Working as a confidential secretary for over a decade channeled my interest for reading and writing-Aminat Shiyanbade

Tell us briefly about your background.

My background crisscrossed around administration and management. My multidisciplinary undergraduate studies in Business Administration; and Office Technology and Management not only trained me in handling management issues but also exposed me to administrative skills. I have been a Confidential Secretary for up to 10 years now, where I provided both secretarial and administrative support to Executives and Departments. Asides from my 9-5 profession, I’m a writer by passion with some of my books distributed and published on several platforms.

How exactly did you come into writing and how long has it been?

I started writing few years into my job role as a confidential secretary. I was exposed to different tasks such as typing, editing and proofreading which became an hobby. These skills geared my ability and the discovery of my passion for writing which led to me writing my first story ever. I’ve been writing now for over 4 years.

Why did you choose to be a writer?

Writing is as much a journey of discovery for me as it is for readers. It is my passion and psychologically satisfying.

How many books have you written till date?

Three books and some poems.

What are some of the challenges you encounter as a writer?

Basically writers’ block.

Describe your writing technique. Do you write in long hand or with computer?

I write with my computer or tablet device.

How do you manage writer’s block?

I really do take my time. Though it can be very frustrating and I just distract myself and take a break to clear my head before continuing.

How do you balance your 9-5 work life with your passion and talent of writing?

I just take as much possible time when writing a story. I go one day at a time because I’m not in a hurry to list out my stories. It is a passion for me and creating that balance comes naturally.

What inspires your stories/writing?

My inspiration comes from happenings around me, mixed with a broad sense of imagination. I explore my ideas and write in a pattern that communicates with the reader.

What are your plans for the coming years?

I plan to continue developing and delivering great contents in the literature atmosphere and hope that my coming stories ranks as the best selling. Also I plan to distribute some free copies of my books to some rural communities that has little or no access to entertainment through literature.