Creativity though can never be put away, it just flows into another form. In my case, it became interior design, clothing, and indoor gardening.

I gave my time to medicine but occasionally I would pick up the pen and write. Most of the time though I would read a lot of Nigerian based online blogs and newspapers. During one such time in 2005 or so, I saw a letter to an advice columnist that stuck with me, and it has now become the basis of my next novel.

Sigh. I struggle with writing it daily, and I will pick it up and put it down for months, years on end. This year I am committed to finishing a very very rough draft. Of course, being my usual ambitious self, I have decided to set this story in 2005 (because it spans 7 years), Lagos, Ibadan and Miami. So much for write what you know, huh? One thing I am realizing as I travel back in time is that communication technology has grown in leaps and bounds over the last 7 years. I think Skype had just come out in 2005, right? And per my cousin the BB rage didn't hit Naija until 2009 or so. Since these two items were initially going to figure prominently in my story, I had to hastily reconfigure my brain and try again.

Sigh. Be that as it may, I am happy because when I do finally sit down and write, I feel so amazing afterwards. So even if no one ever sees this book, I plan to enjoy the process of writing it.

Off to work!





Comments

Popular posts from this blog

And the photos!

 My crazy looking art project. Retry! The curtains. Ignore the unevenness. I have a problem with straight lines. Before After. Need more stuffing! Problem Child! Don't know why the wood wouldn't fit. Will have to try again.  So going over my bed. So excited about it! No clue where to put this. Too small for over the tv.

Ojo Monday

As I opened  blogger to write a post, the song ojo Monday jumped to my head. I mourned my unbacked up and crashed ibook immediately. I have so much music that I've lost. I haven't heard that song since 200something. I didn't even remember who did it which is a damn shame cos am a Fela stan. Anyway, rushed to Youtube to find it. They didn't have it, but there is a band called Ogun Afrobeat that did a pretty decent cover considering they don't even speak the language. Turned out it's called by its English name: Monday morning in Lagos: Anyway, all that to say it's Ojo Wednesday and I hope I survive. I worked out yesterday with my trainer. My arms are looking nice per him and me. Am still a bit weak though as in, I don't have much stamina for certain exercises. Anyway, time is already fast spent. I have to go for my jog and yet again I didn't edit my playlist. Why do i procrastinate so! PS. Turns out that I do have that song, must have bac...

Cravings

@HGTV.com A tray of succulents as a centerpiece on my countertop or future dining table @1stdibs.com My future dining table This set of silverware from CB2 Amazon.com Some nice crystal pulls for my bedside table A herb garden. Mine, circa 2009 Miami.