Exclusive Interview With The Author Of What Happened To Helen, Ayodeji Ajagbe As He Talk About His Hot New Release.

With more than ten thousand reads, a loyal fan base, and his dedication to honesty, it is no wonder that Ayodeji Ajagbe continues to impress his readers. 

With his recent release “What Happened To Helen” and his sophomore novel soon on its way, Ayodeji Ajagbe continues to evolve and grow as a writer while staying unashamedly true to himself and his art. 

Theme, story plot, setting and visceral feelings are the cornerstones of Ayodeji Ajagbe’s work. Personal and yet relatable all in one swoop, his books are perfect blend of top notch entertainments, highlighting his story telling talent, rhythmic ability and writing skills.

Finding success early in his career with his debut novella “Meant To Be” back in 2018, Ayodeji has continued to put out stories that touches his readers. With a dedication to storytelling and creativity, his stories resonate deeply while entertaining all at once.

We spoke with Ayodeji Ajagbe about his books, where he draws inspiration from, his upcoming novel, and much more.

Q: After your success with “Meant To Be” in 2018, what was most important to you moving forward as a writer? 

A: The most important thing for me was definitely remaining true to my art. I wanted to keep telling stories that were true to me and also grow as a storywriter. 

Q: Your storytelling skills has evolved quite a bit. What experiences or which authors have been some of your biggest influences over the previous years?

A: I think I draw inspiration from so many authors. I really grew a love for young adult novels and reading a lot of it heavily inspired my writing. A. H Mohammed is someone I’ve always looked up to and his book, The Last Days At Forcados High School shaped me as a writer as well. 

Q: Talk us through your debut novel, “What Happened To Helen”. What was the inspiration behind the book?

A: While What Happened To Helen is a work of fiction, the inspiration stemmed from the experiences of some people I knew growing up as a child who went through the unfortunate reality of rape and being pressured to do things they didn’t want. Those stories have stayed with me throughout my life because some of my closest friends were victims of the unfortunate incident, and knowing how important this topic was because of my personal connection with it inspired me to keep on writing even when it was emotionally difficult for me to continue. 

Q: Why do you think the imagery of story narration perfectly encapsulates the nostalgia of a broken person?

A: My editor, Mutiat Mustapha gave the book its title. The early drafts was originally titled “Finding Helen”. As a storywriter, i’ve always loved to incorporate imagery into my writing. I think the image of a narrative essay kind of looks like what a broken soul is.

Q: You also published a short story with Readers Sketch, “My Experience With The Highway Criminals”, last year October in response to the #EndSars and #EndPoliceBrutality movement. What compelled you to share your feelings through this story in particular?

A: It was a story I had always wanted to write I just didn’t know how. That time really pushed me to sit and just be honest when writing. It’s something that a lot of Nigerian youths go through everyday and I just wanted to somehow say it in the way I know best. I was harassed in Ilorin sometimes in 2019, when a policeman aimed and corked his rifle at me because I looked so fresh and could afford using an iPhone. A lot of my friends were extorted at gun points leaving them with little or no money at all. As a Nigerian youth, being able to afford basic things like gadgets and cars is a punishable crime. 

Q: It feels like almost all of your stories come from a very personal place. Do you ever find it difficult to share that with the world, or is it therapeutic?

A: Sometimes it’s more difficult than others but I think the best stories are honest stories and the ones that come from a real and raw place. My heart. 

Q: We’ve also heard you have a second novel coming out in 2023. Can you tell us anything about it?

A: I’m very excited to share this upcoming project. It’s been in the works since April, so I’m just anticipating having people finally reading it. It’s going to be a little different but still very much storyteller.

Q: In the future, if you could collaborate with any writer of your dreams, who would it be and why?

A: That’s a really tough question. I have so many writers that I admire and adore from afar, but I would love to work with Adedamola Adefolahan popularly known as Fireboy DML. I love YBNL and I love Fireboy DML as a writer. He also has my favourite voice.

Q: Finally, what do you hope fans and readers take away from your books?

A: I hope they find the space to be themselves and to feel understood. I want them to know they’re never alone in anything.

Watch the “What Happened To Helen” book trailer below: 

https://youtu.be/-2Lgln-JfSM