#WCW: Atoke

Over the last three years, Atoke thrilled us every Monday with her weekly Monday banter on Bellanaija.com.  As a writer myself, I understand the level of discipline it takes to produce weekly content which must meet the intense scrutiny of online readers. The online readership base, while popular, is possibly the hardest to attract. So many things, gossip, motivational articles, news, pictures etc are vying for the attention of the average online reader, therefore the ability to create content which results in a loyal following in these times is definitely emulation worthy.

But more so is Atoke’s style of writing. Her ability to chronicle our social habits and create humor as well as learning points is quite enviable. So it’s no wonder we are crushing on her today. In our exclusive #WCW feature, Atoke shares with us her motivations, challenges and advice for budding writers and entrepreneurs .

In case you missed them, you can read some of Atoke’s weekly bants here, we are sure you’ll become hooked. Although her weekly Monday morning musings ended in October of 2015, Atoke continues to contribute to Bellanaija.com and a host of other platforms.

Meet Atoke

Atoke was trained as a lawyer in Nigeria and practiced for almost 4 years before she decided sitting in traffic from Oshodi to Lekki every day was killing her slowly. She now works full time as a writer and an editor at BellaNaija. With a Masters degree in Creative Writing from Swansea University, Atoke hopes to be known as more than just a retired foodie and a FitFam adherent. She can be reached for speechwriting, copywriting, letter writing, script writing, ghost writing  and book reviews by email – atokeofficial@gmail.com. She tweets with the handle @atoke_ | Visit her website atoke.com for more information.

IBG: Why do you do what you do?

Atoke: This is kind of tough to answer. Well, I am passionate about writing… GOOD writing. So I write because I want to use my writing to bring a positive shift in the mindset of people. Not in the hit them over the head with a hammer kind of way, but in an easy leave them thoughtful and smiling way.
IBG: What motivates you?

Atoke: The hope that ONE person will read my work and be happy.

IBG: How do you define success?

Atoke: Success to me is making one person smile. If that person goes on to help another person, that’s a plus.

IBG: What keeps you grounded?

Atoke: My friends and family. Also the knowledge that there’s still so much work to be done. Onwards and upwards

IBG: What has been your biggest entrepreneurial challenge and how have you surmounted it?

Atoke: People don’t like to pay writers, so that’s a huge challenge. Standing my ground and knowing the value of my work helps me to succeed.

IBG: What has been your biggest success?

Atoke: “Atoke’s Monday Morning Banter- A weekly column written consistently for three years without a break.

IBG: What advice would you give to writers and entrepreneurs?

Atoke: Work hard! Don’t rest on your oars! Keep creating good work