Charmed: Interview with Biola Olatunde, Author of Blood Contract

The gifted Biola Olatunde

Hello Knight Chills readers.  

My name is Biola Olatunde

I have been writing since the seventies, I have about 300 or more plays produced for television and about the same for radio. Went into the broadcasting business in 78 and have been writing since then.

I wrote a couple of television series (104 for radio and television) for United Nations population Fund (UNFPA) on sex education, parent/child communication strategies and it was aired on all television stations in my country Nigeria on local, regional as well as National television and radio network. In its second year the Canadian International Development Agency CIDA partnered with UNFPA to sponsor the series for a second year. I also have produced radio plays on democracy and maternal health for USAID within the south west of my country. I am actually always writing plays, novels, poems for people as well. It is a spontaneous thing. I just write. I have always been involved with social drama series that I use as an instrument to hope for change. You might call me a quiet activist for change in the human being. I have self published a collection of poetry, 3 volumes in fact and then decided if I could in any way see what the outside world thinks of my poetry and if it is worth publishing. I submitted some collections to Xoxo publishing and was gratified when they accepted it and had it published. I also have a novel, BLOOD CONTRACT, by another publishing house too on amazon.com

1.       Tell us about your latest book. 

     Hmm.. my latest book will be my collection of poems “MEMORIES OF A FORGOTTEN SLUMBER”

2.       How did you get started as a writer?

You would laugh… I was bored as I grew up some kind of a loner. I never felt lonely, just kind of liked being with myself more and will stare at people and weave stories around them. My head of programmes one day asked out of curiosity what I was writing and I showed it to her. She had it produced and I got paid. I was puzzled and became interested in writing. I thought I was just having fun with poetry. My career as a writer took off from there.

3.       What’s a typical day like for you?

A typical day would be me trying to put them [most of the stories or poems] in my head. Sometimes I see a person and a poem about the person jumps into my head and I write it down sometimes, if I could, while I am doing other chores.

4.       What do you like most about reading and writing?

The opportunity to learn something. The opportunity to peep into another creativity and be immersed in another world. The wonder of a world I dream of and my willingness to learn from another perspective and see my reaction to it. Perfection is the union of so many elements and I wish to experience that.

5.       Which author influenced you the most? 

It will be the English writer Somerset Maugham. There is a calmness and hidden sarcasm to what he writes. He became my role model at a very early age, and for a woman it is Bessie Head; a South African writer who fired me to identify my soul.

6.       Tell us 3 interesting things about you.

Well wouldn’t know if they could be called interesting. 

1.       I like music, all types of beautiful music and it transports me making me write my best pieces I think.

2.       I like nature and live in the country here in Nigeria.

3.       Friends tend to say, I am humorous, can crack a joke and rarely lose my temper but when I do I could be awful they say. 

7.       Would you say you write specifically for one genre and if not, what’s your favorite genre to write?

Well for one I am not really keen on horror! But I did write some horror plays and productions before as I had been one of the followers of Stephen King and Dennis Wheately. As I got older and saw that there was enough horror in the way we treat ourselves, and intolerance had gotten to horrific levels, I did not wish to inflict that also on the collective human soul as I felt we have more than enough already. However I am not good at romance either, generally human interest issues, injustice, and the realities of human existence, spirituality gets me so I write about those. Don’t know a thing about science but I write social commentaries. My latest novel a fictional crime/adventure genre is actually a social commentary on the Niger Delta of my country.

8.       Best and worst part of being a writer?

Best part of being a writer? Wow, I could get lost in a world devoid of politicians, and see the possibility to persuade Man to see himself in a better world. The worst part? The reading culture is practically dead in my country and writers here get little recognition. We have all gone materialistic, yes we need to eat but where do we leave the quality of life?

