V.Richardson: Hello Dolapo! I am happy to chat with you.
Dolapo Babalola:I’m delighted to chat with you. Thanks for this opportunity to reach your readers.
V.Richardson: It's indeed my pleasure! When did you first consider yourself a writer? And Why the impress to write this particular story?
Dolapo Babalola:I guess “a writer is one who writes” in which case I considered myself a writer when I realized that my writing was making a difference first and foremost in my life, and subsequently in the lives of others. I recall way back in my formative years, I enjoyed writing in my diary, most importantly while I was in a foreign country studying medicine. It was always comforting to express my thoughts down on paper; such clarity I experienced while doing so.
To answer the second question, I originally wrote my book to keep my mind focused on other activities in spite of my current challenges. I gradually matured through the process and had a keen appreciation of the omnipotence of God. Life is a journey; my experiences have shown me that it is a continuous learning curve. How we react to the situation is what makes the difference; this is when I decided to share my story with the world.
V. Richardson: My God: Even in the Last Minute is your new release. What is it about and how did the title come about?
Dolapo Babalola:My God: Even in the Last Minute (MyGelm) is an inspirational book that narrates my journey as a young aspiring physician who, in the pursuit of a permanent residency in the United States, faced multiple obstacles and challenges. Each day through this ongoing ordeal, I experienced God in a way that I never would have imagined. God showed up in the most unexpected places, in the last minute, and always with a life-changing lesson. It speaks on how the greatest lesson in our darkest hours of uncertainty is that God is close by, quietly working behind the scenes, bolstering our faith for a miracle.
The title of my book came about as I experienced my “Ah-Ha moment.” While writing my text, it dawned on me that every bit of my journey was like a road race, some situation was always approaching its deadline or I was hitting rock bottom. I would try to figure out how and when a problem would be solved, and in the process I would doubt God’s ability to handle the problem. God kept showing up in the most unexpected places to make a way for me, even when it seemed naturally impossible, even if it was in the last minute.
V. Richardson: What do you want readers to take away from your book?
Dolapo Babalola: I am excited to say that the kind of influence I was hoping for with my book started with me. While writing, I realized I can have peace of mind in my current position or any storm. I am assured that God can show up in the most unexpected place. This is the same influence, I hope to achieve with my readers through my book. The propagation of my message is to serve as a reminder that God’s plans, purposes, and pursuits can be expressed through our lives if we lay down our plans, purposes, and pursuits to Him. I learnt various life-changing lessons, which I discussed in each chapter, with the hope it would make a positive impact on someone’s life.
V. Richardson: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Dolapo Babalola:You know, I haven’t thought about what I would like to change in my book at its current state. Though, I did think of changes on multiple occasions, even after the release of “MyGelm” to the market world, which led to me withdrawing my book to make further corrections. I must confess; it was exhausting! But I trusted God to guide me and He did. So, at this point, I can now say “To God be the Glory, I am pleased.”
V. Richardson: Who are/were your literary influences? And what books have most influenced your life most?
Dolapo Babalola:So many but to mention a few; Rev Tai Ikomi has influenced my life especially in her book titled “The Art of Inspirational writing. It is an amazing book! It teaches readers to release themselves and deliver the message indoctrinated. I can say that my life never remained the same after I read Mike Murdock’s book “The Uncommon Leader.” I could read it over and over again. I just love the part that says we should focus on possibilities instead of problems. And lastly; Gifted Hands by Dr. Ben Carson. I remember reading this book in college with tears in my eyes, knowing that I can overcome any obstacle if I can only believe in myself. The message is clearly that “Champions keep playing until they get it right” words from Billie Jean King.
V. Richardson: What have you discovered about yourself on your journey to publication?
Dolapo Babalola: So much, it’s unbelievable. I love the fact that I have discovered myself to be more God-fearing, Adventurous, Seizing every opportunity and a Constant learner.
V. Richardson: What advice would you offer to aspiring authors?
Dolapo Babalola: I would like to leave these words with aspiring authors. First and foremost, please at this junction, tell yourself you can do it, you have what it takes to achieve you goals, and by the grace and wisdom of God, you will attain your goals. In addition to this, I recently heard of the key for success in an acronym called “REFS,” which stands for Respect, Effort, Focus, and Self-control.” Making it in life and scaling through challenges is by trusting God and seeking his guidance, but also having respect for self and others, making an effort, staying focused on the ultimate goal and maintaining self-control. So get to it; don’t waste the talents and gifts, because someone out there needs to hear and read about it.
V. Richardson: Are there any up coming and/or future projects readers should be made aware of?
Dolapo Babalola: My husband and I recently started MyGelm blog; we love to aspire to our maximum potential by using the talents that God has blessed us with. The goal is to inspire others positively by having monthly inspirational poems on my blog, which would be opened for discussion. We invite your readers to join us and contribute to these inspirational nuggets.
Readers can stay abreast of my ongoing efforts by visiting my website and blog; http://www.mygelm.com/ and http://www.mygelm.wordpress.com/. I welcome your comments, discussion or your 2 cents on different topics.
V. Richardson: Sounds delicious! How can readers contact you?
Dolapo Babalola: I would love to hear from your readers. The best way to contact me will be via email; mygelm@gmail.com or facebook; www.facebook.com/584879119
Bonus Question
From The Heart:
From The Heart:
V. Richardson: When life can get a little hectic and you are feeling a little dismayed. How do you find peace in the storm?
Dolapo Babalola: Wow, when my life gets hectic, I simply go on a “self-retreat.” This is a retreat away from everyone, including my husband, children, family, etc. I spend this time re-evaluating my steps, watching movies, DANCING, just being quiet in my own world. When I am confident that I have grabbed my peace again, I come out ready to cope with life.
V. Richardson: Dolapo, thank you for an awesome chat! Thank you for sharing yourself and your works with our viewing audience. Much success to you! As always in closing, continue to inspire as you aspire!
Dolapo Babalola:Thank you! The pleasure is mine. I love the remarkable mission on “The Certain One,” which is “To Inspire as you Aspire.” Keep up the great work!
Video for My God: Even in the Last Minute.
