Friday's Star: Ojo Oluwakemi
Ojo Oluwakemi ( known as Kim Lokan) is a young creative professional - the Creative Director of Kim Lokan Inc., currently the Editor of Skillz Magazine and Web Design Channel Manager on Helium. She is also a creative Graphic/ Web Designer. She is passionate about writing and she writes widely on subjects she is knowledgeable in. She writes for private publishers and clients - writing articles, blog posts, web content and newsletters.
Hello Ojo. Welcome to Mandy’s Pages. I am thrilled to have you with us for today’s interview. I know you are a brilliant writer, but before we start, please take the time to introduce yourself so that our readers may know who you are.
My name is Oluwakemi Ojo. As a writer, I am someone who loves to express her feelings in a composed, clear sentence that communicates with readers. Sometimes, I write about things that I am curious about. Whenever I have some unanswered questions, I research for answers … and writing these answers for other people to read always gives me complete satisfaction. I love to enlighten, educate and communicate with people through my writing. My writing represents my feelings and my voice.
So, when and where did it all start? Was there any special feeling or motivation the first time you sat at your desk to write?
I have always loved to write, I remember I started writing essays when I was in primary school. Then, my English teacher used to give me essay and letter writing assignments which helped me to write beautifully. I remember one of the essays I wrote in those days was 'The most memorable journey I have ever undertaken'. The essay was based on my personal experience and feelings. That was how my passion for writing got ignited.
However, I have matured as a writer because I understand better what writing is about and I always feel happy to write about what I know, to share my knowledge; hence, I think that is what motivates my writing. I express myself better in writing.
Do you use diverse sources for finding your ideas?
As a writer, I know writing requires proficiency; therefore, finding writing ideas require time and patience, especially if I want to pass the appropriate and correct information to my readers. I usually find my ideas from reading different books, surfing the internet and personal experience. I read broadly and voraciously, I find ideas from the books I read. For instance, I write a lot about website design and I have numerous 'web design' books on my shelf.
Do you mostly write about things you are familiar with or you give it a shot with things you can do a thorough research about?
Like I said earlier, I write mostly on what I know. I studied Computing and Its Practices and I did an advanced diploma course on Software Engineering, Graphic and Web Design. I also studied Medicine for some years in the University before I decided to change my course to Computing. The knowledge I gained from my studies has helped me in my writing. I write about things I know - website design and development, computers & technology, blogging, social media, lifestyle, relationships, dating, health, career, women and creative writing.
Ok Ojo, many writers face writing blocks. Does it ring a bell to you?
Yes. Occasionally, I find it difficult to write when nothing comes to my mind, especially when I have a topic I want to write about. I find it difficult to begin, I just sit on my chair and stare at my laptop screen. However, I always overcome my writing blocks. (Smiles). Sometimes, I list out my ideas, break them down and write. But if I'm stressed, I leave and come back later ... refreshed.
With all your writing experience, would you consider yourself an expert in your field?
Even though, I did not undertake any English course, I consider myself an expert in my field. Over the years, I have improved in my writing and I develop my writing skills regularly. I am fluent in English and have a boundless vocabulary that has helped my writing take form. However, I am planning to enroll in a short course in English before the end of this year.
Besides writing blocks, are there any challenges you face as a writer?
As a writer, I have some challenges that I easily overcome but the one challenge I sometimes find difficult to overcome is writing for a global audience - getting the right topic, SEO and keywords that can get me the global audience extensively.
Let me ask you this: if a publisher were to review your work, how do you think they would grade you on a scale from 1 to 10, 10 being the best?
Well, for now, I'm sure a publisher would grade me with 7 but after I have taken the English course, I'm sure any publisher will grade me with 11 (laughing).
That is impressive Ojo. (Smiling). And how would you rate your quality of writing from 1 to 10?
I would rate my quality of writing with 7, although, most of my articles are rated 8 or 9 on some writing sites I write for. However, when I write, I always make sure that my articles are clear and reasonable enough for readers to understand, I make sure that I use the right words that communicate the right information to my readers. My sentences are easy to understand and fun to read and I make sure that conventions are communicative enough - spellings, grammar and punctuation are always in order.
Is there any special piece of advice you would give an aspiring writer?
Every professional or good writer started from somewhere; therefore, as an aspiring writer, you should trust yourself and never give up. Even when you make mistakes, keep writing till you get it. Get motivated by reading voraciously and practice writing regularly. It's not an easy journey but stay put and be determined, you will surely excel.
What stands out for Ojo Oluwakemi when she visualizes her future?
As much as I like to daydream about my future, I leave everything to God. (Jeremiah 29:11)
('For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for destruction; plans to give you a hope and a good future.')
Thank you so much Ojo for this wonderful and inspiring interview! I really appreciate your time and together with the team at Mandy's Pages wish you the very best in your writing!
Meet Ojo (Kim Lokan) at her various pages ...
