Today, I’m excited to visit with an author of a completely different genre outside of any romantic notions. I love children so why not have a wonderful new children’s book author here at the Teegarner Blogosphere? Enjoy discovering and learning more about

Ms. Taiwo I. Ajao 

Let’s spend some time getting to know more about Taiwo….

What’s your name or pen name?

For years I’ve written under the title Lyrics by tia. Now that my writing is beginning to merge with my professional life in nursing and public health, I use TI Ajao RN

What are your genres?

My first book is a creative Biography about my Mom’s childhood. I like creative non-fiction because I get inspired by real stories, and it gives me the push to write

What have you written?

I have written a creative Biography called “Adunni Dares to Dream”. It is a true story about my mom’s difficult childhood. It inspires me deeply. My next move is a special book of true stories by my Dad, to be introduced in July 2017.

When did you begin your writing career?

I began to write as a blogger in 2010 after I had my first baby. It was my new-mother experience that inspired me.

Are you a full-time or part-time writer? How do you make time to write?

I am an all-the-time writer! I fit in writing when I am inspired. This can be as simple as scribbling down ideas as they pop in my head, or using my phone to record ideas when they fill my heart.

Tell us about your writing process?

Writing for me has been very sporadic. I have dreamed about it for many, many years. Writing this book was a pleasant surprise. I didn’t truly have control over it. It came over me unexpectedly. Completing this book is God’s gift to me. I feel like it wasn’t even the works of my hands.

I did have to be deliberate about putting all the pieces together. I had a working document and I made sure all my ideas ended up there. It allowed me to organize seamlessly and present a concrete product to my editors.

I use what always makes me feel comfortable and soothed: soft or nostalgic music, warm lighting and of course my feet up in a recliner!

Do you keep a journal? If so, for how long? Do you find it helpful for your professional writing?

I did! I started journalling as early as 13 years old as a confused teenager. I had so many thoughts, feelings and emotions that I couldn’t handle alone, so I began to write them out in a book as prayers, poems, songs and conversations to God. One book turned to maybe 50 over the years! When I started longing for marriage, I would write prayers for him and dream. Then when I started a long distance friendship with my now husband, we would instant message daily which brought out both of our writing potential! After our first baby, I began to blog and get into social media. To be honest, social media turned into my journal. This can be positive…or negative. Essentially, all of this full and deep writing have become like a invaluable treasure chest! Some will be shared, but even more importantly, our legacy is preserved.

Becoming a professional writer has helped me turn my inspiration into an investment: a book that all can read for themselves and to their children.

Tell us about you inspiration?

The Acts of God. His Faithfulness. His Love and His Grace. I am inspired by the Victories He has made in my life. I want to burst out almost everyday thinking of ALL that He has done. I throw out how I feel in social media a lot! I just have a hard time keeping it in! I feel like everyone needs to know what God has done!

I am also inspired by parents’ stories and all that I have watched happen in their lives and relationship. A lot of areas in my life mirror that of my parents. Writing my books started by a deep desire to honor them. Honoring my parents is the “WHY” of my professional writing career.

What kind of legacy do you expect your writing to leave?

I came to the understanding that I am here today because of the Legacy of all of those who came before me. My first goal is to honor my parents and their stories, which of course includes that of my grandparents, great grandparents and beyond. These stories validate my humble stories. Because of them, I am.

My 2nd goal is to build myself as a stronger supporter of my husband. He is my illustrator, producer and publisher. Putting pen to paper is 5% of the work, while his role was so much more than the other 95%. His contributions are just too tremendous! I was so surprised at how little I could do after the words were done! My parents’ interwoven story has shown me what marriage is all about. As my husband and I continue to develop concepts together and develop our professional selves as educators and clinicians, I pray to leave a legacy of love for our kids and grow closer as a team.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Wait for it. Pray for it. It is the inspiration from God that will bring forth our books. Every part of each project, from the written word, to the illustration, to the masterpiece of the cover must be inspired. GOD still works miracles. Writing a book was my ultimate impossibility! I gave up on it a long time ago and figured i’ll just keep handing out my ideas frivolously on social media. When this book started to come to being, it could have only been God, and thus, all the glory is His!

What’s on your bookshelf or in your e-reader library?

I have a lovely kid’s book for 0 to 5 year olds called “I am Worth The Wait” by Dr. Lindsay Marsh-Warren. I know Dr. Marsh-Warren personally. She too has a very deep testimony along with a powerful ministry called The Worth The Wait Revolution. My boys LOVE her kids’ book! It teaches them big words and validates them.

“The Supa Dupa Kid” is by TY Allan Jackson, an amazing action-author who adds true meaning to the industry. This was the first chapter book my sons & I have ever completed together. They were so excited that they would remind me of our 1 chapter commitment every night.

I’ve also fallen in love with a book called “Dylan’s Big Surprise at the Doctor” by Kishma Anthony. Kishma is another action-author who brings life to the message of her story when she interacts with children. She has also been an inspiration and I love how to promotes the healthcare profession!

I am enamored by a Historical Fiction novel by my friend, Author Nike C Fatoki called Thread of Gold Beads. It is the first grown-up book i’ve read in ages! Such a beautiful rendering of legacy & culture! She was the first I reach out to for advice. I am excited about the example that she leads.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on a special book of wisdom about the character “Mike” in “Adunni Dares to Dream”. When writing Adunni’s story, the Mike character began to impress me more and more, and I began to dream of ways to shed light on his actions & wise ways. My goal is to introduce “Mike Makes a Move: Golden Nuggets of Truth from Uncle Mike” this July 2017. I am very excited.

Tell us about your main character? What actress or actor would you cast to play him or her in a movie about your book?

Well, we can see Adunni more as an animated character. Her voice however would be acted by an amazing woman who has truly put our culture on the map. Her name is Rashidat Fawehinmi-Raji of HerGist.com. Rashidat has been the creative genius behind the cultural dialect depicted in the book. She is extremely talented and funny and would be perfect as the voice of Adunni!

Please let us know, how  we can purchase your work?

Proceeds from the Book goes directly to Medical, Public Health & Educational Outreach to support poor children like little Adunni, starting in her home town in Nigeria, West Africa. To obtain a copy, please make a donation at www.AdunnisDream.com

Tell my readers how to stay in touch with you? 

Readers can visit my Bookshop

Like and Be a Friend on Facebook

Instagram: tiajao_rn

and she also has a Blog