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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best book magazine in the UK“, author Ayodeji Ajagbe shares the inspiration behind his new book, Vendetta, and his creative writing process.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed Ayodeji Ajagbe about his life and career, the story of his new book, Vendetta, and what inspired his main characters.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
My name is Ayodeji Ajagbe. I am an author driven by a passion for storytelling and a desire to explore the complexities of human nature, societal issues, and the power of flexibility and toughness. Born and raised in Oyo state, Southwestern Nigeria, my upbringing in Ibadan has greatly influenced my writing, as I try to capture the essence of the human experience through the lens of my personal journey and experiences.
I began my literary career with the release of my novella, “Meant To Be,” which allowed me to experiment with language and tell my stories in a way that pleases me. My breakthrough came with the publication of my acclaimed debut novel, “What Happened to Helen,” which resonated with readers worldwide and earned me several prestigious awards.
In my writing, I continually seek to challenge the status quo, push boundaries, and provoke thought, while writing captivating stories that keep readers engaged from the first page to the last.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
I’ve always wanted to be a writer. The thought of wanting to write a book was first planted in my heart when I was about ten years old, just then, I discovered the escapism writing provided. Growing up, I was an avid reader too, I’d find myself reading books that allowed me have new perspectives and also broaden my understanding of human emotions and experiences.
As I went deeper into the world of fiction and poetry, I found myself captivated by the art of writing stories that could evoke strong emotions and challenge readers’ perceptions. It was at that moment that I knew I wanted to write my own stories and share them with the world.
When did you take a step to start writing?
My passion for writing grew stronger during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020 as I began to see the world through a writer’s point of view, constantly seeking inspiration in the activities of everyday life, history, and the complexities of the human condition. Feeling a need to express my observations and emotions through the written word eventually led to my decision to pursue a career as an author, allowing me to share my unique voice and perspective with readers all around the world.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
Writing my first book was a life transforming experience that spanned several months, requiring discipline and a strong belief in the power of storytelling. From the initial spark of inspiration to the moment I held the final printed copy in my hands, the process took approximately seven months.
During this period, I dedicated countless hours to refining my craft, developing the plot, and breathing life into the characters that lived in the pages. The process involved multiple rounds of editing, revisions, and collaboration with literary agents, editors, and publishing professionals who helped guide me through the complex world of book publication.
Although the road to publishing my first book was challenging and occasionally met with self-doubt, it was also a very rewarding and fulfilling endeavor. Seeing my brainchild come to life and connect with readers around the world was an indescribable feeling.
How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?
The journey from the start to completion of my sophomore novel, Vendetta, spanned just over three years. In the early stages of writing the book, I spent several months developing the initial concept and researching the political landscape, societal issues, and cultural nuances that shaped the plot. As the story began to take shape, I dedicated myself to the actual writing process, which took approximately one year, one month and twenty five days and involved multiple drafts, revisions, and edits.
The remaining time was spent working closely with my literary agent, editor, art illustrator and publishing team to finalize the manuscript, secure cover art, and prepare the book for release. This collaborative effort will ensure that Vendetta will not only be a compelling read but also a polished and professional work of fiction that would resonate with readers worldwide.
Focusing on your upcoming release. What made you want to write Vendetta?
The inspiration for my upcoming release, Vendetta, stemmed from a deep-seated desire to explore the societal issues, political tensions, and human experiences that shape the world around us. Specifically, I was fascinated by the concept of justice, the struggle for equality, and the challenges that ordinary citizens face when taking a stand against powerful forces.
Nigeria, with its rich culture, complex history, and ongoing political and social struggles, provided the perfect backdrop for this story. I wanted to create two main characters, Debo and Aisha, who despite coming from different backgrounds, share a common goal—to challenge the status quo and fight for justice and positive change in their society.
Through Vendetta, I tried to create a powerful narrative that not only entertains readers but also provokes thought, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the human condition. By exploring these universal themes and putting them into a fast-paced, action-packed story, I aimed to create a work of fiction that resonates with readers on a personal level and encourages them to reflect on the world in which we live.
What were your biggest challenges with writing Vendetta?
Writing Vendetta presented several challenges, each of which tested my skills as a writer and my ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the story.
One of the most significant challenges was the sensitive and controversial nature of some of the topics addressed in Vendetta, I needed to handle them with care and sensitivity, ensuring that the portrayal of these issues was both realistic and respectful in a way.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?
The inspiration for Debo Makinde, the protagonist in Vendetta, comes from the real-life figure of Debo Macaroni popularly known as Mr. Macaroni – a Nigerian actor, comedian, and human rights activist. Mr. Macaroni’s courage and commitment to justice, particularly during the 2020 #EndSars protest, captivated me. His determination to stand his ground and lead the protest even in the face of adversity struck a chord, and I knew that a character embodying these qualities would resonate with readers.
