Q&A: O.O. Sangoyomi, Author of 'Dreamweaving'

We chat with author O.O. Sangoyomi about Dreamweaving, which is a high-stakes, dark academia fantasy perfect for fans of The Raven Cycle and Legendborn.

Hi, O.O.! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

Hi, I’m O.O. Sangoyomi, and I am an award-winning, Forbes 30 Under 30 author of two published novels thus far. My first, Masquerade, was a historical fiction novel that followed a young woman’s rise to power in a Medieval West African patriarchal society. My most recent novel is Dreamweaving, a contemporary fantasy about five students investigating a long-buried history at their elite New England boarding school.

When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?

I distinctly remember writing my first book when I was 4-years-old. It was a picture book about a girl who wanted a dog, because I was a girl who wanted a dog. In the end, she got the dog. I did not.

From there, writing books was something I did throughout my childhood as a way of entertaining myself. I especially loved world-building and getting lost in different realities of my own creation. So when I got older, it felt like a very natural next step to begin pursuing writing books as a career.

Quick lightning round! Tell us:

The first book you ever remember reading: I started reading at too young an age to remember the very first book. But one series I read as a kid was Classic Starts, which features abridged versions of famous literary works that are catered to very young readers.
The one that made you want to become an author: Jazz by Toni Morrison
The one that you can’t stop thinking about: One Leg on Earth by ‘Pemi Aguda

**Your latest novel, Dreamweaving, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?**

Found family. Magic. Elite spaces.

What can readers expect?

Dreamweaving is a dark academia novel about five students who are drawn together by mystical dreams, which lead them to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a past student. Readers can expect a messy but lovable ensemble cast, discussions of legacy and privilege, and a little bit of magic.

**Where did the inspiration for Dreamweaving come from?**

I wrote Dreamweaving while I was an undergrad at Princeton University, so my own academic experience influenced various aspects of the novel. For example, much of the world-building that went into Tanglewood Preparatory School, the fictional school that serves as the novel’s setting, is derived from Princeton’s history and campus. Dreamweaving also deals with themes like navigating the pressure to meet impossible expectations, as well as the quest to succeed in hostile environments—things I grappled with myself during my time as a student.

Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?

The found family in Dreamweaving is the heart of the novel. The dynamics between the main characters—their rivalries, their banter, their romances—were my favorite parts of the story to write.

Illustrated Covers: Why I Love ‘Em and Hope They’re Here to Stay

Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?

Actually, writing Dreamweaving was a very smooth process for me. It helped that Tanglewood Prep feels like an immersive world of its own that is easy to get lost in. Also, the characters that make up the novel’s main cast have such distinct and fleshed out personalities that no one voice sounds like the other. Most of all, this book was easy for me to write simply because it was very fun. And I am sure others will have just as much fun reading it.

What’s next for you?

Dreamweaving is the first in a series. I am excited to continue developing these characters’ stories and uncovering more of the mystery that encompasses the entire series.