Margaret Adetimehin is a natural storyteller who also happens to be a communication strategist. She writes romance novels with elegant and realistic twists that will keep you turning the pages. Read on to uncover writing myths, powerful plot themes and everything in between.
When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I enjoyed seeing how my stories made my classmates smile and helped me make new friends.
I’ve always been a writer. Back in primary school, I wrote stories and shared them with my classmates. Writing was like a phase with my family. My mother always told us stories, and as a family, we all enjoyed sharing our stories with each other.
So… when I got to the writing phase it was like, yeah, she’ll outgrow it, her brother did and so would she. Yeah, shout out to my brother, he was great at writing stories and I looked up to him (still do). Well, he outgrew the phase, but I didn’t.
Then I started reading voluminous novels at nine and a lot of things I saw happening around me made me realized then, that I wanted to be an author. For example, I enjoyed seeing how my stories made my classmates smile and helped me make new friends. I actually changed school multiple times so sharing my stories helped me to become popular.
So back then, I knew I wanted to write a novel. Not those small ones, my nine-year-old heart had told my head but rather fullly-fleshed novels.
Did the people around you encourage you to pursue writing?
There was love and support everywhere and even when it started fading out, as other important things in life started fading in, I pushed myself to remember my nine-year-old inner voice.
Yes. Yes, they did. Friends and classmates kept asking for more. My mother bought me age-appropriate books (even though I had access to you know…) to encourage me and always said things like one day, you’ll be like the so-so-so author. She taught me never to compare myself to others and that amongst other things contributed to keeping me grounded.
Yes. Indeed my family and friends encouraged me to keep writing. I remember a friend, who, when I had no laptop, would return from work and call me to come over so I can use his laptop to type. There was love and support everywhere and even when it started fading out, as other important things in life started fading in, I pushed myself to remember my nine-year-old inner voice.
What is your main motivation for writing novels?
My main motivation is to help others escape their reality. There’s a lot of sadness in the world plaguing both rich and poor. My motivation is to be a companion in form of books, a means to escape the reality of life and have a reason to smile.
Your latest book, titled ‘Romantic Illusions’ features serious topics around teenage angst and sexual awakening that conservative authors tend to shy away from. What are your motivations for exploring such powerful themes?
I want my readers to understand that consent within sexual interaction is sexy.
When I wrote Romantic Illusions, the goal was to connect with all ages: from Millennials to Gen-Z. To give Millennials a nostalgic story that reminded them of the stupid, crazy things they did for love. For Gen-Z to let them know they’re not alone but to be able to adopt the right attitude when it comes to sex. For example, I want my readers to understand that consent in sexual interaction is sexy.
I want my readers to understand that friendships are important but shouldn’t be forced. You don’t need to force people to become your friends. In the journey of life, people will come and amongst the thousands, at least one would stay.
Overall, I just wanted to tell a story that’s relatable and that’s what my stories are, realistic stories fortified life lessons.
Are any of the plots in your stories linked to things you witnessed first-hand growing up?
I’ve got a trilogy I plan to release in 2022 that, God help me, would be as real as it can get as I’ll be telling a story that covers topics less spoken and frowned up by the majority, but it’s the reality for most.
All my stories are infused with my personal experiences and the experience of others. Even though my books are classed as fiction, my readers rave that my stories are relatable. I’ve got a trilogy I plan to release in 2022 that, God help me, would be as real as it can get as I’ll be telling a story that covers topics less spoken and frowned up by the majority, but it’s the reality for most.
Are there any myths would you like to dispel about the writing process for independent authors?
The major writing myth I would like to dispell is the mention that you should write what you love and your readers will find you. I’m on the fence on that.
There are many! I have a list on my YouTube channel that goes into detail about writing myths and so much more.
The major writing myth I would like to dispell is the mention that you should write what you love and your readers will find you. I’m on the fence on that.
That advice only works in the following instances:
- You’re not looking at the business side of making money as an independent author.
- You’re willing to groom your audience from scratch, which would take a longggg process.
- You want to write one book and be done with the writing itch.
- You want the book to be private, for just you and your family.
I believe that an independent author who wants to make money should research what their readers love – by reading, scouring the internet, actively listening to book discussions – and blend it into how they write or their storyline. This way you win both ways, you’re writing what you love and you have access to your target audience: so that they’re not racking their heads to understand you.
What do you think about writing platforms like Wattpad to grow a reading audience?
I’m currently sharing chapters of First Impressions on Wattpad to grow a more diverse audience.
I’m down for Wattpad. As a communication strategist, I believe it’s a way to grow your audience. I’m currently sharing chapters of First Impressions on Wattpad with my username camaa_pearl to grow a more diverse audience.
Margeret Adetemilehin can be found on numerous social media channels including Instagram and YouTube. Look out for her upcoming novel, titled Escape which will be released in October.
