Write On! interviews author Nkiru Agbabiaka

Nkiru loves to write about many things. Yet, the one thing that gives her unbridled joy is helping young readers discover their own kind of special through her books. She draws inspiration from chasing and chatting with her  toddlers, and is reminded every day of the gems of greatness that resides in every child and of the importance of polishing those gems until they shine so brightly. She hopes her stories will help children all around the world go to bed with warmth in their hearts and smiles on their faces.

WO: How would you describe your writing to someone new to it?

NA: Currently, I write for young children, so, mostly children’s picture books.

WO: Can you tell us a bit about your latest book, You Are Sweeter Than?

NA: Luke is a very curious boy who loves exploring new places with his mama. He loves to taste and feel and talk about the things he sees around him. His curiosity leads him to learn about fruits at the farmers’ market with the help of his mama, but there is one puzzle he tries so hard to solve. He cannot go to sleep until he solves it, and the answer is the most surprising of all!

The curiosity of little minds, exploration of colours and foods and a wholesome parent-child bond all come together beautifully in this engaging, suspenseful story centered on a young boy. This story will  keep little ones excitedly curious from beginning to end and is both a delight for its listeners and readers alike.

WO: What inspired you to write in the first place, and what inspires you now?

NA: I’ve always written as a way to express my deepest thoughts. Listening to countless stories from my dad as a child inspired my love for storytelling. Since becoming a mum four years ago, writing for children became a  desire I knew I had to fulfil.

WO: The current issue of Write On! explores the theme of ‘Literary Passions And Guilty Pleasures’. With that in mind, what would you say fuels your literary passion in terms of  reading and creating? Do you have a bookish guilty pleasure you’re happy to share?

NA: Being able to escape into a whole new world and see life through the eyes of another is a big driver for me. I relish being able to step into other lives, bringing people’s intrinsic emotions and lived experiences to life through words.

WO: What one piece of advice would you give an aspiring writer?

NA: If you have a burning urge to tell a story, there’s someone with a burning urge to read it!

WO: Can you tell us anything about future projects?

NA: A number of children’s books to come, perhaps including a series. Follow me on Amazon to stay updated.

WO: Lastly, if you could choose one fictional animal/creature to be a pet or companion, who would it be and why?

NA: Perhaps Peter Rabbit, because I think rabbits are the cutest!

You can find out more about Nkiru on their website: www.kikiagbabiaka.com and connect with them on Instagram: @nkirutheauthor.

You Are Sweeter Than is available to buy from Amazon.

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Issue 18 of Write On! is out now and you can read it online here. Find it in libraries and other outlets. You can find previous editions of our magazines here. Look out for issue 19, coming to you on 12 December!

You can hear great new ideas, creative work and writing tips on Write On! Audio. Find us on all major podcast platforms, including Apple and Google Podcasts and Spotify. Type Pen to Print into your browser and look for our logo, or find us on Podcasters.Spotify.com.

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