Aiwanose Odafen

Aiwanose Odafen is a Nigerian feminist writer. She is best known for her novels, Tomorrow I Become a Woman (2022) and We Were Girls Once (2024). Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Odafen attended the Nigerian Turkish International Colleges, where she graduated in 2009. In 2013, she graduated from Covenant University with a degree in accounting. Quotes It really angered me just how many women were in similar positions and just how pressured they felt by society to remain in these situations to maintain the status quo. Explaining what inspired her to begin writing after witnessing women trapped in abusive marriages. Writing gave me peace. I felt so much clarity while writing that I knew I couldn't stop. It was something I needed to do for my sanity, an outlet of sorts. Describing how writing became a source of clarity and emotional release in her life. I had no idea how the industry worked, I just knew I had a story I wanted to tell. Reflecting on the beginning of her publishing journey as a first-time novelist. I always talk about how I Googled "How to Get Published" when my draft was done because it's true. Recalling how she searched for guidance on publishing after completing the first draft of her debut novel. Publishing completely changes how you look at your writing. Discussing how becoming a published author changed her perspective on the writing process. The only way to improve as a writer is to write. Encouraging aspiring writers to develop their skills through consistent writing practice. Never let anyone tell you that you're too ambitious or it's impossible. Trust me when I say, anything is possible. Giving encouragement to emerging writers and urging them to pursue their goals with confidence despite discouragement. I was eager to explore trauma and its different offshoots, how it manifests under multivariate circumstances, but most importantly, I wanted to explore the lottery of birth. Explaining what inspired the themes and characters in her novel *We Were Girls Once*. The characters in Tomorrow I Become A Woman were loosely based on real people. Discussing the origins of the characters in her debut novel and the real-life experiences that influenced them. I'd seen the trauma of their parents' choices and circumstances affect them significantly. Explaining why she wanted to explore generational trauma and its lasting effects in *We Were Girls Once*. Healing is possible, but it's never linear. Discussing the themes of trauma and recovery in *We Were Girls Once*. When an idea comes to mind, I have to first write it down and draw a map. Explaining the first step in her creative process when developing a new story. I can spend weeks or months researching alone. Discussing the amount of research she undertakes before drafting a novel. I don’t want to limit myself as a writer, I hope to explore and to push my writing beyond its comfort zone. Speaking about her future writing ambitions while discussing her next project, a dystopian novel inspired by experiences with religious extremism. External links Category:Feminists from Nigeria Category:Nigerian writers Category:Living people