Amour Author Spotlight: Obelia Akanke
Welcome to Amour Books Event on Win’s Books! Amour Books is a Valentine’s Day Week-long event hosted by Winnie Tataw that spotlights romance books and stories, romance authors, and blogs and love and literature. Today’s posts are an author interview with an amazing author Obelia Akanke. So, without further ado, let’s get on with the spotlight!
About the Author:
She is Miko and Obelia. She writes nonfiction and children’s stories under Miko and poetry & contemporary fiction under Obelia. Obelia can be truthfully described as “one of a kind.” Her writing style varies from verse to free form, topics may cover anything from mental health to everyday life for mom, and she will write with the same passion for one person as the intended audience as she does for 100. Her debut novel released in February 2018 and has given us another avenue by which we can see her works and talents.
What and when started your love for writing?
I believe I’ve always had a love for it, but it may have started as early as the first encouragement I got when I began to write my name, letters, numbers, and short words. My family and teachers would read what I wrote (no matter how silly – after all, I was in preschool), and it gave me confidence to share my words with an audience. When I realized that I was allowed to tell stories like the ones I read in books, I started writing things that interested me.
Of all of the book genres, what drew you to write about yours?
Contemporary fiction allows me to explore things of interest and concern now. I don’t want to stress about history or worry about the future. I wanted something that relates to groups of people I’ve met and our experiences without the negative pictures I see in media flashed almost nonstop.
What does Valentine’s Day mean to you?
I guess I like the idea of Valentine’s Day, but it’s never been a big deal to me or most of my friends. It’s always been a time for checking out sales and specials, but I’ll help others celebrate. Many times, I provided free childcare for several hours so parents could have guilt-free Valentine’s dates. For me, when this date comes around, I’m usually interested in seeing what local chefs have planned. Sometimes, I can attend a class or tasting to learn a new dish to try out later. Since it’s holiday-themed, it makes it easier to think of romantic ideas throughout the year.
What’s your favorite romance cliche or trope?
I like enemies to lovers and second-chance love in romantic comedy.
If you could meet your favorite author, who would it be and why?
I’m not sure that I have a favorite “published” author. One author I’ve enjoyed hearing hasn’t published yet. He was in one of my writing groups and has a style that’s like a blend of genres – all of which I tend to avoid. However, he has a writing voice that’s almost hypnotic. The writing has an intellectual humor with sarcasm sprinkled in. He’s a meticulous writer and offered great critique. As far as I know, he hasn’t decided if he’ll use a name or initials, so I can’t tell who how to look out for him.
What makes your book(s) special?
I enjoy entertaining, but I also recognize that life is short. I usually have a message or lesson of some kind in each book. I feel like if I don’t include it, I’m wasting the opportunity to share something of value to that reader. My poems and stories tend to lean toward strengthening relationships with themes for increasing understanding and compassion for others.
So… what are you working on now?
I have several projects in the works. “Renee’s 18th Birthday” should release soon (backstory to A Holiday with Finesse), and I’m getting assistance with organizing poems for a book. I have notes written for five contemporary fiction books planned, but I am pushing toward the poetry book because that’s had the longest delay.
Our first Amour Books Author Spotlight of 2022! I have worked with Obelia before, and it is always a treat. She has written so many books that deserve so much love. If you would like to get in contact or connect with Author Obelia Akanke, you can through:
Live. Love. Laugh.
