We have a guest with us, who was once a teen. He is a writer, a poet, and an editor. Welcome to the stage Freshpaul97

Rita - So, start by telling us your full name?

Guest - Paul Ezeodili

Rita - At what age will you say you started writing, and what pushed you to this?

Guest - I began writing when I was 19, but I wish I began earlier. Pushed me? Inspired me describes it better. I think it's the same thing that inspired most writers to hone the skill. After reading a bunch of novels, I wanted to give it a shot. I wanted to try to create something just as good. I had a bunch of stories queuing in my head, and I wanted people to read them.

Reading those novels made me think I can write one too, so you can say the books inspired me.

Rita - How many books have you written so far? And what genres will you say you love writing?

Guest - About 8 books—most of which are short stories, all published on PabPub.com. I wouldn't say I have a favourite genre; I must have written them all. Okay, not all. But a bunch of them.

Rita - You're a an undergraduate right?

Guest - Yes, I am.

Rita - Do you find it hard to juggle your school works and writing your books, especially with your editing business, Agbalumo Editing Services, right?

Guest - Well, I started the business during this stay-at-home period, so I haven't had the chance to mix the business with school. But with writing, it gets really challenging. I find it really difficult to write whilst in school. Most of the time, I don't write at all, because school can be crazy. The tests, assignments, classes, hostel noises, and all of the school drama, puts the writing on ice. The only time I find to write in peace is during the weekend. So, I always try to get the words rolling—to make up for all the days I didn't write.

Rita - That's amazing. So, tell us, you were once a teen, do you mind telling us your experiences, challenges and how you overcame then.

Guest - Yes, I believe I was once a teen. I think the biggest challenge I faced as a teen was finding my own path. It was difficult because everyone seemed to expect me to become something according to how they saw the world—how society had painted the world. Like, with friends. They'd say, don't keep those kind of friends, because birds of the same feathers flocked together.
I thought that was ridiculous.
I had all sorts of friends, and I never fell off the wagon. Yet, society made me feel guilty for wanting to be friends with some kind of people.

Society also dictated how I should cut my hair. I prefer leaving my hair full, because I believe it suits me best. But since society thinks only bad boys keep their hair full, I wasn't allowed to cut the hairstyle of my choice without feeling guilty about it.

Society even dictated what colour of cloths are right for a boy. I like the colour pink. But I couldn't wear pink cloths because society thinks a boy shouldn't wear pink.

To overcome it, I had to ignore society and throw myself into novels—life always seemed to make more sense in the novels.

Rita - What advice will you give to other teens out there?

Guest - Fuck Society. Live your life right, however it suits you, as long as you're not harming anyone or yourself. Just don't do drugs—seriously, it only goes downhill from there, and when you hit the bottom, you're going to hit hard.

Rita - That's beautiful, thank you for joining us in this.

Guest - Thank you for having me.

If you're interested in getting your books edited, send a private message to learn more on Agbalumo Editing Services.