SIX MINUTES WITH A.S. LAWAL:

Today, new author A.S. Lawal joins LitPick for Six Minutes with an Author! Ms. Lawal’s debut novel, Toks and the Phoenix Project, was recently released by Okin Publishing.

How did you get started writing?

I started writing out of my love for reading books, and I was fortunate enough to have parents who made it their mission to instill the love of reading in me and my siblings at a very young age. I fondly remember them filling our bookshelves with books by amazing authors such as Jane Austin, Emily Bronte, Alexander Dumas, Mark Twain, and Lewis Carroll to name a few. So as a child, I got to read the Chronicles of Narnia, Tom Sawyer, Pride and Prejudice, Oliver Twist, Jane Eyre, the Famous Five and many more such great books. And it was by reading those books, particularly the books that were full of adventure and involved problem solving, such as the Famous Five and the Chronicles of Narnia that inspired me to write my own adventure book. And so, I wrote my first adventure book at the age of nine. It was a story about two kids, who use their smarts and investigative skills to track down a kidnapper who kidnapped their little sister, and as a result, are able to rescue her safely.

Who influenced you?

I would have to say that the author who has influenced me the most is Charles Dickens. I love the plot of his novels and the fact that there is always a satisfying resolution to every angle of his stories and that justice always prevails in the end. His stories explore and show the depths and range of human capacity for good and bad, as well as the strengths and weaknesses. I especially like that his stories always come full circle and that there is always a life lesson to be learned in every story.

Do you have a favorite book/subject/character/setting?

Umm, this question is a tough one because I have quite a few favorites. However, I would have to say that I especially like A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, and I think that the opening line of the book is one of the most memorable lines ever. But I also find the Mysterious Island by Jules Verne to be one of the most fascinating books I’ve ever read as well.

What advice do you have for someone who wants to be an author?

I would say that they should read a lot because that is how you learn to become a writer. And reading also helps you know what kind of stories you would like to write about and will help shape your writing style. Secondly, I would say that you should write often. Write any spare minute you have and keep a notebook or piece of paper to jot down ideas for your story as they come to you. Another piece of advice I would give is to look for feedback on your writing and don’t be afraid of criticism. Use it to hone in your craft and don’t let it deter or discourage you. Also, surround yourself with people who are honest and supportive of your efforts. Lastly and more importantly, you must believe in yourself and in the story you want to share with the world. Because that belief in yourself and your story is what will get you through the many hours, days, weeks, months and years of hard work or however long it takes you to write your book. That belief will get you through the frustration of rejection by agents and publishers. Belief in yourself and having the drive to work hard in spite of all the odds you will face is what it will take to make it.

Where is your favorite place to write?

I like to write at home mainly. Usually in the dining room and I like to write under a lot of light, especially daylight. I do think I do my best work during the day, however between school, work and family obligations, writing during the day isn’t usually an option for me. So most of the time, I have to put on my nocturnal hat and write after everyone has gone to bed.

What else would you like to tell us?

I wish I had the time to read more books these days as I did when I was a kid. I really do miss it.

Thank you very much for giving me this chance to share my story with your readers. I hope you all enjoy this book and the adventure that Toks and her friends take you along.

Ms. Lawal, thank you for spending six minutes with LitPick! Congratulations on the publication of Toks and the Phoenix Project!