Interview with Joy Funmilola Oke

Published in Issue No. 3, Pulsus Litterae.

My name is Joy Funmilola Oke. I am a reporter for a Feminist Media Company that reports on women related issues. I am also an activist. I cover stories on gender-based violence and the like. Writing stories of women who are badass and taking control of the narrative is what I spend time imagining. I plan to get a master's degree from IHEID in the future.

Interview published in Issue No. 8, Verbum Clavis, May 1st, 2025.

What inspired you to write the piece(s) that was published in Everscribe? Can you share the story behind it?

There was a narrative of firstborn daughters being blamed for how their younger brothers turned out. This prompted me to write on it. I wanted to show in my writing that it was never the case.

What themes or messages do you hope readers take away from your work?

I hope families love their daughters as much as they love their sons too, they should stop enabling the bad behaviours of their sons because that son might end up being a nuisance and liability.

How has your writing evolved since you started? Are there any particular influences that have shaped your style?

I used to be worried about using words like words "really very" in my writing, and one thing that has helped me to improve is using the word hippo, I promise it makes writing so easy. Writing as a reporter also changed the way I write.

If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring authors, what would it be?

I would say, write no matter how awkward or stale the writing is, write. Commit to writing every day and when you go back a month to see if there is a change, you realize there is growth. When learning apply what you have learned. Talk about what you are reading or writing on social media.

Are there any upcoming projects or works in progress that you’re particularly excited about?

Yes, I am currently writing a book titled The Good President. It's about a man who came from another world to help the people of his continent by eradicating corruption and making life easy, but instead of getting praise for his intent, he is about to get killed by the people of the continent who love the oppression they are going through. He becomes a villain by making them his puppets but will he succeed?

How can readers find you and see more of your work?

You can find me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook with the name Joy Funmilola Oke.