Psychically powerful to me, a reminder that societal projections are none of my business. One of them is, “Where I already am is the mainstream”- Toni Morrison. Maybe they’re burrowed deep in my mind and I won’t know they’re there until one day I burst out with “cephalopodic” in the right context.īABALOLA: I have so very many. I never really do, I remember maybe, two at best, but I think the effort means something. I also have a notes app doc where I write new words I encounter every day with their meanings with the idea that I shall memorize them for my perusal. UKIOMOGBE: Do you keep a notebook or journal?īABALOLA: I keep one million notebooks. If I have alcohol at home, alone, it is very likely to end with my passing out on my sofa swiftly. The fluidity and playfulness that imbues my mind after a margarita at my favorite coffee shop/bistro near my home definitely help with playful dialogue, and I find it assists in making the conversation feel more natural.

UKIOMOGBE: Do you ever smoke or drink while you write?īABALOLA: Ha! There is only a very specific scenario in which alcohol is conducive for me and it is within that aforementioned zone, but particularly during a romantic scene or a battle of wit between two leads.

I’m not really a snacker, but if I do, it would probably be a breakfast bar or something. UKIOMOGBE: Do you eat or drink while you write? If so, what do you like to have?īABALOLA: I try not to drink too much coffee because it makes me feel wretched in the long run, and I am British, so of course, tea is a staple. I find it loosens my creative muscles, provides a balm, helps create or accentuate the atmosphere, especially for a romantic scene. Music is never far away, even if it means taking a break. An adequate one is one where there is lots of natural light, preferably near a window. What gets you in the mood?īOLU BABALOLA: I love that sweet spot where I have figured out plot and scene and I know who my characters are, and they’re just driving the direction and I’m listening to sexy, romantic R&B because I’m situated in the world so deeply that lyrics aren’t a distraction but rather, a motivation, and it is probably around 9 or 10 pm and a few warm lamps are lit and maybe a candle and I am in the zone. JULIANA UKIOMOGBE: Describe your ideal writing atmosphere. Before curling up Love in Color: Mythical Tales from Around the World, Retold by Bolu Babalola, discover all the elements that helped her get it done.

From preferred writing drinks to whether or not you really need to carry a notebook, we find out all the ways they beat writer’s block and do the work. This is Rough Draft, in which our favorite writers get to the bottom of their own craft.

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