What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Your Tomorrow Was Today?
We all know women who have faced obstacles because of gender or, worse, domestic or sexual violence; it’s an epidemic in many non-Western parts of the world. I started writing the book when I was especially disturbed by the treatment and challenges women face every day in my home country. The Nigerian government has made some progress in tackling these issues over the years, but there’s still a lot of work to be done, and society needs to unlearn harmful beliefs. Not only that, but the book’s themes are also universal; perhaps the most important is the long-standing debate over reproductive rights. I decided I must lend my voice to these domestic (and global) conversations about womanhood, particularly in the areas of female empowerment and autonomy.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Your Tomorrow Was Today, what would they be?
I’m picking these songs based on the tunes I love and how I picture each character’s vibe!
Karen – Not for Sale by Sudan Archive
Omo – Ancient Oja by Ojazzyigbonile
Uloma – Nwanem Ebezina by Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe
Tunde – Slow by Wizkid ft. Anais Cardot
Stephanie – Save Yourself by Birdy
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Yes, I absolutely love literary fiction, and it’s also my favorite genre to write.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
I have so many books sitting on my shelf. I’m excited to dive into This Mournable Body by Tsitsi Dangarembga, Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro, and Peaces by Helen Oyeyemi.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
The final scene. It sat with me for a long time after. I love quiet endings, and I think I captured the solemnity Karen, our main character, felt after all she went through.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Would typing away under a blanket tent on my bed count?
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
My philosophy will always be to love others as I love myself. There’s so much hate in the world, I want to live my life as an inspiration to others.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
As a woman, happy endings are not limited to traditional goals, e.g., marriage; there’s nothing wrong with wanting things like that for yourself, but there are women who see their happy endings differently from tradition, and that’s okay as well.
Oyindamola Dosunmu is the author of the new book Your Tomorrow Was Today
Connect with Oyindamola Dosunmu
Author Site
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