In this episode, I reunite with Jonaki Ray (who I met in 2019 as a co-recipient of the Iceland Writers Retreat Alumni Award) to explore the themes of home, belonging, and the delicate dance between art and science in her poetry collection, Firefly Memories.

Part memoir and travelogue, Firefly Memories is a poignant collection that speaks to the struggles of belonging, blending beauty, food, and memory to confront hardship and heartache and redefining home and the search for safe places.

Whether you’re at home or in search of one, you’ll be inspired by Jonaki’s take on telling the truth and telling it slant.

Show highlights

0:00 – Introduction

2:47 – From scientist to artist: Jonaki’s journey

11:25 – Introduction to Firefly Memories

12:45 – Verdigris: Excerpt from Firefly Memories

15:06 – The goal and complexities of creating the collection

20:12 – Juxtaposing beauty and rejection

25:28 – Blending science and art in poetry

29:25 – Telling the truth with sensitivity

34:11 – Writing about the past and the present

38:42 – What writing from home looks like

41:35 – Appreciation and end

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Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/A-4pqaWn2E4

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Guest’s links

Buy Firefly Memories: https://www.coppercoin.co.in/product-page/firefly-memories

Follow Jonaki on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonaki_stories/

Follow Jonaki on X: https://x.com/jona_writes

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Host’s links

Find out more about the show: https://www.journeyoftheart.com/

Follow Journey of the Art on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/journeyoftheartpod/

Book a one-on-one with Lola: https://wordcaps.com/coaching/

In this episode, I sit down with A.K. Herman, Caribbean poet and fiction writer, to discuss her latest work, The Believers. This compelling collection of eight short stories, mostly set in Trinidad and Tobago, explores themes of religion, politics, love, sex, and spirituality. A.K.’s storytelling pays homage to the storytelling traditions of the Caribbean.

A Goodreads Editors’ December Book Pick, The Believers captivates with its seasoned storytelling. A.K. shares the inspirations behind her writing, the cultural and spiritual influences shaping her narratives, and how she grew as a student of literature.

If you’d like to know what I think of A.K.’s book, skip to 6:00 of the show! 😊

Also, if you’d like to get your own copy of the book, and I highly recommend that you do if you’re a fan of Toni Morrison, you can do so here (link below).

Got any thoughts about this episode or want to suggest authors you’d like to see on the show? Send me your thoughts!

Show highlights

0:00 – Introduction

2:03 – AK’s journey into writing

6:00 – Lola’s high-level review of the book

7:30 – Sex as communication

10:35 – Theme of spirituality

16:19 – Writing about violence

22:57 – On the theme of spiritual vengeance

27:23 – On identity and rejection on the basis of language

33:11 – Allegory in The Iridescent Blue-Black Boy with Wings (After Márquez)

40:36 – Advice for writers who don't have an MFA

45:29 – The writing/publishing process of The Believers

48:03 – Appreciation and end

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Guest’s links

Buy The Believers: https://www.akherman.com/books

Follow A.K. on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.k.herman/

Follow A.K. Herman on X: https://x.com/akherman_author

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Host’s links

Find out more about the show: https://www.journeyoftheart.com/

Follow Lola on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/journeyoftheartpod/

Book a one-on-one with Lola: https://wordcaps.com/coaching/

If you’re a freelance artist wondering if there’s a secret to landing big clients in your industry, there is, and this episode will tell you what it is! Episode 14 of the podcast is with Feyisayo Oyebisi (aka Feyzo!), who I've known for over ten years.

Feyzo! is a makeup artist and special effects professional who has worked on the biggest productions in Nigeria’s movie industry, including A Naija Christmas and Everybody Loves Jenifa, which is currently in cinemas.

Feyzo!, who calls herself The Billionaire Makeup Artist, is also a two-time AMVCA nominee.

In this light-hearted yet serious chat, she shares the secret to landing big clients and the hardest thing about being a makeup artist in Nigeria's movie industry.

Show highlights

0:00 – Introduction

2:39 – This or that questions

3:24 – Feyzo’s journey into artistry

10:55 – The hardest thing about being a makeup artist in the movie industry

12:51 – The process of preparing for a character

22:13 – Managing the makeup/SFX team

28:07 – Handling unexpected challenges on set

37:45 – The secret to landing big clients

43:00 – Impact of the AMVCA on her career

45:13 – The importance of professional development

47:12 – A word to her future self

48:13 – Appreciation and end

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Watch on Youtube: https://youtube.com/@journeyoftheartpod?si=eDeQrPxScePjcpfT?sub_confirmation=1

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Guest’s links

Follow Feyzo! on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feyzomua/

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Host’s links

Find out more about the show: https://www.journeyoftheart.com/

Follow JOA on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/journeyoftheartpod/

Book a one-on-one with Lola: https://wordcaps.com/coaching/

In this episode, I chat with editor and publisher, Anwuli Ojogwu, about some trends in modern African literature. We talk about what Nigerians at home and abroad are writing now, her work on the Caine Prize anthology for 2021/22, and some self-publishing tips for writers.

Anwuli is a co-founder of Narrative Landscape Press and the Society for Book and Magazine Editors of Nigeria. Find out more about Anwuli below.

0:00 – Introduction

1:40 – What's the IT factor with popular writers?

6:03 – How to build trust with writers

9:48 – Starting a society for editors in Nigeria

19:17 – Editing the Caine Prize anthology 2021/22

24:49 – Today’s writing pool and talent development

29:23 - What are Nigerians abroad writing about now?

34:09 - What are Nigerians at home writing about now?

