Username: tamunosakiogaree

Real Name:

Tamunosaki Best Ogaree

Where are you from?

Rivers State, Nigeria, West Africa.

When did you start writing?

My earliest memories of writing would be from primary school, when I was about 8 years old. I would write cliche stories like: the magic broom, the wicked stepmother, etc. It was a hit amongst my peers but of course 8 year olds don't have the most finesse taste in literature.

Why do you like to write?

I believe stories have the ability to create whatever the writer wants to create. Our whole existence is defined by stories so will our end. So I tell stories with the intent of driving the reader into seeing the world through my eyes..

Is English your mother tongue? If not, what is?

English is my L1 although my parents are indigenous Nigerians and speak many of our cultural languages like Kalabari, Ijaw and Yoruba.

How did you find out about Wattpad?

I was looking for a site to publish my book and it popped up in my Google search.

How long have you been using Wattpad?

I opened the account in 2016 but I have been active since March this year.

Are there moments that have inspired you to write?

When my childhood friend died from sickle cell disease, that Inspired me to write my first story The Void Between Hearts. Other moments would be when my father passed away and when I wrote a poem collection that my family loved.

Does your culture affect your writing in anyway?

It does. A lot of things about my culture is influenced by my religion which is christianity and many times they're not exactly full of liberty, which is something I find fiction to provide. So when I write young adult fiction with the consciousness of my culture I try to find a balance which is not always easy because teens will be teens and they're bound to do teenage things regardless of the rules.

Are you a night owl or an early bird?

I can stay up really late, up until 4 or 5AM and I can wake up just as early. I'm a medical student so versatility is part of our training.

What are the problems you face when you are writing?

I recently had to write a sex scene for my book and I faced a lot of internal struggles. Personally I'm not of that mind frame of experimenting with sex before marriage but that book is not for me or about me so I had to tell the story the way it had to be told.

Another problem would be the stories I always have in my head. At times it's like a traffic jam up there and it becomes a struggle trying to complete one. So far though, I have a coping mechanism that is working fine.

How much time do you take to write a chapter?

If I'm pumped it would take an hour at most otherwise it could extend up to a day or more.

Do you research things before writing? If so, what are the sites you use (if you're willing to share)?

I do. If the plot depends upon something I do not know about, I make extensive research. I use Google and YouTube and some times I send private messages to people who have experienced those things. In my ongoing book my main characters are currently on a vacation to Maasai Mara, Zanzibar, Venice, Santorini and Taj Mahal. I have never been to any of those places so I do a ton of research to get my facts right.

Do you listen to music while writing? Do you have any playlists for writing?

I do. I have a playlist titled Writing Booze.

What does writing mean to you?

It's the only thing I'll probably do till I die that and writing music

What's your happiest moment, in regards to writing ?

When I decided on how my story was going to end. I had come up with a thousand different endings but when I found the real one I shed some sad-happy tears.

What do your friends and family think about your writing?

They are supportive I'm very blessed to have a family that supports everything I do, and I mean everything. My sisters got wattpad accounts just to read my book and be the first to vote.

Is writing a part-time or full-time job for you?

Part time. I'm a full time student only availed this opportunity and time to write by COVID-19 break.

What do you do for a living?

I'm an entrepreneur. I design accessories for kids.

Who is your favourite author?

Nicola Yoon, John Green, Chimamanda Adichie and Tomi Adeyemi

What is your favourite book/s?

The Sun is also a star, The Fault in our stars, half of a yellow sun.

Who is your favourite Wattpad Author?

9ja_green_ink  shitddy  OutgoingLoner_7 Iyanuoluwa-Temi

What's your favourite Wattpad book?

Lost, Resolve, Awakened and Beneath the surface. These are gems.

How many books have you written?

I have just one the one I have ongoing: The Void Between Hearts.

Which, in your opinion, is your best work?

It always gets better each time.

Which genre do you like writing?

Teen fiction or YA.

What do you think success is?

Contentment in your efforts and your errors.

Do you have any tips for other writers out there?

I believe that the story you want to tell is not yours if it's not a memoir. So stay true to your characters and always tell from the heart do not let numbers deter you. If you focus on just telling that story it will get to the right people.

How do you overcome your writers block?

I listen to my playlist and chat with my characters or the characters in other books I love.

What kind of environment do you prefer to write in?

Dim, quiet and cold preferably when it's raining.

Are you an introvert or extrovert?

I'm not the life of the party with strangers but my family will tell you a different story. So I am neither; or I lean towards being an introvert more.

Would you like to say something to the readers and writers of our community?

Thanks for the opportunity and for reading I appreciate everything communities like this do it goes a long way in helping writer's like me develop more confidence about their work and their future.

Do you have any comments about this interview and interviewer?

ArinShaik is a kind and lovable soul I truly admire her, and I loved the interview, it was amazing, fun and worth every second.

Interview Conducted By
ArinShaik

Thank You
Book-worm-community