Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Aramide Salako from Nigeria. I’m a bibliophile. I take a special interest in reading classics and bestsellers in the fiction and nonfiction genre. Dracula, David Copperfield, A Christmas Carol, Frankenstein, Wuthering Heights, Les Miserables, especially, represent some of the best fiction classics I have read. I remember they left an afterglow on my senses, hours or days after reading. When I’m not reading a book, I’m watching football, seeing a movie, and living the everyday human life as it is in Africa.
I’ve debuted one book so far in my thirtieth year on earth, so to speak, but surely this one is the first of many to come. I already look forward to writing another title.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book is titled Thoughts in Traffic: 243 Quick-fire Notes to Aid Your Outlook on Self, Life and the Afterlife. Thoughts in Traffic was originally meant to be a random Whatsapp post. The post was inspired by another circumstance, so I made a post of it which got a good reaction from a close friend, who commented, “If only I could like this post a thousand times.”
I’ve always been the writer; writing and publishing articles here and there. There had been the innate longing to put something significant together. The vote of confidence I got from Yemi, my good friend, fired up a strange feeling to continue writing every day. So I promised Yemi to write and post on Whatsapp every day of the week till December 31st, 2020. Somehow, I did. I reclaimed my vow when I finished, collected all the thought-notes, which originally started amid Lagos traffic, into a book titled — Thoughts in Traffic.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
During the earlier weeks of writing, I had this ritual of not bathing until it was time to write. I scheduled writing time for 6 pm West African Time. What this meant was that I’d go the whole day dishevelled and sweaty, as a sort of spiritual preparation for that hour I was ready to write, by which time I must then arrive with a wholesome energy and attitude to write a new note for the day. It was all a mind game that I abandoned in the latter months of the year. I wrote a lot more haphazardly, with no guiding custom or ritual to aid the writing process. That didn’t affect the writing whatsoever.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The authors that have influenced me most are Myles Munroe and James Allen. Both have had the most significant impact on my ability to think out thoughts into writing. Both have a way of challenging the mind to think along in a logical pattern as they lay out their arguments and counterarguments. From them, I’ve learned the art of crystallizing thoughts and ideas into intellectual essays and discourses, without forfeiting the premise of reasoning.
The book that’s had the greatest influence on me is As A Man Thinketh. It’s a relatively short book packed with loads of metaphysical, philosophical punches. I’ve read the book four times, and each reading is a new journey into a world of deep understanding. I’ve read mostly all of James Allen’s books. There will never be another writer or writing like James’.
What are you working on now?
I would have loved to tell you I was working on another book, but it would be too soon, having only finished a marathon writing this year. Besides, I can’t start working on another book without promoting TiT to readers, the best I can. I need the book to sell. So yes, I am working on getting Thoughts in Traffic into as many hands as possible. Thanks to you, I’ve got the platform to reach a broader audience.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As a largely unknown author from Africa with spare means to fund a Bookbub-like promo, I find the best strategy to be sending personal messages to readers on Goodreads. The reply rate is good enough for starters. I would have to wait a little more for the actual result that produces.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
To write a book is not a mean feat; not everyone can become an author, though many are admittedly good writers. So congratulations, on becoming an author. The advice for the author is to always know his why. Why write a book? What’s the endgame? The ability to introspect is important for all authors. That’s where the difference in artistry and the greatness of craft emerge from. Plus, read Stephen King’s On Writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read, Read, Read.
What are you reading now?
Presently reading Open City by Teju Cole, and Cosmos by Carl Sagan.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I aim to write another book before the year runs out. I envision it will be part titled Thoughts in Traffic 2. Also, I aim to hit my Goodreads goal of 50 books this year.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1. As A Man Thinketh.
2. Les Miserable.
3. Frankenstein.
4. Can’t Hurt Me.
Aramide Salako’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile