Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Dr Lydia Taiwo and based in the UK.
I am 58 years old, married with 6 adult children.
I have written 4 books with three more in production.
I am a published author and campaigner for children’s rights against abuse.
I am a Clinical Scientist and so had no thought of becoming an author.
I was abused as a child right into adulthood by my parents.
I have over 60 injuries and scars all over my body with 8 head injuries, causing me to wear a wig.
I didn’t really understand the gravity of what had happened to me until I met my husband and disclosed to him.
For many years I couldn’t live my life until I forgave my parents.
Part of my therapy was to write my story to get the pain out of my head and body.
The book was published in series.
Unfortunately due to lies told to my siblings, a disclosure was made to the police. This led to a police investigation, because my parents denied the abuse.
The case went to court in 2018 and both parents were convicted of the crime.
The trauma I was put through put me in a very bad dark place.
I then prayed to God to help me to write the last part of my story of abuse, to close the chapter.
While writing I was also going through support and I felt it was important to add the recovery part in the book also, so that the book could help other people.
So glad that it has helped bring healing to people, hence why the book is called: A Broken Childhood: How to Overcome Abuse: A Recovery Guide. Published in 2019.
As part of my recovery from PTSD, my therapy included creative writing and rewriting my story.
During therapy I was introduced to horses, and this really helped me.
I decided to use animals as characters in my books for children.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Lydia Ola Taiwo
A Broken Childhood: How to Overcome Abuse: A Recovery Guide
My inspiration came from my recovery from abuse and PTSD.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. I just have my phone handy to write plots/ records plot plans
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Now that I have started writing children’s fiction, my hero author is Julia Donaldson – one of the best children’s authors.
I like her style of writing and the illustrations
What are you working on now?
I am working on my 3 debut children’s from my safe haven..
The Sloth Crosses The Road
Boris The Honey Badger
Boris The Honey Badger Saves The Day
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Goodreads
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be prepared- a plot can come along while you are in the middle of a situation
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You can make it
What are you reading now?
If I Had a Little Dream by Nina Laden
What’s next for you as a writer?
As part of my creative writing therapy, I have started writing children’s picture books –
The Sloth Crosses The Road
Boris The Honey Badger
Boris The Honey Badger Saves The Day
What is your favorite book of all time?
The Three Little Pigs
Author Websites and Profiles
Lydia Taiwo Amazon Profile
Lydia Taiwo’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile