Bad Ice cream & Jollof rice
Role
Author
Timeline
6 months
Tools Used
Google Docs
Stakeholders
Me
I embarked on a creative project where I composed a compilation of spoken words, poems, flash fiction, and profound thoughts, all inspired by real-life experiences.
Overview
I embarked on a creative project where I composed a compilation of spoken words, poems, flash fiction, and profound thoughts, all inspired by real-life experiences. The result was a book titled "Bad Ice Cream and Jollof Rice" that reminds us that our struggles are valid, whether they resemble a disappointing dessert, a delectable rice dish, or something worse.
Scope
As a storyteller and poet, I had to put the emotions I felt during real-life scenarios into words and tell stories that evoke these emotions to the best of my ability.
My Challenges
As I embarked on the journey of writing my book, I was faced with both exciting opportunities and challenges. One of those challenges was addressing sensitive topics in a way that would not harm the readers but, at the same time, not dilute the raw essence of these themes. Additionally, because the book combines fiction, poetry, and spoken word, it was crucial to maintain a consistent tone while seamlessly transitioning between genres, which posed an additional hurdle. How did I write about these sensitive issues while balancing the good and bad?
Strategy
To address my challenges, I conducted a brainstorming session where I envisioned readers as therapy patients seeking solace through relatable experiences. The stories I crafted became a form of literary therapy, offering comfort without triggering distress or exacerbating emotional wounds. To guide my approach, I asked myself the following key questions: - How can I create a book that acknowledges pain while providing a sense of solace? - What strategies can I employ to discuss sensitive issues without overshadowing the beauty within? - Why would a reader choose to engage with a book that comes with a trigger warning? This brainstorming session formed the basis for further research into my target audience: young adults. Understanding their concerns, aspirations, and emotional struggles was crucial in establishing a genuine connection.
Diving Deeper
Through extensive research on the target audience, young adults, I discovered that they constantly struggle with the expectations placed on them by society and their parents while also dealing with mental health issues and social problems. Despite being aware of these challenges, they often feel like they don't receive enough compassion, understanding, and comfort from the world around them.
Approach
To address the problematic experiences that readers may face, I created a refuge through my storytelling by infusing empathy into it. The book begins with a clear trigger warning to ensure that readers are emotionally safe and comfortable. Then, it opens with a poignant poem titled "The Invocation," where I offer heartfelt prayers for the readers' well-being while acknowledging their vulnerabilities. Throughout the book, I used a warm and intimate tone. I employed various writing styles, such as persuasive, narrative, expository, and descriptive, to captivate and engage readers. Carefully selected uplifting quotes have been interspersed between stories, acting as a bridge to maintain a seamless flow from one piece to another. Finally, I collaborated with a designer to ensure that the text and graphics harmoniously conveyed the intended emotions, enhancing the overall reading experience and evoking a sense of connection.
Outcome
"Bad Ice Cream and Jollof Rice" emerged as a touching collection of stories that takes readers through the intricacies of human emotions. It provides comfort, insight, and assurance that even amid life's challenges, there is always hope for healing, personal growth, and embracing life's sour and sweet moments.