If you’re a freelance artist wondering if there’s a secret to landing big clients in your industry, there is, and this episode will tell you what it is! Episode 14 of the podcast is with Feyisayo Oyebisi (aka Feyzo!), who I've known for over ten years.

Feyzo! is a makeup artist and special effects professional who has worked on the biggest productions in Nigeria’s movie industry, including A Naija Christmas and Everybody Loves Jenifa, which is currently in cinemas.

Feyzo!, who calls herself The Billionaire Makeup Artist, is also a two-time AMVCA nominee.

In this light-hearted yet serious chat, she shares the secret to landing big clients and the hardest thing about being a makeup artist in Nigeria's movie industry.

Show highlights

0:00 – Introduction

2:39 – This or that questions

3:24 – Feyzo’s journey into artistry

10:55 – The hardest thing about being a makeup artist in the movie industry

12:51 – The process of preparing for a character

22:13 – Managing the makeup/SFX team

28:07 – Handling unexpected challenges on set

37:45 – The secret to landing big clients

43:00 – Impact of the AMVCA on her career

45:13 – The importance of professional development

47:12 – A word to her future self

48:13 – Appreciation and end

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Watch on Youtube: https://youtube.com/@journeyoftheartpod?si=eDeQrPxScePjcpfT?sub_confirmation=1

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Guest’s links

Follow Feyzo! on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feyzomua/

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Host’s links

Find out more about the show: https://www.journeyoftheart.com/

Follow JOA on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/journeyoftheartpod/

Book a one-on-one with Lola: https://wordcaps.com/coaching/

In this episode, I chat with editor and publisher, Anwuli Ojogwu, about some trends in modern African literature. We talk about what Nigerians at home and abroad are writing now, her work on the Caine Prize anthology for 2021/22, and some self-publishing tips for writers.

Anwuli is a co-founder of Narrative Landscape Press and the Society for Book and Magazine Editors of Nigeria. Find out more about Anwuli below.

0:00 – Introduction

1:40 – What's the IT factor with popular writers?

6:03 – How to build trust with writers

9:48 – Starting a society for editors in Nigeria

19:17 – Editing the Caine Prize anthology 2021/22

24:49 – Today’s writing pool and talent development

29:23 - What are Nigerians abroad writing about now?

34:09 - What are Nigerians at home writing about now?

37:13 - Tips for writers who want to self-publish

41:59 - Upcoming books from Narrative Landscape Press

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Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/agoBUidLkj8

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Guest’s links

Follow Anwuli on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anwulipriscilla/

➡️ Narrative Landscape Press: https://www.narrativelandscape.com

➡️ Society for Book and Magazine Editors of Nigeria: https://sbmen.org.ng

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Host’s links

Find out more about the show: https://www.journeyoftheart.com/

Follow Lola on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/journeyoftheartpod/

Book a one-on-one with Lola: https://wordcaps.com/coaching/

In this episode, I chat with Uma Krishnaswami about her latest work, Birds on the Brain. Uma has written for young readers for over 30 years, and she taught writing for 16 years. I think of this episode as a mini-masterclass in writing for children, and I'm so grateful for the tips Uma graciously shared.

Show highlights

(0:00) Introduction

(2:12) Arriving at great ideas through story

(4:57) Book Uncle and the Istri Lady

(7:26) Helping children become better readers

(10:49) How to develop socially conscious themes in children’s book writing

(13:52) Showing reality in writing

(15:32) Plotting vs discovery writing

(18:35) How long it took Uma to write Birds on the Brain

(19:40) Revealing Book 3 of the series

(19:59) Data in storytelling

(22:45) The question of the greater good

(27:05) Giving readers reasons to see

(29:57) The writer’s stumbling block

(31:33) Appreciation & end

_____________________ Guest’s links

Buy Birds on the Brain: https://houseofanansi.com/products/birds-on-the-brain?srsltid=AfmBOorpRrFo-WCEGogszEEJU5Quu5L5oD209kr9QFivlgQZW3uNRa_l

Follow Uma on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/umakrishnaswami/

_____________________ Host’s links

Find out more about the show: https://www.journeyoftheart.com/

Follow Journey of the Art on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/journeyoftheartpod/

Book a one-on-one with Lola: https://wordcaps.com/coaching/

From dealing with homesickness, to learning how to manage workshops, to building community in strange places, Charlie Muhumuza and Chido Muchemwa, PhD, share their experiences in MFA programs.

In this honest conversation, they answer the ultimate question: Is getting an MFA necessary for writers?

Show highlights

0:00 - 2:17 — Introductions and welcome

2:18 — The motive for getting an MFA

3:54 — Managing workshops and the MFA’s impact on the writing voice

11:19 — Giving feedback tactfully and growing in confidence

15:57 — Juggling the workload and managing time

20:34 — Choosing and building community

26:52 — Alleviating homesickness

33:45 — Finding research opportunities that can sponsor trips home

35:32 — Making ends meet

42:12 — Chido’s new book and Charlie’s future plans

45:02 – Charlie’s advice on bringing work to the MFA

46:27 — Is getting an MFA necessary?