9.       Advice to writers?

A writer is a dreamer; he must learn to be on close terms with the lonely crag of his dreams. He must accept that the validity of his visions can only be underwritten with the practicality of his surroundings. He must dream dreams but he must weave with the pragmatic wool of a knowledge of his tool and the people. He must be willing to challenge the reader to dare to look himself in the mirror and find himself. He must paint utopia but also show that real people live there too. The myth is tempting that writers become rich, failure too is non performance of a responsibility. If you are writer, it is a long lonely road sometimes to a nod of recognition but the Muse is a hard taskmaster and you are only as good as your last. You should strive to be better. Writers live forever and immortality therefore is a very potent addictive drug.

10.   Interesting story about writing

I could share one small anecdote. When I was writing the teenage series for UNFPA, the director of photography assumed I was the mother of one of the young actors and gave me stories of how he planned on taking the writer of the series out on a date. He regaled me with all the antics that cameramen get up to and asked me the name of the actor who was my child. Then the producer came in and smiled saying he was pleased that the director was getting acquainted with me. He smiled and asked when he could get to know the writer saying she would be an exciting young lady since she wrote in the language of young persons and he hinted he was looking forward to an association, He almost fell over in a faint when the producer pointed at me as the writer. A writer’s mind can be young or interesting and had nothing to do with age. He could not get over his shock for a long time. Before the first quarter was over, he was seeking advice from me about his two daughters.

Love the book cover!

Wow! Now all our Knight Chills readers can see why I've been mesmerized by this charming, master poet.  Thanks for taking the time to answer these questions for Knight Chills.  Biola, I wish you continued success in everything you do. 

Nomar Knight 

© Copyright Biola Olatunde 2011. All rights reserved. 

Biola Olatunde has granted Knight Chills non-exclusive rights to display this work.

 

© Copyright Nomar Knight 2011. All rights reserved. 

A Knight Chills author interview.

Edge of Madness

Edge of Madness

By Nomar Knight

So close to the edge of madness

Afraid of losing myself in your soul

Mustn't give in to sadness

Have to keep hiding this hole

Wore the mask for so long

Not sure who I am anymore

The line between right and wrong

Obscured by the one I adore

Like a thief you stole my heart

Exposed what I was lackin’

Said we needed a fresh start

And my walls began a crackin'

Gasping for one last breath

To hold a steady pace

But I'm on the verge of death

Afraid of what I must face

I'm near the edge of madness

Looking for any excuse

A myth this thing called gladness

Was it all just a terrible ruse?

Reflecting on my mistakes

The answers hurt so much

And this withered heart aches

I’m in isolation’s deep clutch

I need to be saved

By your loving breath

But the walls never caved

Cause I'm scared to death

Without you nearby I'm left

Unprotected from passion's grip

I stand a victim of theft

A naked passing ship

Those magnificent eyes

Send shivers down my spine

They seal our loving ties

Say you’ll always be mine

There's magic in your touch

Oh it feels so right

Forever in your clutch

The fear is lost to light

Close to the edge is crazy

Somehow I can’t recall

Why I was afraid

For with you I stand tall

Hold me, show me how

Falling won’t kill me

Leap over the edge now

Breathe and set us free

© Copyright Nomar Knight 2010. All rights reserved. 

A Knight Chills presentation.

 

For One Stop Poetry: here 

Catch the Journey: Review of Biola Olatunde’s Memory of a Forgotten Slumber

Catch the Journey: Review of Biola Olatunde’s Memory of a Forgotten Slumber

By Nomar Knight

Memories are scenes which unfolded in our past, full of love and misery.  It is a road that should lead to a path of self-discovery.  For some it is a welcomed journey, where time travel is made possible.  An honest look into the past may allow us to grow, giving us something to look forward to in the future.  I believe by examining the past, we can avoid pitfalls in our present, or at the very least, learn how to react to what unfolds around us.  