In creating Debo Makinde, I sought to capture the essence of Mr. Macaroni’s passion and dedication to human rights, while going into the personal struggles and motivations that drive a person to fight for change. By drawing inspiration from Mr. Macaroni’s real-life experiences, I aimed to infuse Debo Makinde with the same sense of uniqueness and strength that make his real-life counterpart so compelling.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?
Thank you for your question, but I prefer to keep the creative process behind my antagonist shrouded in mystery. It’s important to me that readers approach the character with an open mind, allowing them to form their own opinions about the antagonist’s motivations and actions as the story unfolds. Revealing too much about my inspiration could potentially influence the reader’s perception and diminish the impact of the character’s role within the narrative.
What is the inciting incident of Vendetta?
The inciting incident in Vendetta occurs when a gruesome massacre takes place in a small, peaceful town in Oyo state, forever shattering the peaceful atmosphere of the community and leaving the survivors in shock and despair. As news of the tragedy spreads, it becomes apparent that the perpetrators are powerful and corrupt individuals who have no intention of being held accountable for their actions.
This horrific event not only sets the stage for the story but also serves as the catalyst for our protagonist, Debo Makinde, to take up the fight for justice and seek revenge against those responsible. The massacre compels Debo to step out of his comfort zone and confront the dark underbelly of society, ultimately transforming him into a symbol of hope and resistance for the oppressed and marginalized.
What is the main conflict of Vendetta?
The main conflict in Vendetta revolves around the battle between the powerful, corrupt forces that control the nation and the ordinary citizens, represented by our protagonist, Debo Makinde, who dare to challenge their authority and seek justice. This struggle is further intensified by the characters’ internal conflicts, as they grapple with their own beliefs, fears, and motivations.
Debo’s pursuit of justice brings him face-to-face with dangerous adversaries, including the corrupt politicians, and those who benefit from the status quo. As he goes deeper into the web of deceit and corruption, Debo is forced to confront his own limitations and question the cost of fighting for what he believes is right.
The clash between these opposing forces creates a tense and engaging narrative, as readers follow Debo’s journey and wonder whether he will prevail against seemingly insurmountable odds.
Did you plot Vendetta in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?
While writing Vendetta, I used a combination of plotting and pantsing techniques to create a well-structured story with room for organic character development and spontaneous twists. Before I began writing, I created a loose outline of the main plot points and character arcs to ensure that the story progressed in a coherent and engaging manner.
However, I also left enough flexibility in my outline to allow the characters to surprise me and take the story in unexpected directions. This balance between planning and spontaneity helped me maintain the structure of the plot while still capturing the authenticity of human behavior and emotions.
By making use of these two writing approaches, I was able to create a novel that is both well-crafted and captivating, with a plot that evolves naturally and characters that feel genuine and relatable.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?
The first piece of advice I would give to aspiring writers is to read widely and voraciously. Reading different genres, styles, and perspectives will not only broaden your understanding of storytelling techniques but also help you develop your own unique voice as a writer.
As you read, pay attention to what resonates with you, what you admire in other writers, and what you might do differently if given the chance. This active engagement with the written word will provide a solid foundation for your own writing and help you avoid common pitfalls.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to experiment and take risks in your writing. Embrace the messy, sometimes frustrating process of creativity, and remember that every writer, no matter how successful, started somewhere.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
While I don’t have any specific book projects in view, my creative mind is always buzzing with ideas and inspiration. As a writer, I believe that life is filled with fascinating stories just waiting to be told, and I’m constantly on the lookout for new experiences that might spark my next novel.
For now, I’m taking a well-deserved break after the publication of Vendetta, but rest assured, my passion for storytelling remains strong. When the time comes, I will be ready to embark on a new literary journey and share more captivating stories with my readers.
And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
I am incredibly proud of all my accomplishments as a writer and I believe that the efforts I put into all my book project absolutely worths it. As an author, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of creating a story from the ground up and seeing it come to life in the hands of readers. The pride I feel in my accomplishment not only comes from the finished product but also from the personal journey of self-discovery and artistic growth that accompanied its creation.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
Preorder Vendetta: https://ajagbeayodeji.com/product/vendetta/
What Happened To Helen Kindle: https://amzn.to/4d3FPtQ
Website: https://ajagbeayodeji.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ayodeji.ajagbe.7?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_ayodimeji1?igsh=YzAwZjE1ZTI0Zg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Twitter: https://x.com/the_ayodimeji1?s=21
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