Pages Penned in Pandemic with Ogunfowokan Ifeoluwapo

With autumn's arrival, perhaps the instinct to stay in and continue to self-isolate when possible feels more natural. However, the persistence of COVID-19 means this series continues ever onward, and I'm excited to chat with Ogunfowokan Ifeoluwapo about imposed solitude and her pages penned in pandemic.

What does the pandemic currently look like in your city?

There are 2,071 cases in my city. 983 patients have been discharged and 29 deaths have been recorded.

What are some favorite books you've read during quarantine?

The Wife Stalker by Liv Constantine and Someone Like You by Karen Kingsbury.

If you haven't been reading, what are some books you're most looking forward to reading?

I've been reading and I intend on reading Spiked by Jon McGoran.

Have there been any movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc. that have helped keep you at ease the past few months?

“The Men's Club” (movie).

Are there any projects you are excited to keep working on? If so, can you give us any details (no spoilers please!) about your project?

I intend to keep writing more blog posts.

If you haven't been able to write, are there any projects you're hoping to work on next?

I'm planning to write more blog posts.

If asked ten years from now what the past few months have taught you about being a writer, what would come to mind?

Writing has enabled me to inspire people in ways I never thought I could.

Have there been any fellow writers or people in your life who have helped you stay connected during the pandemic?

No.

Is there anything that excites you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?

It seems that being in isolation has allowed writers to have a flow of ideas and that has pushed them to write more. I'm happy for that.

Is there anything that worries you about the changes being incited in the publishing world in light of recent events?

Yes! The economic situation globally is getting more discouraging and this is difficult for writers who are looking forward to selling their books.

Where is your favorite place to write? Has this changed during the pandemic?

I love writing in the comfort of my room.

While the future is just as unknowable as ever, what is something you are most looking forward to this year?

To get more people who love my blog posts. I have a lot of promotion to do.

Is there any advice you would give to young writers during this time?

Keep writing. Don't let your mood affect your productivity.

ABOUT Ogunfowokan Ifeoluwapo

Ogunfowokan Ifeoluwapo is a blogger on social psychology and mental wellness at yourmentalstability.com.

Don’t forget to check out Ogunfowokan’s timely post, “How To Enjoy Imposed Solitude- The COVID-19 Era,” as well as “Signs Of A Happy And Healthy Relationship” over on her blog! And be sure to follow Ogunfowokan and her writing journey on Twitter.

Thanks for chatting, Ogunfowokan!

READ MORE ABOUT THE PAGES PENNED IN PANDEMIC!

Recalling The Magic

For the past month, I have been moving my blog posts from Wix to Squarespace in preparation for the unveiling of the new home of KAYLA KING BOOKS. And in doing such, I have taken myself back in time, recalling the magic of my life as a writer. 

Now I don't use the word magic to mean perfect, because many of my older posts detail the difficulties of writing, from the seedling of an idea to the editing phase and beyond. But through it all, I am astounded to see a certain sensibility toward continuing on, and not giving up. And it's nice to know my stubbornness has not surrendered through rejection and the every day calamities of life. 

If anything, I've seen a change for the better. Past Kayla would be so proud to know that one word could encompass so much of her journey. But this version is always astounded to see just how much the day to day of writing is still the same, though I, myself, have changed.

You see, there is still a blank page. There are still words. At the end, there is always a story to be told. But in going through my blog posts, which began back in 2012 after I'd finished writing my first book, I was most interested to see how that once idealistic writer has changed into someone much more pragmatic, though a dreamer all the same. 

I think it's strange to think back on moments of our life; always trying to recall the biggest times. But most often it's the small moments, which garnered my own desire to commit memory to blog post. And I think we often forget just how important those smaller moments are to our much bigger journeys. 

So as I recall the magic of finding stories, finding my voice, and most importantly: finding myself along the way, I hope to leave a bit of a goodbye for the old blog, with a sense of excitement for what will come to be in this new phase of my writing life!

Next week will be the first official post over at the new home of KAYLA KING BOOKS, and I am so excited to share a slightly dark and stream-lined aesthetic, which better suits the writer I've become. No longer do I wish to hide behind complicated designs, because I know my words are enough. And my words will be the biggest showcase at my new website. 

For those who've followed along with me the past six years, I thank you. I hope you will continue to follow me on this journey and beyond. And I hope you'll check out the new website next week, and fall into my world of writing.