About Me
My name is Adeola Sonola and I am so excited, having just published my first novel, called Beyond the Hago Gate. I work during the day as a commercial solicitor (lawyer) and also have to look after my children as well. I write during my private time and anytime I find the opportunity, even on the train, during the commute to and from work.
I honestly cannot remember the “golden moment” or pinpoint the exact time when I can say, was the start of my writing career, but I know I have always been writing since an early age, way back in secondary school, as early as the age of 12. I have to confess that I never took my writing seriously and never did it cross my mind that my writing could develop into the point where I could get published.
I have been asked on a couple of occasions why I write, and I simply respond by saying – “I consider writing as a ‘me time,’ away from everything else, where I can be in my own little world.” But one thing is for certain, I have always liked to write or “scribble” as I call it.
I had the inspiration to write my novel, Beyond the Hago Gate, sometime in 2003, with a rough draft ready in 2004. However, balancing day to day family life with my three young children and work meant I couldn’t progress the novel with the speed required. I also found not having any creative writing background challenging, as I had to teach myself through research on how to perfect the art of writing a novel.
As my children grew older, I began to spend more time on my novel and used every opportunity available to write, including during my children’s swimming, piano, violin, drama and saxophone lessons, even writing in the car whilst waiting for them being picked up from parties, brownies, guides, etc. Since it became easier to write when my children were growing up, I was able to progress my novel to completion.
During my journey to publication, I sent my manuscript to the Authors and Writers Association and paid for it to be reviewed. With the feedback I received, I improved on my manuscript. Yes, I did send my manuscript to a few agents…
I am currently working on the sequel to my novel Beyond the Hago Gate and I hope to have it published soon.
If you haven’t read my novel, Beyond the Hago Gate, please order your copy by clicking on the link below or by placing your order through your local bookshop.