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Author Interview: Kevina Oyatedor
As part of a new blog series right here on my website, each Sunday I'll be interviewing a different author about their writing journey. If you are an author and would like to be interviewed for this series, please get in touch by emailing bryony@bryonyleah.com, or use the contact form on my website.
About Kevina
Kevina Oyatedor is an English major, a freelance writer, and dabbles in editing. At age 29, she has completed four novels and two short stories. More stories are forming in her mind and online. She has a fanbase with over 1,600 followers on Wattpad.
Kevina writes Teen Fiction, Young Adult, New Adult, Humor, Romance, and Fantasy. She researches every day to write out more plots for her works in progress. She is a 2015 Sour Patch Kids writing finalist, Entangled Publishing intern, Wattpad Block Party featured writer, and Wattpad Ambassador. One of her most popular books, Road Trip Girls, has over 100,000 reads, and has been added to the Wattpad Spring Break reading list.
Kevina aspires to one day hold a physical copy of any of her book in her hands—but for now, she is continuing her creative craft while also maintaining her lifestyle as a practicing yogi, tea drinker, aunt, sister, and daughter. She loves road trips, pudding, cookies, and soaking her feet in Epsom Salt while reading ebooks on her phone!
Where and when did you first know that you wanted to become a writer?
Elementary school. I loved to read at home and at school—how the authors' words captivated on paper made me want to do it too.
Who is your favorite author, and can you give us their best quote in your opinion?
One of my favorites is Beverly Cleary. All of her books made me want to read more. My favorite books growing up were those in the Ramona series.
"Children should learn that reading is pleasure, not just something that teachers make you do in school."
Click here to read Road Trip Girls by Kevina Oyatedor
How long did it take you to write your first novel?
10 years.
I began writing it in 2006, I was 17 and obsessed with watching Degrassi: The Next Generation. The first draft only had seven chapters and, rereading it, I wanted to throw it out because it was terrible. Thank God I finished it, but it still needs a lot of work. [endif]
Do you plan out your novels or just start writing?
Now I plan them out, it's easier and I take my time a whole lot better. Before, I rushed them out because I had to get the idea out before it left my head and I didn't remember anymore. [if !supportLineBreakNewLine] [endif]
Description or dialogue?
Dialogue comes first, I know what the characters will say. (Me thinking I'm so clever I write down it down first.) And then the scene comes along so I can give description.
Have you ever read your book reviews/comments, and if yes, what did you think of them?
I have. Most of them have been positive, some have given me constructive criticism, and the negative ones... The negative comments leave me confused, yet they help me to grow to become a better writer. [if !supportLineBreakNewLine] [endif]
Do you believe in writer’s block?
Yes, and I don't like it.
Click here to read more novels by Kevina Oyatedor
What has been the most difficult challenge you’ve had to face as a writer?
Self-doubt is one of the worst feelings. I think to myself that I shouldn't be writing at all because what I've written has either already been done or is not good enough. I had to take a step back last year and refocus on me and remember why I love writing so much.
What is the best purchase you’ve ever made as a writer?
I didn't purchase it, I won it in a giveaway hosted by Rebecca Sky, but it was a mood thesaurus, and I love it! [if !supportLineBreakNewLine] [endif]
Which software or platform do you use to write your books?
Microsoft Word and the Writer Plus app I downloaded on my phone.
What does literary success mean to you?
Literary success means being satisfied with what you put out in the world, for readers who can relate to your characters.
What’s your favourite self-editing technique?
One chapter at a time, and only one chapter in a day. [if !supportLineBreakNewLine] [endif]
Click here to read They Don't Know About Us by Kevina Oyatedor
Are you working on a novel right now? If yes, can you tell us a little about it?
Yes. It's a Teen Fiction Romance novel called Night Drives. Two university students meet during group therapy due to Insomnia, and they connect through pillow talk and cuddles. [endif]
Which book are you most excited to read next?
There are a lot coming out this year and my TBR list keeps growing! [if !supportLineBreakNewLine] [endif]
What is your best piece of advice for aspiring writers?
Keep writing. If it gets overwhelming, take a break and love yourself.
Enjoyed the interview? Connect with Kevina!
You can follow along with Kevina's writing journey on the following platforms...
Twitter: @KevinaOyatedor
Facebook: kevina.oyatedor
Instagram: @katothewriter
Author Website: www.kevinaoyatedor.wordpress.com
Goodreads: Kevina Oyatedor
If you're an author who would like to take part in an interview for my weekly blog series, please get in touch by emailing bryony@bryonyleah.com or using the contact form on my website.
