Tolulope Popoola's Blog

When you decided you were going to take your writing seriously, you probably tried to start a writing routine. Maybe you lasted a week. Maybe two weeks if you were really motivated. Then life happened, you missed a day, felt guilty, and gave up entirely.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. The dreaded failed writing routine is practically a rite of passage for new writers. But building a sustainable writing practice isn’t about willpower or motivation, it’s about strategy, self-compassion, and cre...

You’ve finally finished your manuscript – congratulations – that’s already a huge achievement! Now you’re staring at the big question: should you go the traditional publishing route or take the self publishing plunge?

I get asked this question all the time in my writing coach sessions, and honestly, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It really depends on your goals, your budget, your timeline, and your tolerance for uncertainty and hard work.

Let’s break down both paths so you can make an info...

What if I told you that one simple addition to every school curriculum could boost students’ test scores, improve their emotional intelligence, enhance their communication skills, and prepare them for future careers, all at the same time?

That addition is creative writing, and it’s not just some “nice-to-have” elective that gets cut when budgets tighten. Creative writing should be as fundamental to education as math and science, and I’m about to show you why.

Here’s some great news: there has never been a better time to be a writer, especially a self-published one. Gone are the days when your only path to becoming a published author involved years of rejection letters, hunting for literary agents, and hoping a traditional publisher would take a chance on your work.

Today’s self publishing landscape has completely transformed what it means to be an author. You can write your book, publish it, and have readers downloading it within months rather than ...

Finding a literary agent isn’t just about writing a great book. It’s about understanding a business process that can feel frustrating, even when you’re doing everything right. The good news? Once you know what you’re dealing with, you can navigate it strategically rather than blindly firing off queries and hoping for the best.

Most writers approach agent-hunting backwards. They finish their manuscript, quickly Google “literary agents,” and start sending out queries. This approach is like trying...

As a new writer, you may have heard the phrase: “write what you know.” But what if you’re crafting fictional worlds filled with dragons, spaceships, or Victorian-era detectives? Even the most imaginative fiction needs a solid foundation in reality to feel authentic to readers.

Many writers assume that because they’re writing fiction, they can make everything up. Sure, your characters might only exist in your imagination, but what happens when one of them needs to navigate a real city you’ve nev...

Managing screen time in today’s world feels like trying to hold back the ocean with a teacup. Between tablets, phones, laptops, and TVs, our kids are surrounded by screens from the moment they wake up until they go to bed. And as parents, we’re often caught between wanting to limit their digital consumption and needing those devices to keep them occupied while we tackle our endless to-do lists.

But here’s the thing: finding balance doesn’t mean eliminating screens entirely or feeling guilty eve...

Congratulations! You’ve just typed those magical words: “The End” on your manuscript. The relief is palpable, the champagne is chilling, and you’re already mentally crafting your author bio. But hold on there, future bestselling novelist. Before you start querying agents or researching self publishing platforms, let’s have an honest conversation about whether your manuscript is truly ready to meet the world.

After months (or years) of wrestling with plot holes, character arcs, and that one chap...

You’re a new writer with some story ideas brewing in your head, characters whispering in your ear, and plot twists that keep you up past midnight. But what genre are you actually writing?

Genre can feel like a mysterious box you’re supposed to fit your story into. But think about it like a helpful roadmap that tells readers what kind of journey they’re about to embark on.

Let’s break down the most popular fiction genres, explore some exciting cross-overs that are setting the publishing world on ...

Whether your child is reading a story about dragons who run ice cream shops or you are losing yourself in a good novel after a long day, you’re both doing serious brain training. Research shows that reading fiction rewires your brain in ways that make you smarter, more empathetic, and better at navigating life. The research on this stuff is genuinely fascinating, and the practical benefits go way beyond what most people realize.

When you read fict...