a writer with a powerful message

Toyin Adewumi, the youngest child of a Nigerian family of eight, is not just a devoted wife and mother but also a passionate advocate for inclusion and acceptance. Working in the public sector in the United Kingdom, Toyin found inspiration in the challenges and breakthroughs of her daughter, leading her to become a writer with a powerful message. We had the privilege of speaking with her about her journey and her recently published book, "My Special Friend- Creating a Safe and Beautiful World."

Finding Inspiration in Motherhood

"What inspired you to become a writer?" we asked Toyin. Her response was heartfelt: "My daughter. Reminiscing on the challenges and breakthroughs she had experienced; I realized the significance of raising awareness amongst children about people living with different abilities so that we can have a more tolerable and acceptable world. Hence, my urge to write about it. 'A knowledgeable child grows into a knowledgeable adult.'"

Toyin's determination to raise awareness and promote understanding among children led her to embark on a remarkable writing journey.

A Structured Approach

To bring her vision to life, Toyin understood the importance of a structured writing process. "I am aware of the importance of a good and structured writing process," she explained. "I know that without it, writing can become complicated which may lead to frustration." Her approach involves putting her ideas down in writing, organising them carefully to cover all relevant points, and conducting thorough research to ensure a strong connection with her target audience.

The process doesn't end there. Toyin emphasised the importance of proofreading, editing, revising, and rearranging her work to ensure the information she presents is concise, clear, and effective. Collaboration also plays a significant role in refining her writing. She seeks input from professionals and peers, addressing any omitted or ill-structured elements to produce a polished final product.

Influences on Writing Style

Toyin's writing style draws inspiration from authors who incorporate true-life experiences into their work. She cited books like "Born a Crime" by Trevor Noah and "Becoming" by Michelle Obama as perfect examples of authors who influenced her. The power of personal experiences in storytelling resonates deeply with her, shaping her approach to writing.

The Heart of the Book: "My Special Friend"

The title of Toyin's book, "My Special Friend- creating a Safe and Beautiful World," encapsulates the essence of her work. It's an educational book that champions the values of inclusion and equality, serving as a valuable tool to help children embrace their uniqueness while nurturing a deep appreciation for the differences present in others.

"My first-hand challenges as a mum of a beautiful only daughter living with different abilities gave me loads of insight into what adults and children in my type of world are experiencing," Toyin shared. Her desire to shed light on coping with these challenges without feeling overwhelmed, afraid, or intimidated by society drove her to write this book.

She recognised that the challenges experienced by children with different abilities are as intense for them as they are for their parents or caregivers. Her aim is to channel her ideas towards children who will directly relate to other children with different abilities, believing that the right education and information can change society and the future.

"I strongly believe that it is important to create awareness amongst them because it will help them have a better understanding of the reason why some people they associate with may see, move, look, communicate, or act differently," she explained. "I believe this, in return, will encourage empathy, tolerance, and kindness."

But Toyin's book isn't just for children; it's also an eye-opener for adult readers and an encouragement for those who have family or friends in similar situations or are in similar circumstances themselves.

Compelling Characters — Living with Autism

The main character of Toyin's book is a child living with Autism, a portrayal that is both heartwarming and enlightening. This character, despite the challenges, is free-hearted and kind. She possesses remarkable strengths, particularly in her ability to understand precision and details in various activities, such as painting, jigsaw puzzles, singing, or playing musical instruments, without formal instruction.

However, society sometimes misinterprets her expressions, especially when it comes to her ability to identify or observe little things that others may regard as unimportant.

Themes and Messages

Through "My Special Friend," Toyin hopes to convey important messages. For children, she wants them to understand that it's okay to be different and that these differences are what make the world beautiful. She wants them to see beyond the surface and recognise the beauty in people living with different abilities. Toyin emphasizes, "People living with different abilities are equally normal and not weird nor less."

For adults, her message is about being open-minded, tolerant, and accepting of people with different abilities and their families. She aims to debunk myths and misconceptions and promote kindness and acceptance, envisioning a safer and more beautiful world as a result.

Setting the Book Apart

What sets "My Special Friend" apart from other books in the same genre is the unique "Facts" sheet it contains. This section showcases research and educational aspects alongside engaging stories that aim to foster open discussions about physical, mental, and learning disabilities. It serves as a valuable resource for both children and adults, inspiring empathy and understanding while promoting autism awareness, acceptance of differences, and inclusion.

A Two-Year Commitment

The creation of "My Special Friend" was not a rushed endeavour. Toyin dedicated two years to the project, ensuring that every word in the book was carefully chosen and held significant meaning.

The most challenging aspect of the writing process, she revealed, was delivering the story in a fun yet educational way, tailored to children's understanding while keeping them engaged from beginning to end. This balancing act was essential to convey the book's important messages effectively.

Surprisingly, Toyin did not face writer's block during this journey. Her passion and sense of purpose always kept her motivated.

Despite being a working mom and caring for her child, Toyin effectively managed her writing time to minimise any potential interruptions due to writer's block.

Publishing with Purpose

Choosing the right publisher was a significant decision for Toyin, and she found a strong alignment of values with Publishing Push. Her review of various publishers indicated that our company, Publishing Push considered the author's will, choice, and direction for the book, making it the ideal choice for her.

Her experience with us was marked by trust, dedication, and mutual respect for each other's contributions towards the final product of the book.

Advice for Aspiring Authors

Toyin offered valuable advice to aspiring authors: "Read, Research, and be true to yourself." She emphasised the importance of discipline with time management and making the most of your environment, especially during moments when words don't flow as expected. The answers, she believes, are always around you; it's about using them effectively.

Future Plans

As for her future plans, Toyin intends to continue writing, recognising the power of writing as a tool for advocacy and raising awareness. While there won't be a sequel to "My Special Friend," readers can look forward to more enjoyable and educative books from this passionate author.

In conclusion, Toyin Adewumi's journey from a dedicated mother to a published author is an inspiring example of how personal experiences can drive meaningful change. Her book, "My Special Friend," is not just a story; it's a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and accepting world that celebrates differences and cherishes the beauty they bring.