Young Nigerian-US author shares with Cynthia Alo, insights into his writing journey, his debut novel, ‘Guardian of the Locket’, and his hopes for the future of Nigeria’s reading culture.

Who is Tobenna Uruakpa?

I am a 24-year-old accountant. I grew up in Nigeria and attended Day Waterman College in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Afterward, I traveled to the U.S., where I studied finance and accounting at the University of Maryland. I then completed my master’s in accounting and have been working in the U.S. as an accountant ever since.

How did your journey as an author begin?

From a young age, I had a creative mind. As an only child for 10 years, I often resorted to using my imagination for entertainment. I started writing short stories as a child, but it wasn’t until my late teens that I cultivated my talent and turned it into a passion. This is my first published book, released in May 2024.

Tell us about your debut novel, ‘Guardian of the Locket’.

‘Guardian of the Locket’ is a medieval fantasy novel that follows Zachary Belmont, an 18-year-old American who discovers he is the next king of a mystical kingdom called Aurenia. This hidden kingdom is governed by a magical locket that determines its ruler. Zach learns that his father was the previous king, but he was assassinated by his own chief minister, Adil, who is now leading a rebellion. Zach embarks on a journey to Aurenia to reclaim his rightful throne and restore peace.

The novel is 388 pages long with 20 chapters,an average-sized fantasy novel.

What inspired you to write the book?

I first got the idea in 2017 during my first year of college. I took a fiction writing class where our main project was to write a short story. The first chapter of this book came from that assignment, though I didn’t realize it at the time. I drew inspiration from shows like Game of Thrones and Avatar: The Last Airbender. After finishing the assignment, I knew I wanted to develop it into a full novel.

How would you compare the creative industry abroad to Nigeria?

The U.S. encourages free thought and self-expression in various creative fields, such as music, writing, and art. The presence of fiction writing classes and other creative platforms has been beneficial to me. A lot  of people may have the interest of becoming a writer or artist but if those talents and that interest is not nurtured early on, it can be lost.  We  need to create platforms where children, young adults, teenagers are able to express themselves creatively and do great things with their talents.

 How can Nigeria improve its reading culture?

We need to encourage children, teenagers, and young adults to develop their interest in reading and writing. Growing up in Nigeria,especially among my generation, it wasn’t considered ‘cool’ to be into reading or writing, which discouraged many young talents. Once that stereotype exists, it becomes hard for those interested in reading and writing to express themselves.  Schools need to establish book clubs and writing clubs, making it mainstream for students to engage in reading and storytelling. So young people who are interested in writing can feed off of each other, get ideas, learn the process of the writing process from a young age so that once they get a bit older, they can actually start putting all that knowledge into use. We have to ensure that the talents of our children are cultivated properly and they feel confident to express that talent to the rest of the world.

What book formats or initiatives can enhance Nigeria’s reading culture?

Nigeria needs to embrace different book formats, such as e-books and audiobooks, which are becoming more popular abroad. Not everyone wants to carry around a physical book; some may prefer listening to an audiobook while commuting or working out. Increasing awareness about these formats could encourage more reading.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

The most important advice is to write consistently. Having a great idea is one thing, but putting it on paper is another. Many aspiring authors hesitate because writing an entire book seems daunting. My advice is to start writing, no matter how inexperienced you feel. Discipline and consistency are key.

What is the key takeaway from your book?

One of the core messages of the book is that violence leads to undesirable outcomes. Another major theme is responsibility, stepping up even when you don’t feel ready. Zach, the protagonist, never expected to be king, but he accepted his role and fought to restore his family’s legacy. I hope readers find inspiration in that.

What research did you conduct for the book?

Since Aurenia is a medieval kingdom, I researched historical events, battles, clothing, food, and government structures of that era. This helped me build a realistic world and accurately depict battle strategies and medieval lifestyles.

How do you stay motivated, and which authors have influenced your style?

I stay motivated by setting writing goals. Writing an entire book seemed overwhelming at first, but I disciplined myself to write at least two pages daily and finish a chapter each week. I completed Guardian of the Locket in five months.

As for influences, George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones inspired my world-building, while Laura Sebastian’s fantasy novels helped refine my storytelling and dialogue structure.

What was the most challenging part of writing?

Descriptions. Even though I have a vivid imagination, I sometimes struggle with detailed descriptions. Writing about castles, cities, and landscapes was particularly challenging, but I pushed myself to improve in this area.

How will the book be made available worldwide?

The book is currently available for purchase on Amazon in both e-book and paperback formats. I am also leveraging social media and print media to expand its reach.

Are there any upcoming projects?

Yes, ‘Guardian of the Locket’ is the first book in a planned trilogy. I have already written the second and third books. The sequel will be released in early to mid-2025, and the final installment will follow in late 2025 or early 2026. Additionally, I am planning a prequel series set 30 years after the events of this trilogy.

What are your hopes for how the book will be received?

I hope readers simply enjoy the story. If someone finds the characters engaging, gets excited by a plot twist, or feels emotionally connected to a scene, that would mean the world to me. My goal is to impact readers and provide an entertaining and meaningful experience.

How do you balance writing with other responsibilities?

Balancing writing with my full-time accounting job is challenging, but I use my time wisely. I dedicate my free time to writing and stay disciplined. Thanks to this, I finished my first book in five months, the second in three months, and the third in a similar timeframe. It’s all about dedication and time management.