Who is Segilola Salami?

I am mom to a very beautiful little girl and that’s the only job that matters to me. When I am not making memories with my girl, so in the early hours of the morning, I write. I (or better still ‘we’) host a podcast show called The Segilola Salami Show. I think of it as a nice twist to a sex and the city cafe meetup. The guests on the show are like our virtual friends that we meet up with for coffee to chat about books.

Why do you write children’s novels and how did you get started?

I didn’t plan to start writing. It sort of just fell into my lap. I write children’s books because it all started with me looking for books on African folktales for my little girl.

What has been your biggest obstacle while writing and how have you overcome it?

Writing itself has been pretty much straightforward. It’s the marketing that has proven a tad difficult. I am on a steep learning curve.

What is your writing process?

Even before I put ‘pen to paper’ the bulk of the story has played out in my head several times, almost scene by scene. So when I do get around to it, it takes me a good few hours to type it all out.

Describe your journey as an author so far.

It has been very educative and interesting. I have learnt things that never even crossed my mind. I have met people I never imagined I would meet.

How do you stay motivated?

I plan to make the creative process a career, so when I look at my little girl, I know that giving up is not an option.

What do you know now that you wish you knew as a teenager?

Enjoy today, tomorrow will take care of itself

Talk a bit about your podcast? 

The podcast is a round table discussion with a number of guests in it. We talk about a topic that affects self publishing with the guests sharing their experiences. We help the listeners discover new self published books and sometimes host giveaways. The aim of the show is to be entertaining but educative.

Why did you start your podcast?

I first found out about podcasts when I was researching ways to market my book. Then I thought why not? If I am looking, so also are other authors. So why not create an avenue that would help them. You know, be the change you want to see.

What advice would you give to your teenage self?

Under no circumstance should you touch your savings until you get a deposit for a house.

Good advice! Thanks Segilola for visiting.

More About Segilola

Segilola Salami is an author, podcast show host and self publishing strategist. She helps aspiring authors navigate the minefield that is self publishing. You can find out more about her on her website http://www.segilolasalami.co.uk/about-me/

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Title: Yetunde: The Life and Times of a Yoruba girl in London by Segilola Salami

Yetunde is a series of stories that follows the every day life of 6 month old Yetunde as she’s narrated African folktales by her mom Iya Yetunde whilst growing up in London. Iya Yetunde also tries to improve her Yoruba speaking ability, so we see a nice mish mash of Yoruba and English. The folktales are of West African origin.

The book has been written in such a way that it can be enjoyed by both adults and children alike. Adults can read the book for their own enjoyment or as bedtime stories for kids ages 3-8 (even younger). Older children can read the book by themselves as it is also a suitable kids books ages 9-12. Each story has a moral lesson with colourful illustrations for early readers.

Purchase Yetunde: The Life and Times of a Yoruba girl in London on Amazon.