37:13 - Tips for writers who want to self-publish

41:59 - Upcoming books from Narrative Landscape Press

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Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/agoBUidLkj8

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Guest’s links

Follow Anwuli on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anwulipriscilla/

➡️ Narrative Landscape Press: https://www.narrativelandscape.com

➡️ Society for Book and Magazine Editors of Nigeria: https://sbmen.org.ng

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Host’s links

Find out more about the show: https://www.journeyoftheart.com/

Follow Lola on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/journeyoftheartpod/

Book a one-on-one with Lola: https://wordcaps.com/coaching/

In this episode, I chat with Uma Krishnaswami about her latest work, Birds on the Brain. Uma has written for young readers for over 30 years, and she taught writing for 16 years. I think of this episode as a mini-masterclass in writing for children, and I'm so grateful for the tips Uma graciously shared.

Show highlights

(0:00) Introduction

(2:12) Arriving at great ideas through story

(4:57) Book Uncle and the Istri Lady

(7:26) Helping children become better readers

(10:49) How to develop socially conscious themes in children’s book writing

(13:52) Showing reality in writing

(15:32) Plotting vs discovery writing

(18:35) How long it took Uma to write Birds on the Brain

(19:40) Revealing Book 3 of the series

(19:59) Data in storytelling

(22:45) The question of the greater good

(27:05) Giving readers reasons to see

(29:57) The writer’s stumbling block

(31:33) Appreciation & end

_____________________ Guest’s links

Buy Birds on the Brain: https://houseofanansi.com/products/birds-on-the-brain?srsltid=AfmBOorpRrFo-WCEGogszEEJU5Quu5L5oD209kr9QFivlgQZW3uNRa_l

Follow Uma on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/umakrishnaswami/

_____________________ Host’s links

Find out more about the show: https://www.journeyoftheart.com/

Follow Journey of the Art on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/journeyoftheartpod/

Book a one-on-one with Lola: https://wordcaps.com/coaching/

From dealing with homesickness, to learning how to manage workshops, to building community in strange places, Charlie Muhumuza and Chido Muchemwa, PhD, share their experiences in MFA programs.

In this honest conversation, they answer the ultimate question: Is getting an MFA necessary for writers?

Show highlights

0:00 - 2:17 — Introductions and welcome

2:18 — The motive for getting an MFA

3:54 — Managing workshops and the MFA’s impact on the writing voice

11:19 — Giving feedback tactfully and growing in confidence

15:57 — Juggling the workload and managing time

20:34 — Choosing and building community

26:52 — Alleviating homesickness

33:45 — Finding research opportunities that can sponsor trips home

35:32 — Making ends meet

42:12 — Chido’s new book and Charlie’s future plans

45:02 – Charlie’s advice on bringing work to the MFA

46:27 — Is getting an MFA necessary?

51:28 — Appreciation and closing remarks

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Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v0_QHjJPMHs

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Guests' links

Buy Chido's book: https://houseofanansi.com/products/who-will-bury-you?srsltid=AfmBOorb_zqixd0kITaqj_y_9CWb6qEFnjg7-c1-3-6eaUPSfHf7zoPY

Follow Chido on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chidomuchemwa?igsh=d3h3cjNkcnBvZDAz

Follow Charlie on X: https://x.com/cdmuhumuza?s=21&t=GLRRSdbhoZNPfjfGWHvv4g

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Host’s links

Find out more about the show: https://www.journeyoftheart.com/

Follow Lola on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/journeyoftheartpod/

Follow Lola on X: https://x.com/lolaopatayo?s=21&t=GLRRSdbhoZNPfjfGWHvv4g

Sign up for Lola's newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hRzE5z

Book a one-on-one with Lola: https://wordcaps.com/coaching/

Ukamaka Olisakwe, the founder and editor-in-chief of Isele Magazine, shares the realities of starting Isele in 2020 and building it into a key platform for African writers.

From navigating challenges like funding to handling submissions from across the globe, Ukamaka shows that passion, dedication, and perseverance are crucial to running a literary magazine.

Show highlights

• The inspiration behind Isele Magazine and its launch during the pandemic.
• Managing funding and AI-generated submissions.
• Insights into building a magazine team and creating a sustainable literary platform.
• What makes a good submission stand out.
• Key advice for writers on submitting their work and cultivating patience.

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Guest’s links

Visit Isele Mag: https://iselemagazine.com

Follow Ukamaka on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msolisakwe/

Follow Ukamaka on X: https://x.com/msolisakwe?s=21&t=GLRRSdbhoZNPfjfGWHvv4g

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Host’s links

Find out more about the show: https://www.journeyoftheart.com/

Follow Lola on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/journeyoftheartpod/

Sign up for Lola's newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hRzE5z

Book a one-on-one with Lola: https://wordcaps.com/coaching/

In this episode, Jerry Chiemeke and I discuss his work as a movie critic and what he thinks the Nigerian movie industry needs to compete globally. Listen in and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Jerry Chiemeke’s writing has appeared in Die Welt, The I Paper, The Africa Report, Berlinale Press, and elsewhere. He has been selected for several international film festivals including Sundance, Berlinale, Blackstar Film Festival, and Durban International Film Festival.

Show Highlights

• ​Fun questions to get to know Jerry (Find out if he does paced writing or a mad rush to the deadline!)
• ​Jerry's beginnings as a writer
• ​First time critiquing a movie
• ​One thing Jerry wishes people knew about movie critics
• ​Handling criticisms as a critic
• ​Netflix and Nollywood—progress update from 2022
• ​Life as an immigrant creative

Stay connected

Follow Jerry on X, Instagram: @j_chiemeke

Follow the show on Instagram: @journeyoftheartpod

Find out more about Jerry: https://journeyoftheart.com/a-critics-view-on-the-nigerian-movie-industry/