All about the writing process and inspiration

Who is Lilian Oklobia?

Lilian is a sucker for hot romance, absolutely loving every second of writing them. Her debut book, Forbidden Ties: Stuck With My Stepbrothers, kicks off the Forbidden Trilogy. Followed by Forbidden Bond: In My Professor’s Bed, set to release 31st October! Each book is a stand-alone with a new story, so feel free to dive into any of them!

Interview

What inspires your writing?

Everything? I find stories in everything around me, as silly as that sounds, it’s true. From people I meet, to animals, movies, songs, art, nature. It always feels like there’s a story to tell, and I find myself trying to do that; tell that story. 

What drew you to writing?

Loss. It’s not as sad as it sound! But yes, I lost a loved one and the only way I knew how to express or handle it was through writing. 

How did you choose which character to centre the story around?

I’d like to think the character chose me to tell their story? Every character had so much to get to know, but something about the main characters captivated me and it felt like they would do the same to readers.

What was your process for writing your books?

We’ll, I can’t say there was a particular process. Some days were different and thought than others. But a constant thing was me tapping about it! I always talked about every new scene or chapter and it made it easy to write.

What is your approach to world and character-building?

I wouldn’t say I have a particular approach. As long as your characters are relatable, not just to you, but your readers. Your fictional word is as real as it comes, then I’m set and ready to tell that story.

Did you have a favourite moment in the book to write?

Oh yes! I had tons of favorite moments, some weren’t great moments, they made me cry, but I loved writing them so much 

Which of the characters do you relate to the most and why?

Has to be June, in my second book Forbidden Bond: In My Professor’s Bed. A lot of my friends say Cassie in Forbidden Ties: Stuck With My Stepbrothers. But I could relate to June so much, her love for her friends and Professor Tae. She made decisions that felt like things I’d do and I felt seen through her!

Has writing and publishing a book changed the way you see yourself?

Sort of. Before publishing, accomplishing a goal or making a dream come true felt like the most impossible thing to do. But after my first release, it felt different, I felt different. And now I’m learning that dreams do come true, especially when they’re mine. Publishing my book made me see it that way

Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?

I love Francine Rivers, the emotions she poured into the books I read, I wanted to do that so much and when I read The Selection, all I could remember saying was “I would write a book one day!”

What advice would you give to a writer working on their first book, and what advice were you given?

It doesn’t always kick off on the first trial! If it did for you, that’s beautiful, if it didn’t, you pick yourself up and publish another and another and another. It’s okay. Every story is worth being told and even though not everyone loves it, be proud either way! 

What’s your favourite writing snack or drink?

I love Fab, it’s a chocolate biscuit and I love me some good chocolate snack. For drink, I’d take really sweet tea or upper cold yoghurt 

Do you play music while you write — and, if so, what’s your favourite music?

I don’t play music while I write, I always get distracted. But when I do, I shuffle through the most random genre, as long as I can sing to it loudly, even when I’m singing the wrong lyrics.

Who has been the biggest supporter of your writing?

I can’t pick one person. I’ve had my small village of supporters, to whom I am entirely grateful. And my book girlies I met after my first release have been amazing. I wouldn’t trade our little group of authors and readers for that. And Author Rachel. L.B. I think every author should have an author bestie like her