The 'Meet' Series will be a chance for me to interview authors, publishers, book cover designers (really anyone I would love to meet) that is involved with African literature. I've been lucky enough this year to have 'met' Chibundu Onuzo and Sue Nyathi, and I am very fortunate to announce the third person in the 'Meet' Series is Tolulope Popoola. Her debut novel, Nothing Comes Close was a joy to read, and she was such a lovely person when we met at her book launch, so obviously I was really happy when she agreed to be interviewed. Enjoy!
Can you tell us a
little bit about yourself (where you’re from, what you do, interests and
hobbies, any fun details)
My name is Tolulope
Popoola, I was born in the 80s, I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria in a family where
reading and academic pursuits were positively encouraged. As a child, I was a
real bookworm; the introvert who preferred staying at home reading to going out
and partying. I left Nigeria for the UK in 2000 for my university education. I
studied Accounting and Business Economics for my first degree, and after a year
in the workplace, I went on to gain a Masters in Finance and Investment. In
between all those trips to the library to study at university, I met my husband
(smiles) and we got married in 2005. One day, a light bulb went off in my head
and I realised I was in the wrong career. I left Accounting in 2008 to become a
full-time writer.
What was the first
piece you ever wrote?
I remember writing
stories that I made up back in Primary 2. Does that count? The first proper
story I wrote was a short story titled “Wrong Blogger Connection” which was
part real and part fiction. I think it’s still on my blog.
What draws you to
writing?
I express my thoughts better when I write them down. Growing
up I always kept a journal, and writing was my therapy when I was going through
the angst-filled teenage years. Writing helps me to sort through my thoughts
and emotions.
What do you do when
you are not writing?
Other things that are necessary like eating, sleeping,
reading and maintaining my relationships.
On Nothing Comes
Close
Romance as a genre in
African fiction has been seen an increasing demand. What draws you to this
genre and in turn to write a romance novel for your first novel?
I wanted to write a
story that most people can identify with. Relationships are one area of life
that every adult has to deal with - we’re either searching for the right person
to be with, or trying to make the best of our current status. Love is a
universal language, finding love is not always easy and overcoming challenges
always makes a good story, so I put those situations together to weave the
story.
Your characters were
relatable and seemed to come to life off the page. Are they based on real
people?
No, they are not exactly based on real people, but I know
people who have similar characteristics to each of the main characters. I would
love having a friend like Lola.
One thing I loved
about the novel was its unpredictability. It wasn’t the typical
‘boy-meets-girl’ love story I was expecting. Was it your intention add these
twists to your story?
Yes I wanted a story that was very realistic as well as
unpredictable, so I didn’t try to stick with the “formula” for a typical
romantic story.
What was your
favourite chapter (or part) to write and why?
I enjoyed writing the
last two chapters where a lot of the loose strands of the story came together,
and some secrets were revealed.
