It is not often common for people to set goals like blogging every day of the year, let alone following through! In this interview, we chat with our team member, Tope Abigail Larayetan who actually blogged every day in 2019. Enjoy reading!

Tell us about yourself – name, profession, education/academics, personal interests, work experience, etc.

My name is Tope Abigail Larayetan. I am a content/creative writer and editor, currently working as a Graduate Editorial Assistant at TweakCentric Solutions, an editorial services and content solutions company based in Lagos, Nigeria. My role entails several things, including contributing to the company’s blog content strategy and writing articles for the website, TweakMyContent.com, creating and managing social media content, and generally supporting the team in delivering client briefs. 

I am a graduate of English from the University of Lagos and I’m in love with books, music, and ice cream!

You recently completed your “One Post A Day” challenge, writing a blog post every day of the year in 2019. How would you describe that experience? What were some of the challenges you encountered in the process and how did you address them?

If I were to use one word, I would say “crazy.” Everything about the challenge was crazy because it was an impulsive decision and I didn’t even know if I could follow through! 

Besides, a lot happens in a year. My internet data ran out unexpectedly on some days when I had limited resources. My phone also suddenly spoilt in December and I had to quickly get another one because the show must go on.

Likewise, there were some days I just couldn’t bring myself to write anything for reasons like exhaustion after a long day, or a momentary drought of ideas. On those days, I asked people for writing prompts or subjects they would like me to write about. I also tried to take naps when exhausted, even though my overthinking self usually dreamt about the fact that I hadn’t written for that day.

What would you do differently if you were to attempt this feat in the near future? What’s your next major project about and how do you hope to accomplish it?

I will try to write more stories. I am not satisfied with my prose writing yet; I probably never will, but I’m working on writing longer short stories and long-form articles this year. I intend to write more prose and articles at least every week or bi-weekly. I also hope to compile and publish some of my works from my the 2019 daily writing challenge. I am exploring ways to go about the publishing process.

How and when did you join the TweakCentric Solutions team and how would you describe your experience so far?

I got the job as a Graduate Editorial Assistant in August 2019 and began work in September. Honestly, I was really excited about it since it’s mostly a remote role; 0 points for Lagos traffic. I get to work from a co-working space not too far from home. Since then, I haven’t had any regrets because I have learned so much as a person and a writer. I have also come to realise how important and relevant marketing concepts and frameworks are in whatever career path one might choose because, in the end, we are all just trying to fulfil or satisfy certain customer needs in a sustainable way that also becomes profitable to us. Promotion of one’s unique selling proposition and skills is essential for the creative professional, particularly in the 21st century.

How were you able to manage your responsibilities as a Graduate Editorial Assistant with your personal daily blogging project in 2019?

I had an alarm for 6:30 pm. In fact, it’s still on my phone. I made sure to always round up my daily job goals before that time. Of course, there were days when I couldn’t meet up and my daily blog post came in a bit later, but I did my best to discipline myself and stick to the time.

Tell us about your hobbies and a few interesting things most people don’t really know about you. What else would you like to share with us? 

I love ice cream, cake, and Fanta; in fact, junk food in general. I also love to read a lot which is something my parents taught us (my siblings and I) from a young age. I love music and I sing a lot too, and quite well if I do say so myself.

What are your top goals for 2020 and how would you encourage current undergraduates and recent graduates looking to pursue careers in Creative Writing and Content Creation?

I want to make a huge difference in 2020! I want to continue to push myself harder and learn more about the art of writing and content creation.  For me, I believe in consistency and pushing yourself as hard as possible. Try to learn as much as you can, be consistent, and always believe in yourself. Ask for help if you get stuck; you don’t have to know everything. 

Which are the top 3 new skills you would love to develop in 2020 and the top 3 new things you would love to do (adventure, travel, etc.)

I want to focus on developing the following skills: writing long-form prose, crafting compelling PowerPoint presentations, and, perhaps, graphic design. I would also love to read more African-inspired prose and books on marketing or branding, especially for a writer. They are necessary for the next steps I want to take in my career. I would also love to travel. Who knows what the year brings?

Any other thing you would love to add?

I am immensely grateful for the gift of my friends and family. They really supported me and made sure I didn’t stop. They also shared the links on social media. Indeed, the importance of a wonderful network can not be overestimated.

Follow and read Tope’s blog on Medium here.

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