How does someone become a published author? How do writers find creative inspiration? How do you stay true to your authentic creative voice and vision?

Today’s guest is author Ore Agbaje-Williams, a British-Nigerian writer and editor from North London. Her first novel, The Three of Us, was published by Jonathan Cape (UK), Putnam (US) and Penguin Random House Canada in May 2023. She posts short fiction (almost) every Monday at Monday Fictions on Substack.

In my conversation with Ore, you’ll hear how she went from a child telling stories to her sister at bedtime to becoming a published author of an acclaimed debut novel.

But nobody writes a novel overnight.

In this episode, you’ll hear how Ore confronted doubts and failure along the way, how she remained true to her authentic voice, and how she continues to find motivation and inspiration to keep creating.

📚Ore’s Work:

Monday Fictions on Substack

The Three of Us by Ore Agbaje-Williams

Of This Our Country: Acclaimed Nigerian Writers on the Home, Identity and Culture They Know edited by Nancy Adimora and Ore Agbaje-Williams

😍What Ore’s Reading:

Transcription by Ben Lerner

Kingfisher by Rozie Kelly

The Recovery House by Derek Owusu

We Go Way Back by Niamh Connolly

Smallie by Eden McKenzie-Goddard

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout

✉️Sign up for Taylor’s email list to receive writing and creative tips and news about upcoming releases here.

📚Find all of Taylor’s books and stories here.

The Creative Life with Taylor is an engaging, thoughtful podcast hosted by award-winning author and designer Taylor Thomas Smythe that explores creative journeys over a lifetime, dives deep into the creative process, and inspires listeners to unlock their own creativity and potential in their life now. With guests from a wide array of disciplines and media, listeners will walk away inspired to build a creative life with confidence.

The Creative Life with Taylor is a production of Lamplight Universe.

https://www.lamplightuniverse.com/