Muhammed Sanni Olowonjoyin

My name is Muhammed Olowonjoyin, and I write from the North Central region of Nigeria. In my free time, I enjoy scrolling the internet/social media with the amusement that humans have strangely diverse lines of thoughts.

Question 1: What inspired you to start writing?

The first time I tried out poetry was in 2018 after I'd listened to a friend read his poems. But the poem I wrote was an absolute failure because I neither knew what poetry was about, nor had I ever sat in a Literature class. And that was that. But later, in 2020/2021, I felt that all the torrent of the world, my country, my race, and in fact, my body, needed to be poured somewhere. And since I never really had anything I comforted myself with, writing, I felt, should be a good way in an attempt to find answers and at least, a home—metaphoric or not. So, it's safe to say it's the search that's inspired me to start writing, and I'm not sure if I'm close to what I beseech.

Question 2: How have your past experiences influenced you as a writer?

Of course. As earlier, growing in a country like my country and experiencing all the upheavals, the differences, alongside a wavering mental health, is enough to reflect in ones writing. As most writers will say that it's what you perceive and experience that you'll write about. I write about my experiences more.

Question 3: What have you written that you're the most proud of?

I think it should be my piece about the reflection of boys my story and their relationship with love. The poem was published in Brittle Paper last year and I think it captured what I was trying to say well: “Wuthering”.

Question 4: What do the words “writer’s block” mean to you?

Personally, I've been in situations where writing doesn't come easy — not because I didn't want to write but because I felt I'd exhausted every infinitesimal song I have in my chest. So, I think the “writer’s block” doesn't exactly picture what it was supposed to be; I think “Idea Block” works better, and every writer I've met experiences that.

Question 5: If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose?

I would definitely choose Ocean Vuong without thinking about it. [Laughs.] I believe reading his works has had a great influence in my writing. I love how he creates magic so much it looks like he could do it all day. Seeing his interviews, he talks just as good as he writes, and I believe spending a day with him, to discuss his career and writing, should be fun.

Question 6: What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

I started writing as a complete noob to the art, which means I went through a few struggles trying to get ideas and advices from people about the art of poetry and writing. The most valuable one I got should be to always write what is true to me! Honorable mentions will have: reading the piece aloud a couple of times; aiming for clarity; and being patient with the art.

Question 7: What do you think is the best way to improve writing skills?

I believe best way to improve writing skills is to read a lot of works from established and emerged writers, then making sure to write a lot, too. Which makes it seem like feeding the idea bank with [good] writing, then withdrawing from it to write. This, has helped me well. There are other ways to improve writing skills too, like attending workshops, listening to interviews and attending literary events.

Question 8: What do the words “literary success” mean to you? How do you picture it?

Literary success is subjective, and that's why I love the specificity of the question. [laughs.] Some people might take literary success to be winning prizes, publishing books, Novel prizes or even making money. To me, literary success is when I can bravely look at what my writing has brought to me in terms of achievements, and what it has influenced without having a doubt about my honesty. It's the attainment of honesty, both with myself and whatever I write about. Then, I can look back at my achievements and be proud. Everything that comes after that, like fame or wealth, is secondary.

Question 9: Who has been the biggest supporter of your writing?

I cannot specifically mention one person. I believe Abdulkareem Abdulkareem came in when I needed direction the most for my poetry. He's always there to give every little advices that matter. Mahbūbat Salahudeen has been a propeller to my growth in writing too—always supportive. Oluwafikunayomi Odusola gives the best moral support and beautiful encouragements. Mathew Daniel, too. And the Collective I belong to, TPC, has astounding people.

Question 10: If you had to describe yourself in just three words, what would those be?

Inquisitive, Interesting and Handsome.

Muhammed Olowonjoyin, TPC III, studies Biochemistry at the University of Ilorin. He was third runner-up in the Nigerian Students Poetry Prize (2022) and was named Honorable Mention in the Kreative Diadem Poetry Contest (2022). His poems have been published or forthcoming in Stanchion, Quarter After Eight, Brittle Paper, The Bitchin' Kitsch, Aôthen Magazine, Livina Press, The Shallow Tales Review, Acropolis Journal, The Decadent Review, and elsewhere. He reads poetry for The Dodge Magazine and tweets @APerSe_.