Today we’d like to introduce you to Ponle Oluwole.
Hi Ponle, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in Nigeria and quickly fell in love with fantasy worlds. I would dive deep into stories written by authors like Rick Riordan and Eoin Colfer. While I love these stories, I couldn’t relate to the protagonists or the settings of the stories.
I started writing to express my worldview and the stories that shaped my culture. Àyànmọ́ was born from that. It’s a story that I would have wanted my younger self to read.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The writing itself hasn’t been excessively difficult. But it’s been a struggle to find authentic sources of material about Yorùbá spirituality; which the book is based on.
British colonial rule brought Christianity to Nigeria. And with it, a demonization of everything indigenous. Our traditional practices were seen as evil and barbaric. It’s a prevalent thought that still exists to this day.
I’m grateful for the researchers of Yorùbá history like Professor Toyin Falola at UT Austin who have preserved a lot of our heritage.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a self-published author. I write African fantasy stories and believe firmly that the stories we tell ourselves help shape the world we live in.
My debut novel Àyànmọ́: Ìbẹ̀rẹ̀ raised over $20,000 on Kickstarter and I well received by fantasy lovers
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I started a media company where I develop and publish other African fantasy stories. Our flagship graphic novel Love And Sprites was released at the end of September.
It can be purchased at loveandsprites.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Ileayanmo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ponle.oluwole
- Other: https://Loveandsprites.com
