- Who are you?
 I am Basheer Luqman Olarewaju. I am glad to be here I was born and raised in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. I attended Jamaatul Soliheenah Nursery and Primary School; Government Day Secondary School Alore, Ilorin; a year stint at Kwara State Polytechnic (where I was studying Science Laboratory Technology) and I had my first degree from University of Ilorin, Nigeria (where I studied Physiology).
- Who inspired you into Writing?
I’ve been inspired by many authors, both past and present, but one of the most impactful moments in my writing journey was when a senior colleague responded to my congratulations on his success in a national essay contest with a rather discouraging remark. He said, “You could never place in the top ten because you struggled to even compose a paragraph message to express yourself.” While this could have been demoralizing, I took it as a challenge. Since then, I’ve been writing every day to hone my skills, and eventually, I won first place in the following year’s contest. This experience taught me …that even the harshest criticisms can be turned into opportunities for growth. In fact, I’m grateful to my colleague for inspiring me to improve my writing through his blunt feedback. It’s amazing what we can achieve when we turn challenges into opportunities for self-improvement!
- What are the challenges you faced writing your book?
I know that being a writer is not always easy, but it’s something I’m passionate about and committed to. Even when I face challenges like writer’s block or time constraints, I do my best to keep writing and find inspiration in my everyday life. I truly appreciate the support and feedback from my readers, and I’m always striving to improve my craft. Thank you for reading my work and supporting my journey as a writer!
- Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years, I see myself as a more experienced and accomplished writer. I envision myself with multiple published works, a loyal and engaged fan base, and a thriving career as an author. I plan to continue honing my craft and exploring new genres and styles of writing, while also finding ways to connect with readers on a deeper level. I’m excited to see where my writing journey takes me in the next decade!
- Do Africans love your craft?
It’s always a pleasure to hear from readers around the world, especially from readers in Africa. I’ve been so humbled and inspired by the feedback I’ve received from African readers, who have shared with me how much they enjoy my writing and how it resonates with their own experiences. It means the world to me to know that my words are making a difference in people’s lives, and I hope to continue reaching more readers in Africa and beyond.
- What are your inspirations?
My inspirations as a writer are many and varied. I draw inspiration firstly from Holy Quran/Hadith, and from the work of other writers, such as John C. Maxwell, Dale Carnegie, Simbo Olorunfemi, Bolaji Abdullahi, and Chinua Achebe, who have influenced me with their powerful and thought-provoking writing. I also find inspiration in everyday life, from the people I meet and the places I go, to the stories and experiences that shape my perspective. All of these things contribute to my craft and help me to create meaningful and impactful stories.
- How do you deal with fans?
I’m so grateful for the support of my fans and readers. I always try to approach my interactions with them with kindness, respect, and authenticity. I appreciate the feedback I receive and take it to heart, while also trying to maintain my own creative vision and voice. I also try to stay approachable and down-to-earth, as I believe that this helps me to connect with my readers in a meaningful way. Ultimately, my goal is to create a positive and welcoming community of readers who are engaged with my work and each other.
- Your word of advice to upcoming writers?
My advice for up and coming writers is to stay true to your own voice and vision. Don’t try to be someone else or write what you think others want to read – instead, focus on what you want to say and how you want to say it. Also, remember to be patient and persistent – success doesn’t happen overnight, and it takes time and effort to hone your craft. Most importantly, never stop learning and growing as a writer. Seek out new experiences and perspectives that can inform your work, and keep reading and writing as much as you can.
- Last Word?
Thank you so much for having me today and for your interest in my work. I hope that my words have been helpful and inspiring. I wish you all the best in your writing journey and I hope to connect with you again soon. Until then, keep writing, keep learning, and above all, keep believing in yourself and your abilities. You have what it takes to create something beautiful and meaningful, so don’t ever give up on your dreams!
