Hi Reni, can you tell us about yourself?
Hello! I’m Reni Amayo, and I’m the author of Daughters of Nri, a fantasy novel set in ancient Nigeria. I’m also the co-founder of Onwe, an independent publisher and lifestyle brand dedicated to highlighting diverse authors and under-represented cultures and ideals. Before entering the publishing world, I worked at an investment bank *yawn* and studied aeronautical engineering at university *double yawn*. I was born and raised in London. I still live here (well…Kent), and I’m Nigerian.
Can you tell us about your latest books?
My latest book is called Daughters of Nri, and it is a fantasy novel set in an ancient Igbo kingdom called Nri. It follows twins, separated at birth, goddesses who grow up believing that they are human. They’re powerful, flawed andready to destroy the man who brought the gods themselves to their knees.
When did you decide to become a writer?
I started writing when I was 14 years old. I discovered that not only did I love writing, but I needed to write. Ever since then, every day, I tried to write something: poems, plays, countless first chapters. Then, on one very unremarkable day, I started writing a book that turned into Daughters of Nri.
It took me a long while to see myself as a writer. Writing had nothing to do with my day job, and I hadn’t given much thought to getting published. At the time, writing was something that I did for me, and me alone. Now and again, I would imagine a time, somewhere down the line, when I was an old retired woman. I imagined that it would be then that I would finally start thinking about p
ublishing my writing. But then I finished my first book, and I realized I wanted people to read it now, not when I was old and grey, but now.
It was at that moment that I decided I wanted to be a writer.
What’s the best bit about being a writer?
The best part for me is getting to watch a story come together. When I’m creating a story one of the first things that I do is picture it inmy head. I imagine these tense, beautiful scenes in my head. Getting all of that down on paper is a p
rocess in itself. Eventually, there will come a moment when I re-read a passage, and I think, that’s it – no, that’s better than what I imagined it would be.
The original idea always seems to take on a life of its own, and suddenly it’s something re
al, something interesting with layers and meaning. There’s always something so exciting about that moment!
Can you tell us what you’re working on next?
I’m currently editing my second book, Descendants of the First, which is the sequel to Daughters of Nri.
In this book, we’re entering the Kingdom of Nri when it’s on the cusp of a major change. This time around, I got to explore some themes that have been on my mind naturally as a black woman living through 2020.
I’ve explored the concept of societal change. I’ve explored the notion that changing a system requires a lot more than simply swapping over figureheads; it requires a drastic dismantling of the current systems itself and the practices in place that leave groups of people vulnerable and at risk. I’ve explored betrayal, love and loss. I’ve discovered lost African mythical beasts and customs, and I’ve fed that all through this book. I’m in love with this book, I’m proud of it, and I’m so excited to share it with everyone!
What other interests do you have?
I love consuming content, so mostly that means reading, watching TV (and when it was safe) going to the theatre and cinema. Lately, that has also meant spending shameful hours on TikTok.
I also love going out to eat, nothing beats a cute restaurant, intimate chats and a nice glass of wine.
OK, here are the questions everyone needs to know the answers to:
Chocolate Hobnob or Lemon Drizzle cake?
Lemon Drizzle cake. Not because of the lemon or the drizzle, but because of the cake. I LOVE CAKE.
Cream soda or Limeade?
I don’t think I’ve ever tried cream soda, so I’m going to pick that – might as well see what the fuss is about! Plus, I’m not a fan of lime, unless there’s tequila involved.
Jollof or plantain?
I’m sorry, I can’t. I just…can’t choose. It’s worse than Sophie’s Choice for me. Maybe plan – no – sorry, I really can’t.
Trainers or Flip-flops?
Trainers. I find flip flops to be a bit hard to walk in.
Tucking your shirt in or leaving it out?
Leaving it out – I choose comfort over almost everything!
What’s your best celeb spot?
Beyoncé. Okay so technically this isn’t a “celebrity spot” in the traditional sense. It was more like…I went to her concert. But I did manage to push myself to the very front, and we made eye contact. So I think it must still count.
Oh, I also spotted Gwendoline Christie (she played Brienne of Tarth in Game of Thrones). We were waiting at the same pedestrian stop together and there was an awkward moment where she knew that I recognized her and I knew that she wasn’t in the mood to say hello to a stranger, but I kept glancing, all the same, to check if it was really her. Yeah, good times.
If you had to start a rumour about yourself, what would it be?
Oh, this is hard. I think I would start a rumour that a radioactive spider or something had bitten me and it had made me clairvoyant. Also, I’m very wise and careful, and so I’ve refused to admit it or tell people about the future.
That way, now and again I would “slip” and say something foreboding like “oof, I don’t know about that Brexit,” or “Ahh so Trump was the slippery slope to – oh, sorry it’s simply too terrifying to say,” and people would actually pay attention to it.
Thanks, Reni, where can we find out more about you?
Website: www.renikamayo.com
Twitter: @renikamayo
Instagram: @renikamayo
Facebook : @therenikamayo
Where can we buy your books?
You can get signed copies of my book, Daughters of Nri and pre-order Descendants of the First from Onwe directly (released March 2021). They’re also available on Amazon and most booksellers.
Hey – I’m Tee Cee! I’m a TV Presenter, Digital Content Creator, Author and Career Coach who currently works for BBC Three as a Development Researcher where I’ve won four series / pilot commissions. As a BBC Presenter, I have presented on various shows and features for the CBBC channel. Outside of my media career, I love making up stories! Aged 16, I became a self-published author of my debut children’s book titled Snow Black, the Seven Rastas and Other Short Stories and was dubbed a ‘Black History Month Hero’ by Birmingham primary schools.
I’m a children’s author, journalist and mother-of-two. I worked as an arts reporter turned arts editor for black-British publication, The Voice newspaper, from 2002-2016, before making my foray into the world of children’s literature. My first book, ‘Riley Can Be Anything’ was released in 2017, followed by ‘Riley Knows He Can’ in 2018. I’m from London, UK and now reside in Toronto, Canada with my husband and our two children.
and a great granddad, who are all part of this family tale. The illustrations come courtesy of the super-talented, Elena Reinoso, who also illustrated my previous books.
Hi Alex, can you tell us about yourself?
Hi Salena, can you tell us about your latest work(s)?
Thanks, Frances, where can we find out more about you?
Love, Secret Santa [2019], and Love on the Main Stage, which is out on 25th June 2020, both with Hachette Children’s.
My old job was in the travel industry. I left at the end of January to give writing a go full-time for a bit, but now most of my old work colleagues are waiting to be made redundant because of coronavirus decimating the industry. For me, the best thing about being a writer has been the luxury of not having to sit around waiting to lose my job. I’ve managed to keep working.
ually born in London. I live in Holloway, the same area where I was born. Before my debut YA book was published, I worked in advertising as a social media manager for over a decade.
Website: