For journalist, screenwriter, and author Bolatito Adebayo, writing has never been just about storytelling — it is an act of empathy, a way to shine light on hidden struggles, and a tool for change. Her newly released novel, Queen of Tracks, is a compelling reflection of that belief. The book delves into the world of young girls battling period poverty, shame, and silence, and their courageous journey towards self-discovery and empowerment.
The inspiration for Queen of Tracks came from Bolatito’s years of volunteer work with the Community Development Link Initiative (CDLI), a non-governmental organisation devoted to improving lives through community-based projects. “For many years now, I have been volunteering with CDLI,” she said. “We’ve worked on several projects, but four years ago, we started focusing on period poverty. I had never imagined that there were girls who struggled to afford sanitary towels during their menstruation. Of course, I understood poverty, but I never thought about it in this particular form.”
That discovery left a deep mark on her. Through her work, she encountered countless stories of girls missing school because of menstruation, using unhygienic materials, or suffering in silence because of stigma. “As the years went by, I heard first-hand stories of girls struggling with things many of us take for granted,” she said. “Queen of Tracks was born from a deep desire to give voice to those silent struggles — the kind often hidden behind smiles and silence.”
Bolatito, who has long been drawn to stories about women’s resilience, said her new book follows the same thread that inspired her first novel, The Waiting Room, which centred on women battling infertility. In Queen of Tracks, she explores how menstruation, poverty, and shame intersect to hold many girls back from realising their full potential. “I wanted to write a story that reveals their resilience — how, despite the odds, they rise, dream, and run towards something greater,” she said.
At its heart, Queen of Tracks is a story about finding one’s voice in a world that often tries to silence it. Through its characters and their experiences, the novel captures themes of friendship, community, and determination. Bolatito hopes readers, especially young girls, will take away lessons of courage, empathy, and self-belief. “Readers will come away with a deeper understanding of resilience, empathy, and the quiet power of believing in yourself,” she said. “The story shows how courage and education can change everything. I hope girls learn that no challenge is too great when they have hope, support, and determination to keep running their own race, no matter how rough the track may seem.”
For Bolatito, storytelling is deeply personal. “My greatest motivation as a writer is to touch hearts and spark conversations that matter,” she explained. “I’m very passionate about the dignity of the ordinary person, especially girls and women whose voices are often stifled. Writing allows me to turn pain, questions, and quiet moments of reflection into something that can inspire others.” Through her stories, she hopes readers find understanding, courage, and recognition. “Each story I tell is my way of planting a small seed of change,” she said.
As a reader herself, Bolatito draws inspiration from a diverse range of authors. “Cyprian Ekwensi’s Jaguar Nana’s Daughter has stayed with me since I read it as a teenager,” she recalled. She also admires the works of Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Ayobami Adebayo, Elechi Amadi, and Adesuwa O’Man Nwokedi. Among contemporary female voices, she holds Buchi Emecheta, Lola Shoneyin, and Sefi Atta in high esteem for their bold portrayals of womanhood, identity, and resilience.
Her journalistic background has also shaped her literary voice. She credits her mentor, Funke Egbemode, for showing how storytelling can reflect the layered realities of Nigerian life, and she deeply admires Abimbola Adelakun for her courage and intellect in social commentary. “Each of them reminds me that storytelling is a powerful way to preserve our voices, challenge norms, and celebrate the beauty and complexity of being Nigerian,” she said.
When reflecting on her journey to publication, Bolatito admits that writing the manuscript was only half the work. “I learned that writing the book is only half the journey, but bringing it to life is another story entirely,” she said with a laugh. “The publishing process taught me patience, attention to detail, and collaboration. It reminded me that publishing isn’t just about producing a book — it’s about purpose, knowing why you wrote it and who you wrote it for.” Though she describes the process as tedious, she views it as a necessary part of her growth. “Every challenge prepares you for the next story you’re going to tell,” she added.
Bolatito also reflected on how technology has transformed the landscape for female writers. “The internet has been a blessing to everyone, especially women writers,” she said. “It allows us to share our narratives freely and show the world that women’s voices are not just necessary but powerful.” She believes digital platforms have created new opportunities for connection and visibility. “Now we can build communities, reach readers globally, and publish our work without waiting for permission,” she explained. However, she also acknowledges that the online space can be noisy and overwhelming. “Still, the internet has empowered more women to tell their stories boldly, and that’s something to celebrate.”
To aspiring writers, Bolatito offers simple but profound advice: “Never wait for the perfect idea or the perfect time. Start where you are, with what you have. Writing is about discovery; you find your story along the way.” She encourages writers to embrace imperfection and persistence. “The first draft doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to exist,” she said. “Read widely, listen deeply, stay curious, and most importantly, write from a place of truth. When your words come from the heart, they will always find their readers. Every writer begins in uncertainty, but the difference between those who dream of writing and those who do is courage. So take that first step — your story is waiting.”
