We chat with Tọlá Okogwu about Champions of the Galaxy, which is a brand-new, epic sci-fi action-adventure where friendship is tested to the limits, perfect for 8+ fans of the Onyeka series, Star Wars and Marvel!
Hi, Tọlá! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hi, my name is Tọlá Okogwu I am a children’s author. I live in the UK with my husband and two daughters. I’m probably best known for writing the Onyeka series and I also write under the pen name Lola Morayo. My loves include cheese, Korean dramas and cats (though I’m yet to get one of my own)
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
It’s always been there in some shape or form, from the little stories I’d jot down in stolen moments, to the scenes I played out in the shower. With hindsight, I can see it in my love of English as a subject in school and my choice of journalism as a degree. But it wasn’t till 2015 when I wrote my first book inspired by my daughter and husband that I realised it was something I actively wanted to pursue.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: Not Now Bernard by David McKee
- The one that made you want to become an author: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. This book taught me the power of reading and how books can transport you to different worlds.
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card is a book I often return to. It’s just that good.
Your latest novel, Champions of the Galaxy, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Galactic adventure tests humanity’s worth.
What can readers expect?
An action-packed, epic space adventure with my own unique flavour. Expect aliens, amazing tech, bickering kids who discover what true friendship means and some epic twists you won’t see coming.
Where did the inspiration for Champions of the Galaxy come from?
I am a huge sci-fi fan and writing sci-fi allows me to explore some really big questions and also take my imagination to unique places. As with all of my stories, this one started with a simple idea. What if aliens showed up one day with an irresistible offer that felt too good to be true? How would humanity react and what might it learn about itself in the process.
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge I faced writing Champions was letting go of what I thought the story should be. I’m a planner so I had some very grand plans and ideas for this book. But that wasn’t the book I was meant to write and it took me far too long to realise that. Once I did, things went more smoothly but it means my feelings about Champions of the Galaxy are very complicated indeed.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I love snarky characters and in Champions of the Galaxy, I have two of them, Achan and Thea. Their dynamic was so much fun to write as they bicker incessantly but ultimately come to an understanding.
What’s next for you?
I am currently writing book two of my new middle grade series. It hasn’t been announced yet so I can’t say too much. I will say that I’m leaning into my funny, contemporary side and that the series was inspired by my eleven year old daughter and the many trials and tribulations of pre-teen life.
Lastly, what books have you enjoyed reading this year? Are there any you’re looking forward to picking up?
My reading has been a bit slow so far this year but I really enjoyed reading Brielle and Bear: Once Upon a Time by Salomey Doku. I’m also looking forward to diving into Black Dolls Vol. 1 by Rachel Faturoti and First Born of the Sun by Marvellous Michael Anson
