The Mediator is the story of a young lawyer’s fight against injustice in a highly-corrupt, dystopian society. Just think John Grisham meets Philip K. Dick, and you’ll have an idea of what to expect. It is the first book in my current series, Neuro, which centers on a technology that allows the human mind to be interfaced with a computer.
Who or what inspires your writing?
Several things actually. I basically draw inspiration from everything around me. I remember seeing a TV commercial once, and thinking, wow, this could work as a concept for a science-fiction thriller. And thus, The Host was born. One very big influence on my writing was reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone; it basically taught me everything I love about books and writing today. Of recent, I find I am inspired by stuff I come across in the Bible, which is being reflected in my current work-in-progress, Guardians and the Lost Paradise.
When did you know you would be a writer?
Truth be told, I can’t pinpoint the exact moment. I have always been a storyteller for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I used to come up with elaborate tales on the fly. This would sometimes wow my friends, but always seemed to annoy my siblings, who felt I talked too much. But I guess putting the wraps on my first completed book was what truly convinced me I’d like to keep doing this. I’d like to keep writing.
How long did it take you to write your first novel?
The first book I ever tried to write was one called Nowhere Near Home, which I started all the way in 1998, and still consider a work-in-progress till this very day (now tentatively titled Proxy). Since then, I have written six other books. My first completed book (The Host) took me about six months to write.
What is the hardest part of writing for you?
For me, it would have to be setting aside the time. Time management has always been an issue for me. I had to give up watching TV some years back, when I realized how much time was being guzzled up doing just that. Right now, I am a freelance website developer, so I basically work whenever I need to. But living in a third-world country (namely Nigeria) has its own drawbacks, like frequent electricity blackouts. It is such obstacles that make finishing a book that much more rewarding though.
Do you have any writing rituals?
Aside from closing the door and sitting in front of the computer? Nope. None.
Have you written anything else?
Yes. My current series, Neuro, comprises of three books:
Each book is independent of the other, but is set in the same universe, with recurring characters, and would be better enjoyed in chronological order (as listed above).
Any advice to aspiring writers?
Keep writing until your fingers bleed. And then, just when it seems you can’t take it anymore, you write some more. Trust me. You’ll be rewarded for your effort by a deep sense of fulfillment.
Who are your favorite Authors?
For now, it’s J. K. Rowling, Michael Crichton, Isaac Asimov, Philip K. Dick, Nicholas Evans, Dan Brown and Stephenie Meyer (for being an all round rock star I guess).
What are your favorite books, or which book has impacted you the most?
The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, the Foundation novels by Isaac Asimov, The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice etc.
What are you currently reading?
Divergent by Veronica Roth. I all but missed that one until I saw it was voted the Best Book for 2011 by people on Goodreads.
How do readers find out more about you?
I can be reached through the following means:
My Blog: http://michaelabayomi.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mikeabayomi
E-mail: michaelabayomi@gmail.com
nice interview. glad I stopped by.
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