Hello, everyone! In celebration of Black History Month, we are celebrating African-American authors and stories that highlight African-American characters! Today's interview is with Evergreen_Ebony, whose story became an  ONC Africa 2021 Winner (specifically a Spotlight Story) and featured in fifteen Wattpad-run RLs. 

About the Author: Evergreen Ebony is a Nigerian Australian scientist, wife, and mum. She's a Wattpad featured author, ONC Africa winner (Spotlight Story), ONC English shortlisted, and an Amby winner. She is a multi-genre writer but is best known for her paranormal, fantasy, and young adult romance stories. She is passionate about cultural diversity and breaking stereotypes in literature, and aspires to evolve as a writer as she shares her stories with the world. Another myth-and-legend story that she has written is called "Forget Everything and Run," which is an ongoing story on her profile and is based on the horrors endured by a couple plagued by a mythological creature known as believe to inflict its victims with cycles of grief.

About 'Jagunlabi': Teniola Oyeyinka travels from New York to Nigeria after receiving a call from her estranged, terminally ill father. She is distraught by the experience, but eventually embraces new friends and family and decides not to return to the United States. During work as a columnist at the Continental Herald, Ibadan, Teniola commits an act of treachery to save her job. All hell breaks loose when she faces spiritual repercussions from an Ancient One. Teniola is forced to go to battle in the delicate middle ground between the seen and the unseen as she battles for her life.

1. What made you start writing on Wattpad? What has been your favorite moment so far on the orange app?

I've read plenty of amazing stories on and off Wattpad and felt inspired to write my own. There have been many wonderful moments on the orange app but winning ONC Africa is one of the most memorable. Having the opportunity to showcase authentic cultural stories and characters means a lot to me.

2. Which mythology and/or legends influenced your story? Why did you choose those?

Jagunlabi is influenced by a few aspects of Yoruba mythology and history which include the power of ancestral lineage and covenants, Sango and precolonial wealth, and mighty kingdoms.

3. Tell us about the main character of one of your stories. What inspired their creation?

Teniola, the main character of Jagunlabi, is inspired by several women in my life and me.

4. What were some challenges you experienced while writing the story?

Meeting up with the ONC deadline because I wrote two novellas simultaneously at the time. There were some aspects I wanted to give greater attention to but was only able to do so after the contest was over. I've spent time on it since then and I love the story so much that I've expanded it into a full-length novel which is nearing completion. 

5. Do you have a song playlist for writing? Can you share one with us?

There are too many songs to mention but I listen to a lot of classics by Sade and Seal and contemporary Naija music.

6. What is your favorite myth or legend? Why?

Opa Oranmiyan (Oranmiyan's Staff): According to the Yoruba legend, Oranmiyan was a great warrior and a grandson of Oduduwa (the progenitor of the Yoruba people). It is believed that he dropped his sword which transformed into a staff when he died. The staff has mysterious inscriptions on it and is still standing to this day.

7. What is your favorite mythical creature? Why?

Ijapa. Many entertaining children's books and fables featuring his character have been written. Though morally gray at times, there are lessons to be learned from his adventures.

8. If you could have the same powers as a creature and/or deity from mythology or legends, what would it be? Why?

I'd prefer to not have mythological powers. It seems like more of a burden than a blessing.

9. What is your advice for other writers who want to use mythology in their stories?

Please be sensitive to the original concepts. Conduct thorough research in order to depict culture, myth, and legends properly.

That's it for the month, it was fun getting to know about Evergreen_Ebony. You can check her stories featured in our reading list as well as her other works.

Until next time!