Nigerian author, Lola Shoneyin is an accomplished poet, novelist who just recently retired from a teaching position at a secondary school in Abuja. Her debut novel, “The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives” was longlisted for the 2011 Orange Prize and won both the 2011 PEN Oakland Josephine Miles Literary Award and two Association of Nigerian Authors Awards. Lola was among the writers, poets and great thinkers expected at the just concluded StoryMoja Hay Festival.

Why is it important for you to share your daydreams and ideas with the rest of the world?

Culturally, Africans are very secretive. Family secrets must remain hidden, even when it's beyond everyone's control. Sickness, mental health, misfortune must be kept a secret because of the stigma attached. In the same way, we also don't talk about our mistakes. We don't own up and take responsibility for them so sometimes it seems like we're caught in a cycle of self-loathing and self-pity. I ask myself why I write the poems I write sometimes. Then I realise that I'm writing them for my many children, biological and informally- adopted. I write about the things they ought to understand, in first person so they're believable. I want them to know all my truths.

Did you have an “aha moment” when you knew that this (creative writing) was something that you were good at and could pursue seriously?

Not really. I tend to do things because I feel I must, rather than doing them because I'm good at them. I was lucky to have gone to schools where writing was greatly encouraged. I've always written, although I didn't think I'd necessarily become a writer. It was always been a way of relieving tension for me.

You’ve found success with both poetry as well as adult novels and children’s books, in which genre do you feel most expressive and why?

I'm at my most honest when I'm writing poetry because I can hide behind the poet persona. This is not to say that all my poetry is autobiographical. I take on other people's experiences and make them my own.

People say my humorous side is revealed in my fiction. Do your “other lives” (mother, wife, teacher) inform your creative spark? How so?

Yes, absolutely. Especially in my experience as a daughter! This has been the most complex aspect of my existence. Being a good writer has a lot to do with how good an observer you are: how well you listen, what you see and how you process what you see...

Is this your first trip to Nairobi?

No, I passed through in 1999 on my way to the Zimbabwe Book Fair. The guys at Immigration took one look at my Nigerian passport and decided I should be contained within the four walls of the airport. I wanted to breathe Kenya air and look at a good number of Kenyan faces, even if for a few hours only. I was saddened at the time because the airport was buzzing with British tourists. They had no problems at all.

What are your expectations for the festival?

I'm a teacher so I'm really looking forward to doing poetry workshops with children. I love the purity and innocence with which children approach poetry. I'm also looking forward to meeting other wonderful authors and poets. Being invited to the Hay Storymoja festival is a real luxury for me. Apart from raising my four children, I've always had a full-time job. I haven't had the chance to attend festivals or literary events to promote my work. However, I resigned a few months ago and I've had some time on my hands. I've decided to take a year out to focus on my creativity.

Will you conduct a workshop or give a talk at the Hay? If so, what should your fans (new and old) look forward to?

I will be giving several talks and doing a poetry workshop with children. My fans should look forward to openness and honesty. Let's not forget my incredible sense of humour...and my modesty!

Is the global literary culture on the decline or rise?

It depends where you are. In many African countries, literature has become a luxury, something that only people with disposable income can engage with passionately. This is a terrible shame.

Does the author still have a place in society?

If she/he wants to have a place, I see no reason why not. In terms of having a role? Absolutely. To be able to feed minds is a wonderful gift...very powerful. Having said this, the number of people who can access is shrinking. People can't afford books. Those who can afford books have very little time for reading. What words of encouragement would you give budding writers? Don't be afraid to experience life to the fullest. Taste new food, fall in love, touch different fabrics, study animals etc. All these things will enrich your writing. Also, identify what sort of writing you like. Mostly, I read what I like and write what I like.