ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Hi, I’m Wayne Kelly, a writer, podcast host and coach. I love to help writers develop their skills and get their books and stories out into the world.
This week I’m joined by Nigerian author Foluso Agbaje, whose latest novel, The Talk of the Party, is a gripping family drama and thriller set against the backdrop of an extravagant Lagos birthday celebration where long-buried secrets begin to unravel.
We talk about writing across cultures, the pressure of social expectations within Nigerian society, and how reading contemporary African fiction helped Foluso realise there was space for stories that reflected her own experiences and identity. We also discuss creativity, balancing writing with family life, learning the craft through the Faber Academy, and why there’s no single ‘correct’ writing process.
As always, there’s plenty here for writers at every stage of the journey.
About Foluso Agbaje
Foluso Agbaje is a Nigerian writer whose novels explore family, identity, class, secrets and social expectations within contemporary Nigerian society. Her debut novel, *The Parlour Wife*, introduced readers to her emotionally rich and character-driven storytelling, while her latest novel, The Talk of the Party, blends family drama and suspense against the vibrant backdrop of Lagos high society. Foluso currently lives in Dubai with her family.
Episode Highlights
• The inspiration behind The Talk of the Party and why Lagos high society became the perfect setting for hidden secrets and family drama.
• How Foluso’s early reading shaped her identity as a writer and the importance of seeing contemporary African stories in publishing.
• The realities of learning the craft through the Faber Academy and online writing resources.
• Why there’s no single writing process and how each book demands something different.
• Creativity, morning pages, artist dates, and finding time to write around family life.
• The differences between working in corporate life and navigating the publishing industry.
The Book That Saved Your Life
Foluso chose Everything Good Will Come by Sefi Atta. Reading a contemporary Nigerian novel for the first time helped her realise that stories rooted in her own culture and experiences could connect with readers around the world.
Find Out More
You can find Foluso Agbaje online across Instagram and other social platforms by searching her name. Her latest novel, The Talk of the Party, is available now.
Links and Extras
If you enjoyed this episode, check out my book Real Writers Never Quit: What Hundreds of Authors Reveal About Not Giving Up, available now.
You can also find my self-publishing packages, mentoring and writing resources at:
wkwproductions.co.uk/selfpublishing
Follow me on Instagram:
@MrKelly2u