To reminisce in poetic form is an art that’s been around for centuries.  I find poetry a refreshing form of literature which allows writers to pour the contents of their hearts into the printed page.  Some may say it’s the process of cutting a vein and bleeding verses on the page.  Either way, a poem should reveal something about its author whether it is bits and pieces of a life that resides in a cloud of memory, or an existence of how things used to be.  A poem should strike an accord with its reader, stirring up a kinship of sorts between souls that may never meet except in the presence of the piece created.  

In my dear friend Biola Olantunde’s latest poetic effort, Memories of a Forgotten Slumber, raw emotion helps the reader look into the author’s memory cloud and through dazzling poetry do we get to peak into a world that would have remained forever lost to us.  Biola’s poetic mastery literally forms links which chain two different worlds together, regardless of any cultural boundaries that may exist. Her unique view of a past etched with painful events makes this reader realize that for all the differences we may be conditioned to believe exists between people, we all want the same things—to enjoy life and leave a positive mark—before we go off into the stars. Through a series of poems, Biola Olatunde teaches us through what she terms “sublime lessons” that the truth about life is out there if we care to look deep enough.  

In retrospect, I took away from this book that life is a major learning process and through our interactions with others, we learn much about ourselves.  

I for one am happy to have purchased this book for I have a feeling I will be constantly reading the various poems, especially when something in life triggers a memory shared with the lovely and talented, Biola Olatunde.  

Knight Chills rates Memories of a Forgotten Slumber: 5 poetic stars out of 5. 

Click on the cover to visit Biola's website for more information about her and book ordering.

© Copyright Biola Olatunde 2010. All rights reserved. 

Biola Olatunde has granted Knight Chills non-exclusive rights to display this work.

© Copyright Nomar Knight 2010. All rights reserved. 

A Knight Chills book review.

A Sneak Peak at Poppet's Exploits

Yesterday you got an inside look at an exciting new author, Poppet.  Well, as promised here's a small taste of her Chapter 14 of Exploits.  


'Exploits' defines the difference between a relationship and a dictatorship. A psychological journey from naive to liberation, until she finally has the greatest love of all. Stefanie has played by the rules - now things are changing. Follow Stef's exploits from good girl to willing slave. She chucks the court shoes for stilettos. Wears hold up stockings, push up bras, and grows her hair long enough to tickle. How did this good girl get so bad? By meeting Gary - the moulder of clay. The condensed version of a dysfunctional relationship, and how it turned a good girl into a spineless victim of love. Gary has rules. Rules of 'engagement'. Isn't love supposed to be a battlefield? "You are drawn into Stefanie's predicament from the outset. The central premise of a woman being emotionally and, in some ways, physically abused by her partner is interesting and holds the reader's attention" - Harper Collins UK. 

For two blissful weeks I was rebellious. The crowd at work ranged from eighteen to twenty-three and they were all thankfully normal and in normal relationships.

Between Dianne, Julie, Selene and James, we had every ladies night plotted and planned. We knew up to what hour ladies could get in free, with a free drink to boot. We were booked every night of the week. I laughed, I flirted, I thrived like algae in sludge. My self-confidence just flourished, and I now knew without a doubt that I am not the ugliest girl in the room.

Unfortunately, the side effect of bonding with colleagues, is they find out why you’re suddenly single. Even some of the guys at work seemed ambitious about getting to know me. I was one of the crowd, these were my people. We worked together; we played together; on Friday nights after work, we drank together at the work bar.

But – I can’t stress this enough – one thing I knew I would never do again, is dress the way Selene dresses. We looked like wannabe prostitutes that night, and I did not like the way men just assumed that they could examine the merchandise. You know what I’m saying?

So, I’m happy. I honestly am. I still love Gary but we’re over. He phones me every day at work and every day I hang up on him. He crossed a line and I wasn’t that hard up that I needed to stay with a guy who not only made me feel like a cheap harlot, then stuffs around with other women behind my back. I could not have tried any harder to please him. And my best obviously wasn’t enough. I wasn’t going to waste another day of my glorious life following the leader of the pack down the dry dusty road to hell.

