From Mythology to Maternity: The Twists and Turns of Crafting my First Draft

Four years ago, I embarked on a writing journey fuelled by the rich history and mythology surrounding Sundiata Keita, the founder of the Mali Empire. Little did I know that this journey would be anything but smooth sailing. I started with the grandeur of epic fantasy, ventured into a dual timeline narrative, flirted with YA fantasy, and ultimately found my voice in contemporary fantasy.

As a new mom navigating the tumultuous waters of postpartum life, I grappled with the intricate tale of Sundiata Keita, the inspiration behind The Lion King. I faced the daunting task of giving life to a legendary character born with a disability and magically transformed. The ethical intricacies weighed heavily on my creative process, and no matter how many rewrites I did, It didn’t feel right.

Writing about this historical male figure, who is so important to many West Africans, felt inauthentic to me. Despite the prevalence of diverse genders in my stories, something didn't click when I tried to embody Sundiata's essence. My side characters demanded more space; a new story yearned to be born, grounded in our present rather than the distant past of 1235.

The decision to pivot from the initial concept wasn't easy. Scrapping the first three versions of my novel felt like shedding layers of my skin. However, I refused to let go of the inspiration derived from extensive research into the lives of my ancestors. This rich foundation became the soil in which a new story took root—a story woven into the fabric of our time.

Countless highs and lows marked the journey. Imposter syndrome and insecurities became unwelcome companions, whispering doubts into the recesses of my mind. Writing a book became a catalyst for self-reflection, reshaping my life and relationships. The decision to announce my writing journey to the world had unintended consequences. Each inquiry about the process became a potential landmine of self-doubt.

Regret gnawed at me as I realized some viewed my prolonged writing journey with skepticism. There were those who cheered me on, but also those who, perhaps, rolled their eyes when I admitted to scrapping multiple versions they had already gotten invested in. Regardless of external reactions, I promised myself to embrace my victories and work on changing my mindset.

Amidst the exhausting mental gymnastics, I reminded myself I was writing the book I had always yearned to read. A book inspired by the stories my dad had told me about the history of our ancestors.

Life kept lifing and had more in store—parenting a newborn and a toddler simultaneously, career changes, entrepreneurial pursuits, and the relentless march of time. Amidst these challenges, I found a sanctuary in my second maternity leave (which I’m still on part-time), leveraging it to complete the first draft, even if it meant navigating sleepless nights, something I don’t recommend.

The writing process became a battleground of conflicting emotions. Reading an exceptional book sometimes left me feeling inadequate. Yet, I pressed on, fueled by the statistic that only 3% of adults who dream of writing a book ever do. I embraced the challenge, completing NaNoWriMo amidst one of the most challenging times in my life.

As I reflect on this tumultuous journey, I'm proud of the progress made, even though there's a long road ahead until the book is finished. The rollercoaster of emotions continues, but each twist and turn brings me closer to realizing a dream.

In opening up about my journey, I aim to share the nitty-gritty details of my experience—exposing the twists and turns of creativity, the moments of self-discovery, and the sheer grit it took to wrap up a story that's essentially a mirror reflecting my own growth. It's like inviting you behind the scenes, where the messiness and magic of bringing words to life unfold. I'm excited to have you along for the ride!