We need more children literature –Salamatu Sule

Last year, your children story book, Oma: The Drummer Queen, was published along two other titles in the ANA’s Nigeria Writers Series (NWS); how did you feel to be selected?

I felt great and happy that my manuscript got to the selection list and that Nigeria children gets to read my work.
Yes, there were quite a huge number of entry.

Can you take us through the process that led to the final selection?

Well, like every writer seeking selection opportunity, I entered in my work with that hope and positive enthusiasm. I was later to be contacted by the series editor and today we have the publication out of the many conversation and from the judges report as well.

What inspired the book?

It was inspired through another remarkable opportunity from the Writers Residency in Ebedi Iseyin, established by Dr Wale Okediran.

The story is set in Iseyin and the plot is derived from examining the magical incursion of the girl child.
My characters in the book are mixed as OMA in my native dialect is the child, every other character is within the setting of the book.

What’s the meaning of OMA in your dialect?

The child, metaphorically, the child can be a girl or a boy.

What’s the significance of the role played by Oma in the book?

Omaha plays a critical role of a girl child and achiever. She takes after her father’s profession which is rare for a female.

Did you write the story in response to ANA’s call?

I have so many manuscripts in my archives; some are unpublishable.

OMA was written in 2012 as a complete work from the residency (i.e Ebedi Writers Residency). I wanted it published traditionally to help support the girl child project and the call was for me a perfect time.

What lessons and messages did you intend to pass through the book?

The whole idea in the belief to achieving your set out goals. Oma believes so much in the profession that she has set out for herself and as a goal getter, no one, not even Asake, her mother can prevent her from getting to her final destination.

Asake and Oma, I see an infusion of tribal names here, was it an intentional cultural integration?

Yes. My coming into an environment and coexisting with the people of Iseyin birthed the character of Oma. A greatly fusion I must say.

Omo means child in Yoruba but OMA is called a child too in Igala.

There was also a great intercourse in the characters of Aremu and Olodumare, to what extent do you believe in communication between spiritual and the living?

The book is all about magical realism and the bringing back of folkism, an aspect of literature which is fast fading.
I still read Amos Tutuola and you can tell the Africaness in his works.

How much of cultural integration should be expected in your next works?

As much as possible, because my new children’s work is coming under the Nigerian WA ZO BIA series and more about our Nigerianess.

What other works are your working on?

I have a book on the way, it’s titled: Bakura Bako the Last King and a collection of poems, titled: The Orchestra of Her Last Rites.

As a liter ary critic and reviewer, what qualities should a good reviewer possess and how can one achieve good review of any literary work?

The understanding of the universe of the book, the philosophy behind the author’s choice of plot and setting. Providing if constructive criticism that is in line with the story.

What makes you doff your hat for a literary work?

I doff my hat for readership and constructive criticism.

What is your advice to other writers?

First, writers need to write good works that is appreciated by the reading audience and also reviewers must consider review of good works.

Also, we need more names in the area of children literature.

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