Esther Enewerome Odafe: Writing a brilliant book involves a lot of research

A notable Author once said: “There is no friend as loyal as a book.” Reading is like a voyage through time; the more you read, the more things you will know. We can’t downplay the culture of reading, and authors who write and curate the contents we digest.

She is also the founder of The Midas Touch Literary Services and co-founder of Bookney. Her works have appeared on local and international magazines, blogs and television programmes, including Writers Space Africa magazine, Freelancers magazine, and Patabah books blog. She shares her inspiring journey with Esther Ijewere in this exclusive and insightful interview.

Childhood Influence
GROWING up, my parents would buy me storybooks to read, and I believe it was their way of helping me to cultivate a reading habit. The great thing about reading is that it sharpens your mind and makes you want to bring your imaginations to life through writing. Today, as a ghostwriter, writing a brilliant book involves a lot of research, which has to do with intensive reading. So, yes, my childhood prepared me for what I do.

Inspiration Behind Bookney and From Hobby To Career Africa
Precious Osikha and I founded Bookney in 2020. In 2019, we noticed many authors complained about intellectual property theft, people selling their books and making money off them. This was what prompted us to start a unique and safe platform for book reading and publishing with better incentives for both authors and readers. I started the Facebook group, From Hobby to Career Africa out of a passion for equipping individuals with the right knowledge and skill set for decent work and economic development in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 8). My goal is to help passionate and talented individuals who want to earn from their skills and grow their business.

The Journey So Far
It has been an interesting journey so far, but not without challenges. However, persistence and seeing the bigger picture of my dreams has kept me going.

Being An Author, Ghostwriter, Editor, And Managing All The Hats I Wear
For me, it all boils down to knowing what jobs to take and how to arrange my schedule. Anytime I feel pumped to work, I do all the ‘heavy-lifting’ jobs and reserve the more fun ones for when I am lethargic and need energy boost.

Ripple Effect Of Training 100 Newbie Writers
This is certainly one of the most fulfilling things I have done. Getting testimonials and seeing milestones from past students about how they have put the training to use, either by working for companies or running their businesses, makes me happy. Also, helping clients who never thought they could become authors write their books and become bestsellers is fulfilling.

Challenges Of My Work
The major challenge for me would be meeting several deadlines around the same time. As someone who wears many hats, jobs come in at different times with varying deadlines. Sometimes, they are so close, and it becomes hectic meeting those deadlines.

Three Women Who Inspire Me And Why
My mum is my number one inspiration, because of how resilient she is. The next person would be Esther Ijewere for her doggedness in helping people notwithstanding the outcome. Last but not the least, I would say to myself, because of how determined I am to achieve my dreams.

Nuggets On How To Become A Successful Ghostwriter And Editor
The first thing I would recommend is love knowledge. Whichever way you want to gain knowledge about new things is up to you, although I would recommend reading wide as your best shot. Also, develop the habit of being meticulous if you are not, because you need this trait to deliver excellent work. Finally, learn the act of marketing your services and closing sales because without sales, you are just not in business.

Being A Woman Of Rubies
I am a woman of rubies, because I am valuable, strong, and giving. Every business venture I have started, every book I have written, has all been intending.