Writer’s block inevitable –Olawale Bello–Dr Sam Kafewo
By NGOZI ECHENDU
Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Olawale Bella is the producer of P2 Bella World, an entertainment outfit, that is into music, art, publishing, writing, filmmaking and modelling. In an interview with Daily Sun recently, Bella spoke on how he uses his works to influence the environment, his future plans as well as his relationship with publishers.

Born in Ogun State, Bella attended Maryon Military Primary School. He later proceeded to Jibowu High School for his secondary education. He later studied Theatre Arts at theUniversity of Ibadan.

Inspiration
I started writing when I was a child, I wrote about, or drew anything around me then. When I got to higher school, I noticed I could write well. With the happenings around me, I started writing fully.

Books published
I have published only one book entitled, Tarkwa –Bay, My Fortune Love. Aside that, I have so many unpublished books.

Target audience
The world is my audience. I write to transform people’s lives and the society especially the youths.

Choice of writing
I write fiction, tragic-comedy and autobiography. I don’t just write, I write with inspiration. That helps me to communicate with my audience.

Style of writing
I write in simple English so that my readers can understand and relate with me freely.

Relationship with publisher
I actually found it difficult to publish here in Nigeria because of the money involved. Later, l realized if you are acquainted with them, you will not have much problem. I will say, my relationship with publishers is cordial.

Manuscript
I have so many works, including Beware of Born Again, My Love Exit, The Rich Nigerian, My Run Away, Dog Estate, The Hustler Nigerian, The Rich Nigerian, 2 Bella and Tosin . Others are The Madman Packer and The Professor’s Attrition.

Influence of the environment
My work has influenced a lot of people in Nigeria and abroad, because I receive calls on a daily basis from people all over the world. That was why my book was among the ten best books selected by Athena Press, United Kingdom. I’m yet to sign a contract with them, which shows how interesting the book is.

Plans for the future
I want to see myself as one of the best writers in the world and take my career to a higher level.
Challenges
As a young writer, publishing my book has been a difficult task because of the money involved.

Role models
I respect Wole Soyinka, Femi Osofisan and Remi Adedokun among others. Among the foreign writers, I respect Martina Cole, Danielle Steel and Ruth Hamilton.

Other young writers
Firstly, they should believe in God and in themselves. Budding writers should also do a lot of research and be consistent because naturally, discouragement will come but they should not give up.

Writer’s block
Writer’s block is inevitable, when you write; it will get to a stage when it does not flow any longer. The only thing I always do at that instance is to give myself a break. Later I will continue.