Right, so I’ve been flirting up a storm the last two weeks. I’m hurt. I’m seriously not ready for a new Mr Right, but, flirting makes you feel so delicious. It validates that you’re not half bad. So on Thursday morning, when flowers arrive at work for me without a card, I have no idea who they’re from. Seriously.

All of the girls at work, ‘Ooh’ and ‘Aaah’. “Who are those from?”

I stare at the two dozen red roses making my desk look like a telephone table and shrug. “I have no idea!”

This day goes down in office history. I pick them up, move my trash can, and dump the whole lot into the bin underneath my desk.
In unison the ladies all exhale, “Gaaaaasp”

“You can’t do that!”

I smile at Frank, “Oh, yes I can!”

His girlfriend also works with me, and from across the office I hear Julie, “If you don’t want them, I’ll take them.”

I look at Frank for confirmation that this is in order. He nods and smiles, retorting back across the office, “Don’t say I never buy you flowers. I just organised for you!”

Julie literally skips to my desk, as I remove the flowers from my trash can and hand them to her. She even kisses me, “Thanks.”
She flounces to Frank and kisses him, “Hmmm, you are the best. I expect this every week from now on.”

The office is smiling when my phone rings. It’s the internal ring.

“Hello?”

“Stefanie, please come to reception.”

I’m suspicious, “Why?”

“You have more flowers.”

I roll my eyes, “Coming.”

I stalk off to reception and pick up pink Amaranths. No card. Just flippin great. Now I’m psychic too, have you noticed? I doubt the same guy sent both bouquets. Men! (To quote Mishi.)

I walk back to our open plan office and announce from the doorway, “Who would like these?”

Five chorus ‘Me!’ I place them down on the sign in table, “First one here gets them then.”

The entire office is laughing as the girls bolt for the flowers like a bunch of singles catching the bridal bouquet. Selene gets there first. I giggle as I walk back to my desk. She follows me and asks the question on everyone’s mind, “Who are they from?”

“God only knows! There’s no card!”

(I wonder if tarot cards work? A tall dark stranger will send you flowers …)

My boss raises her eyebrows. I suppose it doesn’t look that good to get flowers and not know who they’re from. Whatever.

My phone rings and I lunge, “Stefanie speaking, how may I help you?”

“Hello, gorgeous.”

Um … “Hello.”

I have no idea who I’m speaking to.

“Did you get my flowers?”

Um … crikey. I have no idea what to say here. I wing it. “Yes, they just arrived.” So I dig, “Why didn’t you send a card with it?”

“I did.”

Oh crap.

“Oh!” (Trying to sound surprised and flirty.) “I guess it fell off somewhere.”

He laughs. Oooh he does sound nice. I wonder who he is?

****

If you want to read the rest of the chapter click here 

Thanks for sharing this little teaser with us Poppet. 

I suggest to anyone reading this to click on the link and purchase the book.  You won't be disappointed.  

© Copyright Poppet 2010. All rights reserved. 

Poppet has granted Knight Chills non-exclusive rights to display this work.

© Copyright Nomar Knight 2010. All rights reserved. 

A Knight Chills presentation.

Experience the Magic: Interview with Author Poppet

I suppose true magic may occur in fiction, but once in awhile life catches you off guard.  Well, that's what happened to me upon meeting the fabulous author, Poppet.  Her incredibly perceptive observations intrigued me, so it was a simple decision for me to review a few of her books.  She writes in the dark genre with characters that jump to life.  The world she creates for them is much like real life, yet one can't help get lost in fantasy.  It's as if she casts a spell on her readers.  We feel every caress, every pain, every triumph.  So it is my pleasure to declare this Poppet week of sorts.  For several nights we'll get to know one of my new favorite authors as we get a taste of what's inside her novels. 


Prepare to be dazzled for Poppet's magic is downright, wonderfully intoxicating. 


