About Teni Ayo-Ariyo:
I am a Nigerian-American writer, raised in Los Angeles and currently living in Seattle Washington.
I love deep connections, hot water w/ lemon, and the quiet hum of every day life. I am always searching for music and words that shift her heart and feet. Some days, I practice yoga, some days I use my business school degree, most days- I’m just trying my best to be human.
What inspires you to write?
For as long as I can remember I have loved words. I love them big and bold. Small and dainty, and everything in between. Words strung together in a way that forces me to put the book down, catch my breath and ponder my entire existence. I am enthralled by strange, surprising ways to describe the everyday mysteries of our human experience. It is the same feeling I get when I eat warm bread or smell a fresh baby. Bliss.
I write because there are words in my bones that need to be massaged out if I want to stand straight, to walk, to breathe.
What authors do you read when you aren’t writing?
I love African fiction by women writers. Their stories are where I feel most at home. I’ve enjoyed the works of Imbolo Mbue, Chimamanda Adichie, Buchi’s Emeta. These women empower me to show up exactly as I am into the page. To dig out the parts I think to hide and celebrate them loudly,
Tell us about your writing process.
Lately, my writing takes the form of love letters to my past selves. I have been keeping a journal practice regularly for the past 10 years so I often start by reading past entries and writing a response to that version of myself. What did she need to hear? What would move her? What do I know now that would give her permission to breathe and be?
What advice would you give other writers?
Even on your worst days when you don’t write a single word, you are still a writer.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
When I wrote my first book of poetry I was completely new to the publishing world. I had a friend who recommended I apply to Sundress publication competition. I was selected as a finalist and published my work through them. Admittedly the publishing world is still elusive to me.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I hope it becomes more accessible and transparent especially for women of color writers like me.
What genres do you write?: Poetry, nonfiction
What formats are your books in?: eBook, Print
Website(s)
Teni Ayo-Ariyo Home Page Link
All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.
