How did “Last Ritual of the Smoke Eaters” originate? What inspirations did you draw on?

I think it came about in two ways. When I was much younger, I wrote a lot of stories that were told in the vein of traditional epic fantasy novels, and I wanted to write a more recent version of those. Specifically, one that involved dragons. I was really drawn to the idea of a story that portrayed the complex dynamics of romantic relationships within a fantasy world, and so this story was my attempt at capturing that.

Did you get stuck at any point while writing this? How did you get past that?

I did! I do usually get stuck whilst writing a lot of my stories (it’s fully because I cannot outline), and I think in this one it was hard knowing where each scene would go. What usually helps me get past it is thinking about what themes I’m trying to convey, as that gives me a clearer view of the story.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

My favorite piece of advice is to continually challenge yourself and experiment. It really is the best way to find your authorial voice. I feel like you constantly discover new things about your writing every time you push the boundaries of genre, form, or storytelling. Have fun with it, be bold, and you’ll surprise yourself.

What are you reading lately? What writers inspire you?

I’m reading way too many things at once, but currently I’ve been getting through Caleb Azumah Nelson’s “Small Worlds” which has the most beautiful sentences. I’m always so inspired by the work of K-Ming Chang, Pemi Aguda, and Eloghosa Osunde.

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

I’m about halfway through a linked short story collection, which is exciting. I have a science fiction short story that will also be coming out soon involving futuristic ancestral homes in Nigeria, which I’ll share more on at a later date.