An Interview with Deborah Somotun

Nigerian-British writer and TV producer, Deborah Somotun, has been captivated by speculative fiction since discovering Frank Herbert’s Dune at the age of eight. A lifelong love affair with the works of Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Michael Crichton, J.K. Rowling, and other genre giants fueled her own creative aspirations. As a devout Christian, the events surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement sparked a profound dialogue with her faith, leading to the creation of her debut fantasy novel, Ileri: Spirit Over Shade. This book, the first in the Ileri series, delves into themes of prejudice, power, corruption, and the liberating power of faith. Deborah’s writing blends her heritage, vivid imagery, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes to offer a unique voice within the fantasy genre.

What inspired you to start writing this book?

“If people knew, and I mean if they really knew, that every human being shares one breath—the breath of God—would they still be inhumane to one another?” This was the question I asked the Holy Spirit after seeing the reports about George Floyd’s brutalization at the hands of the Minneapolis police in 2020. My Christian journey has filled me with the amazing knowledge that every one of us is a potential carrier of the very essence of God—His Spirit, His power, His all-encompassing love. So imagine how heartbreaking it is to witness people, capable of God-sized magnificence degenerate into mindless husks driven by greed, hatred, prejudice, amongst other evils. My conversation with the Holy Spirit that day culminated in the creation of a world plunged into darkness, cut off from the love of the Creator, and the unlikely heroes He uses to bring his light back into the world. This was how Ileri: Spirit Over Shade was born.

Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

The title Ileri: Spirit Over Shade draws inspiration from the biblical story of the rainbow—God’s promise after the flood. ‘Ileri’ is the Yoruba word for ‘promise,’ and the world of the book is literally born from the seven rays of the ‘Creator’s promise bow.’ While I initially considered ‘Osumare’ (Yoruba for ‘rainbow’), I felt focusing on the meaning of the rainbow, the promise itself, gave the title greater depth.

Describe your dream book cover.

My dream cover for Ileri: Spirit Over Shade would feature a group of people of African descent, depicted in a realistic but slightly stylized manner, perhaps with a touch of Afrofuturism. The most striking feature would be their eyes, which would subtly flicker and shift through all the colors of the rainbow. This visualizes the different races of Ileri, who are distinguished by rainbow colors, but the interchanging colors symbolize their shared humanity and the book’s theme of ‘Spirit Over Shade’—that what unites them is stronger than what divides them.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

My book’s soundtrack would have to be made of original songs with a mix of big band orchestra tracks with afrobeats flavour.

What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?

My current reading list includes:

1. Tolkien’s The Silmarillion, a world-building masterpiece from which I sought to draw some illumination.

2. Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, another speculative fiction gem.

3. To Sir with Love by ER Braithewaite, a classic selected by a book club I attend.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

Back in Nigeria, I worked in TV as a writer/producer for over a decade. I also wrote and directed a faith-based short film in 2021.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

When I was eight, my brother teased me about not being able to read properly. The fact that I didn’t measure up to my same-aged cousin’s literacy prowess made me the target of his endless taunts. One day, in a burst of self-righteous anger, I marched to the book cabinet and pulled out the fattest novel I could reach. I would practise with this book and make him eat his words! That action changed the trajectory of my life.

The book was Dune by Frank Herbert, and the moment I opened it, I fell in love. I can’t quite remember how I managed to read the book when I couldn’t actually read. What I do recall is living in the story. Dune‘s world took hold of me. The sweeping sands became my playground, the giant sandworms slithered into my nightmares, the evil Baron Harkonnen was my nemesis, and young tempestuous Paul, my first crush. I was captivated by this sci-fi/fantasy world, and realized then that I couldn’t remain a passive observer. Like Ariel, I yearned to be part of that world.

Where is your favorite place to write?

I wrote 80% of my debut novel in the very cosy Alexandra Park library in North London. The atmosphere was delightful, and there was something about writing in a place filled with books that kept me inspired.

Do you have any writing rituals?

My writing rituals include worship music in my ear, accompanied by a pot of herbal tea and some pieces of dark chocolate. When I get stuck, I stop and pray for a few minutes and I’m back in the flow.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

Amidst all the twists, turns and drama, I want every reader to see God’s heart for them.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.