51:28 — Appreciation and closing remarks

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Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v0_QHjJPMHs

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Guests' links

Buy Chido's book: https://houseofanansi.com/products/who-will-bury-you?srsltid=AfmBOorb_zqixd0kITaqj_y_9CWb6qEFnjg7-c1-3-6eaUPSfHf7zoPY

Follow Chido on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chidomuchemwa?igsh=d3h3cjNkcnBvZDAz

Follow Charlie on X: https://x.com/cdmuhumuza?s=21&t=GLRRSdbhoZNPfjfGWHvv4g

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Host’s links

Find out more about the show: https://www.journeyoftheart.com/

Follow Lola on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/journeyoftheartpod/

Follow Lola on X: https://x.com/lolaopatayo?s=21&t=GLRRSdbhoZNPfjfGWHvv4g

Sign up for Lola's newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hRzE5z

Book a one-on-one with Lola: https://wordcaps.com/coaching/

Ukamaka Olisakwe, the founder and editor-in-chief of Isele Magazine, shares the realities of starting Isele in 2020 and building it into a key platform for African writers.

From navigating challenges like funding to handling submissions from across the globe, Ukamaka shows that passion, dedication, and perseverance are crucial to running a literary magazine.

Show highlights

• The inspiration behind Isele Magazine and its launch during the pandemic.
• Managing funding and AI-generated submissions.
• Insights into building a magazine team and creating a sustainable literary platform.
• What makes a good submission stand out.
• Key advice for writers on submitting their work and cultivating patience.

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Guest’s links

Visit Isele Mag: https://iselemagazine.com

Follow Ukamaka on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msolisakwe/

Follow Ukamaka on X: https://x.com/msolisakwe?s=21&t=GLRRSdbhoZNPfjfGWHvv4g

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Host’s links

Find out more about the show: https://www.journeyoftheart.com/

Follow Lola on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/journeyoftheartpod/

Sign up for Lola's newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hRzE5z

Book a one-on-one with Lola: https://wordcaps.com/coaching/

In this episode, Jerry Chiemeke and I discuss his work as a movie critic and what he thinks the Nigerian movie industry needs to compete globally. Listen in and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Jerry Chiemeke’s writing has appeared in Die Welt, The I Paper, The Africa Report, Berlinale Press, and elsewhere. He has been selected for several international film festivals including Sundance, Berlinale, Blackstar Film Festival, and Durban International Film Festival.

Show Highlights

• ​Fun questions to get to know Jerry (Find out if he does paced writing or a mad rush to the deadline!)
• ​Jerry's beginnings as a writer
• ​First time critiquing a movie
• ​One thing Jerry wishes people knew about movie critics
• ​Handling criticisms as a critic
• ​Netflix and Nollywood—progress update from 2022
• ​Life as an immigrant creative

Stay connected

Follow Jerry on X, Instagram: @j_chiemeke

Follow the show on Instagram: @journeyoftheartpod

Find out more about Jerry: https://journeyoftheart.com/a-critics-view-on-the-nigerian-movie-industry/

In this episode, I chat with Mubanga Kalimamukwento, attorney, editor, and author of Obligations to the Wounded.

Mubanga shares the cure for writers' block, how she manages being a lawyer and creative writer, and how to write from dreams. We also go into an extensive conversation on Mubanga's forthcoming short story collection, Obligations to the Wounded.

Highlights

• Fun questions to get to know Mubanga (Find out if she prefers writing by hand to typing!)
• Mubanga reflects on the first time she felt pleased with her writing
• Mubanga's journey from litigation to creative writing
• Starting a literary magazine and writing masterclass
• Getting creative ideas
• The cure for writers' block
• Discussions on Obligations to the Wounded
• A word to her younger self

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Guest’s links

Visit Mubanga's website: https://www.mubangakalimamukwento.com/home

Find out about Ubwali Literary Magazine: https://www.ubwali.com/

Find out about Ubwali Masterclass: https://www.ubwali.com/ubwali-masterclass

Follow Mubanga on X: https://x.com/utushimitwandi?s=21&t=GLRRSdbhoZNPfjfGWHvv4g

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Host’s links

Find out more about the show: http://www.wordcaps.com/journey-of-the-art/

Follow Lola on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/journeyoftheartpod/

Sign up for Lola's newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hRzE5z

Book a one-on-one with Lola: https://wordcaps.com/coaching/

From an idea that came on a beach in Cuba to a rejection that came 13 months after querying, to a self-published children’s book, Stephanie C. Watterson is evidence that you can manifest your dreams if you’ll just take a leap!

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Guest’s links

Buy Septopus on Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/septopus-stephanie-c-watterson/1146107608?ean=9781779417176

Visit Stephanie’s website: https://contentauthoring.com

Follow Stephanie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-c-watterson-648a60315/

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Host’s links

Find out more about the show: https://journeyoftheart.com

Follow the show on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/journeyoftheartpod/

Sign up for Lola's newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hRzE5zBook a one-on-one with Lola: https://wordcaps.com/coaching/