An Interview with Oluwabunmi Ajao

Oluwabunmi Ajao holds a bachelor’s degree in German and French Studies from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and a master’s degree in Intercultural German Studies from the University of Nairobi, Kenya, as a DAAD Scholar.

As a creative writer and storyteller, Oluwabunmi believes in the transformative power of words. She aims to inspire change through her writing, addressing the current state of the world and envisioning a better future. Her works include titles such as If Only, Level Up!, Found, Education is Opportunity, Covid-19 and Human Rights, So Long a Journey, and Think It Through. Notably, Think It Through secured second place in the 2021 Ladi4NGO/UNESCO creative contest focused on Misinformation and Disinformation. Echoes of Hope will be her first published book.

What inspired you to start writing this book?

The inspiration to start writing Echoes of Hope came from a profound desire to share a major life lesson learned over the past five years, a period marked by significant challenges, including the loss of my father, loneliness during the COVID-19 lockdown, and the pain of a brief illness. These years, from 2019 to 2024, represent the darkest moments of my life so far.

However, through these trials, I discovered that every experience, journey, or event in life holds a hidden beauty that requires us to look deeper to uncover it. This realization motivated me to create an anthology that not only reflects my emotional journey but also aims to encourage and inspire hope in others facing a wide range of challenges.

The collection is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the emergence of beauty from adversity, inviting readers to find strength and hope in their own struggles.

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

Because the book centers around deeply personal experiences, finding a fitting title came quite naturally. Initially, I was torn between two titles: Phoenix and Echoes of Hope. While “Phoenix” is the title of one of the poems in the anthology, Echoes of Hope felt like it captured the essence of the entire collection more fully. Ultimately, I chose Echoes of Hope because it embodies the journey of resilience, transformation, and the emergence of beauty from adversity that the anthology explores. This title reflects how the poems resonate with the enduring spirit and the hopeful echoes that remain after hardship.

Describe your dream book cover.

The ideal cover design for Echoes of Hope should visually embody its central themes of resilience, transformation, and the emergence of beauty from adversity, while reflecting my personal emotional journey.

Imagery:

A silhouette or subtle outline of a lone figure gazing toward a distant horizon or light, symbolizing the journey through grief, isolation during the COVID-19 lockdown, and recovery from illness, inviting readers to emotionally connect.

Alternatively, powerful natural symbols such as a blooming flower breaking through cracked earth, a phoenix rising from ashes, or a tree growing steadfastly through a storm, all representing growth and beauty emerging from hardship.

Color Palette:

A warm gradient blending soft golds, gentle oranges, and calming blues to evoke hope, healing, and renewal after grief and loneliness.

Muted pastels or soft glowing effects to inspire introspection and convey gentle inner strength.

Typography:

The book title in a modern serif font to communicate artistic elegance and timelessness.

The author’s name in a clean sans-serif font for clarity and balance.

Handwritten or script fonts for subtitles or key phrases to add a personal, intimate touch, highlighting the autobiographical nature of the poems.

This combination of symbolic imagery, warm and hopeful colors, and thoughtful typography will create a cover that resonates deeply with the themes of Echoes of Hope and invites readers into the transformative power of resilience and beauty found through adversity.

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

If my book, Echoes of Hope, had a soundtrack, it would include songs that inspired hope and resilience during my darkest moments and now remind me of how far I have come. The playlist would feature “Close” by Marvin Snapp, “Oceans” by Hillsong, and “Cloud 9” by Joshua Thomas, all of which provided therapeutic comfort and inspiration throughout my journey.

Additionally, I would include “Roar” by Katy Perry, an empowering anthem that reminds me of my inner strength regardless of circumstances. Lastly, “Stand Up for the Champion” by Right Said Fred would be part of the soundtrack because it celebrates resilience and the courage to rise above challenges. These songs collectively reflect the themes of transformation, strength, and beauty emerging from adversity that are central to the anthology.

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

Anthologies, autobiographies, biographies, and memoirs resonate deeply with me this season. Given the focus of the book I am writing, centered on resilience, transformation, and finding beauty through adversity, these genres are essential. They provide profound insights and real-life perspectives that enrich my understanding of the emotional journeys I explore in my anthology, Echoes of Hope.

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

I currently work in an administrative role, where I manage various organizational tasks efficiently. In addition to this, I am passionate about advocating for the fourth Sustainable Development Goal-Inclusive and Quality Education. I volunteer in different capacities to support this cause, helping to promote educational opportunities for all.

Where is your favorite place to write?

I am nocturnal, so I find my favorite place to write in the quiet stillness of the night, often comfortably seated on my bed. It is in these solitary hours, surrounded by calm of the night, that I can truly reflect.

What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?

One thing I hope sticks with readers after they finish my book is that it serves as a seed of hope. I want readers to realize that good can emerge from what initially seems like evil or hardship. I want them to see their experiences from a new perspective and understand that nothing is wasted-not even pain. While nobody prays for negative events, if they do happen, looking on the bright side is the first crucial step toward healing and winning. This mindset is at the heart of my anthology, which reflects on resilience, transformation, and finding beauty amid adversity, drawn from my own journey through grief, loneliness, and illness to the conclusion that there is beauty in everything.

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