Without further ado, here's the Knight Chills interview with the gifted author, Poppet.


Tell us about your latest book.

Exploits is a tale which outlines a young adult who falls for an abusive male. Abusive in the sense that he doesn't respect her and sees her more as a possession (and maid) than a sentient being with emotions or needs.

It was written to outline what I call victim mentality, and how lack of worldy experience leaves naive women open to this kind of abuse. Exposed to manipulation without realising it, being cornered, and trying too hard to please is their downfall. With so many children of divorce populating our world, many adults don't have good role models or support systems in place to deal with an abusive personality.

Exploits outlines Stefanie's subjection to psychological abuse and emotional betrayal from Gary. Women are programmed through the media to *try harder* and to believe a relationship defines love. They're not taught their own value, and it's using this premise which outlines Exploits, following Stefanie through relationships, to the point of her own actualisation. I wrote it as a warning for the naive, and so that strong women friends can understand the dynamics inside a friend's relationship. We always say, "Why doesn't she just leave?" Exploits explains why she doesn't just leave, and how that destroys her.

How did you get started as a writer?

I think a writer always writes. Usually in private, for years. But I started writing seriously for magazines. I was a health writer for six years before moving to fiction novels.

What’s a typical day like for you?

A typical day? Hmmm - I start my day with coffee and read my emails and respond to them. I then look at the work in progress: sometimes this is a book I'm editing, or the book I'm writing. I do a few tweaks before leaving my computer to get dressed. Then I hit the kitchen and put the dishwasher and washing machines on.

Going back to my computer I open iTunes, kick off my shoes, press play, and start running on my rebounder. I then progress to the free weights, then I do stretching, then back on the rebounder.

 

After pouring a huge glass of water and taking my amino acids and mineral salts I sit down and start working. I won't move from my computer until 2pm. I take a break to make lunch, when I'll hang up the washing and open the dishwasher to let the dishes dry. Then back to my computer with lunch, where I read through what I've done until lunch is over.

I repeat the process until I have to stop to make dinner. I take a break for about 3 hours to make dinner, consume it, and catch some TV.

 

Then back to my computer to keep working until about 11:30 pm. I take a break to write my blog for the next day. I answer all of my emails. Then write for another hour before going to bed.

That's a typical day.

The only thing that varies is what I'm working on. Editing for me, editing for a friend, doing book reviews, or working on new novels.
 

What do you like most about reading and writing?

I love the creation process. It makes me feel alive and happy. That's why I do it. I enjoy reading because it keeps me up to date with the works currently being published. They give me hope.

Which author influenced you the most?

Probably Dean Koontz. I've always wanted to write something super scary. I think his work inspired me more than King did. Charles De Lint also inspired me, in working the magical into the mundane. Reading his work I knew I could get away with mixing the supernatural into a modern setting.

Tell us 3 interesting things about you. 

I'm a workaholic.

I'm afraid of failure.

Despite being slender, I love to eat.

Would you say you write specifically for one genre and if not, what’s your favorite genre to write?

I can't say I have a favourite genre, but I do tend to lean toward writing about unusual (possibly dysfunctional) relationships. I like writing emotional roller coasters.

Best and worst part of being a writer?

The best part about being a writer is doing what I love, every day. The worst is the insecurity. It's the writer's responsibility to get an agent / and or / publisher. We are expected to promote ourselves, our novels, and network, whilst simultaneously finding the time to write, review and edit our work. Just the PR is a full time job, and it's often overwhelming. We have to set up our own interviews and book reviews, in some cases even do our own press releases, all while dealing simultaneously with rejection letters for unpublished novels from agents and publishers. It's a very lonely vocation, which often leaves the author feeling daunted and undermined. We don't get praise, we don't get paid until someone's bought the book, we have no way to measure our success or how well we're doing - it's a hard road to travel, but so many authors make it look easy, we just have to remain true to the calling and hope for the best.

Advice to writers?

