How did “How to Know Your Father Is a God” originate? What inspirations did you draw on?

My stories originate from those places I don’t expect them to be born. They also come at the time I don’t want them to—like when I’m about to finally attempt an eight-hour sleep. And this story is not an exception. I have always wanted to write a story with a blend of my culture—the Yoruba culture—its myths and legends, but every attempt at this had always been unrealistic. Moreover, over the years, I’ve been craving something similar to this piece on the shelves and/or on my TV screen. Sadly, every attempt or announcement on such projects went down the drain.

But after reading Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone in 2019, the passion to write it was reignited. Also, seeing movies like Clash of the Titans, Gods of Egypt, and most especially Percy Jackson which was based on the novel of the same name, inspired me to complete the project. The urge to see something the first of its kind also pushed me into submitting it for publication. If not, I doubt if this piece would ever see the light of day.

What is your writing process like? Did this story fit the pattern?

My writing process is a bit weird and I myself barely understand. Oftentimes, I follow the traditional process which involves brainstorming, researching, planning, drafting, etc. However, it’s not so all of the time. I could begin writing a story right now, not knowing where it would take me until I get stuck. That is when I might decide to begin carrying out research, developing my characters, working on the worldbuilding, plotting, etc.

But this story doesn’t fit into any of these processes. I used to daydream about being a descendant of an orisá (deity) ever since I learnt my mother is an indigene of Oyo State, Nigeria, where Sango was also born. So I had written this story in its entirety in my head before finally putting it on paper. The rest is history.

What led you into writing genre fiction?

Genre fiction has always been where my interests lie, ever since I began to pick up books that weren’t recommended in class. I grew up in a country where literary fiction is widely celebrated; anything except that is not considered fiction. But that didn’t stop me from reading books or watching movies in genre. These further fuelled my interest in the genre. In fact, it influenced my writings and I developed it with the hopes that one day, when I become a successful author, I would change the idea surrounding genre fiction in Nigeria.

What are you reading lately? What writers inspire you?

Aside from the tonnes of novels and plays recommended for this semester, I’ve been reading Caraval by Stephanie Garber and Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon by Wole Talabi. I’m also rereading Vothuno: The Chief Priest of Badagri by Babatunde Olaide-Mesewaku for inspiration on a project I’ve been working on for a couple of months now.

Writers such as Amos Tutuola, Nnedi Okorafor, Tomi Adeyemi, Tochi Onyebuchi, Ernest Hemingway, to name only a few, inspire me to write.

What are you working on lately? Where else can fans look for your work?

I’ve been working on a couple of short stories and a novella which I hope to publish as soon as the opportunity presents itself.

On the other hand, you can find my debut novella, Love & Sprites on Ankara Circle. You can also find me on Tiktok @modupeshelley and on Instagram @modupeoluwashelle where I post my animated spoken word poems. I am currently working on my blog, Lit Is What It Is,  so my fans can get more of my work.