Interview With Author Lydia Ola Taiwo
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Dr Lydia Taiwo. I am 58 years old, married with 6 adult children.
I have written 4 books with three more in production.
I am a published author and campaigner for children’s rights against abuse.
I am a Clinical Scientist and so had no thought of becoming an author.
I was abused as a child right into adulthood by my parents.
I have over 60 injuries and scars all over my body with 8 head injuries, causing me to wear a wig.
I didn’t really understand the gravity of what had happened to me until I met my husband and disclosed to him.
For many years I couldn’t live my life until I forgave my parents.
Part of my therapy was to write my story to get the pain out of my head and body.
The book was published in series.
Unfortunately due to lies told to my siblings, a disclosure was made to the police. This led to a police investigation, because my parents denied the abuse.
The case went to court in 2018 and both parents were convicted of the crime.
The trauma I was put through put me in a very bad dark place.
I then prayed to God to help me to write the last part of my story of abuse, to close the chapter.
While writing I was also going through support and I felt it was important to add the recovery part in the book also, so that the book could help other people.
So glad that it has helped bring healing to people, hence why the book is called: A Broken Childhood: How to Overcome Abuse: A Recovery Guide. Published in 2019.
As part of my recovery from PTSD, my therapy included creative writing and rewriting my story.
During therapy I was introduced to horses, and this really helped me.
I decided to use animals as characters in my books for children.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book – Mr Sloth Crosses The Road
My inspiration for this book came about by the understanding that every individual is unique in themselves.
We all have weaknesses and strengths.
Mr Sloth is very very slow but in his slowness we can learn to be patient.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Julia Donaldson’s children’s picture books.
I was fascinated by the children stories and the fact that Julia started writing in 1993 or so, I think she was 45years old.
I am an older author also, so took cue from that, that I can write many more books no matter the age.
What are you working on now?
I have written three books which should be coming out in a few weeks time.
They will be my debut in the fiction genre for children.
As part of my recovery from PTSD, my therapy included creative writing and rewriting my story.
During therapy I was introduced to horses, this really helped me.
I decided to use animals as characters in my books for children.
The stories help to build self esteem, resilience and life skills.
My titles:
Mr Sloth Crosses The Road
Boris The Honey Badger
Boris The Honey Badger Sa Ed The Day
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Goodreads
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Always have a pen and notebook or your mobile phone handy.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You can make it
What are you reading now?
I am reading
If I Had a Little Dream By Nina Laden
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have another 12 scripts that I am planning to submit to my publishers in the New 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?
My Holy Bible
Awake The Giant Within
Author Websites and Profiles
Lydia Ola Taiwo Amazon Profile
Lydia Ola Taiwo’s Social Media Links