Focus on your novel with everything you have. Always do your very best, then learn to edit and take criticism. Not everyone will like your work, but when a publisher does, it's the best day of your life.

Interesting story about writing

I don't have one I'm afraid.

Knight Chills thanks Poppet for a wonderful interview.  Come back tomorrow to be dazzled with one of her excerpts from her newest book, EXPLOITS. 

To purchase one of Poppet's books just click on the photo and you'll start your ride into her magical world. 

© Copyright Poppet 2010. All rights reserved. 

Poppet has granted Knight Chills non-exclusive rights to display this work.

© Copyright Nomar Knight 2010. All rights reserved. 

A Knight Chills author interview.

Kick Start Your New Year

Sometimes it seems like it takes forever for the new year to arrive, but when it finally rears its gruesome smile, you can't help but smile back, or can you?


2010 was a roller coaster ride for me on so many levels. There was sorrow, laughter, and lots to celebrate.  I lost 30 pounds only to get sick and gain it all back by Christmas. Back to the drawing board, but for some reason I'm eager to begin the new year.


I thank God for all my blessings.  I've never had so much fun as I have when I read comments from the Knight Chills readers.  Collaborating with other writers and showcasing them was a blast for me.  I want to thank each writer that contributed a short story or poem, a kind comment or two and some wonderful words of encouragement.  You all proved to be classy people and I'm glad to have met you, even if it was in a virtual world.


Personally, I'm pleased with my accomplishments this past year.  I've grown into a published poet which caught me by surprise.  Of course it was all the great poets I've read that inspired me to reach new heights.  There are so many to mention, but each poet who contributed to Knight Chills inspired me to write poetry as well.  I also got stories published in different venues in the Dark Romance and Horror genres.


This year also saw amazing contributions for short stories, flash fiction pieces and I got to review and interview some nifty authors.  Knight Chills has grown from a horror or dark fiction blog to romance, science fiction and supernatural genres.  Suspense is always a favorite along with mysteries.  Comedy took center stage here on the last two days of the year to my surprise.  What a blast I had and I hope you all did too.


Oh well, enough with the sappy stuff, I'm sniffling, but I assure you it was because of the weather change; not the heartwarming affection you readers have shown me. ;-)


Let's say see you later by having a few chuckles and then get ready to kick start your new year in the write direction.

 

Let's do our best to avoid any annoying characters.



















If you're like me, you have at least one New Year's Resolution.  I vow to lose weight again, but I hope not to be like my friends below.





















If I were married, I wonder if I'd be super bossy! Nah!





















Oh well, time for me to go off and celebrate with high aspirations for the new year.  I'll do my best not to end up like this fellow.

 

See you on the dark side and 

Have a Great 2011! 


Nomar Knight

© Copyright Nomar Knight 2010. All rights reserved. 

A Knight Chills presentation.

Hardships of Time by Nomar Knight

 

Hardships of Time

By Nomar Knight

There's loneliness in the air

I can't see it

But it weighs heavy on my conscience

Perhaps love is an illusion

A trick of emotion

The desire to shed tears

Consumes me

But it goes against my conditioning

Mortal fools

Wreak emotional havoc

Stunting growth

Tears do cleanse the soul.

I pray ye won't reveal

My secret

Crystal drops fall

Sobs steal my breath

This aching heart

Consumed with one burden

Do you exist to love me?

I am one.

A lifeless wonder with a beating heart

Loneliness suffocates hope

My other half

Lost to me

By a quirk of fate

Oh how I hate thee

Time monger

As the night moves on

I grow crazy

Knowing that someone else

May be caressing your face

If I could only break

These chains of uncertainty

I would alas breathe in your scent

And gain strength

From your heavenly

Voice

Touch

Smile

Your mere presence

Would erase all hardships of time

© Copyright Nomar Knight 2010. All rights reserved. 

A Knight Chills presentation.

 

For One Stop Poetry: here