From the desk

Blog

Notes on writing, publishing, and the road to Oru.

News6 February 2026 · 3 min read

Awards Season and Firstborn of the Sun Nominations

It’s awards season, and Firstborn of the Sun is up for nomination — here’s how you can vote, starting with the BSFA Awards longlist.

Craft8 August 2025 · 4 min read

I’ve always wanted to say this, because we all know you’ll do it anyway. A book’s cover is your first introduction to the world within.

Interview10 May 2024 · 5 min read

Author of the Mother of Pearl fantasy series — I’m so excited to introduce you to my friend and critique partner, Blanka H. Madow.

Excerpt29 April 2024 · 11 min read

Everyone in Oru is born with agbára — the ability to draw magic from the sun. Everyone, that is, except Lọ́rẹ.

Writer’s corner13 April 2024 · 7 min read

A follow-up to my How I Got My Agent post — the submission process, the waiting, and the call that changed everything.

Writer’s corner27 March 2024 · 3 min read

Rejections are never easy. And worse, they never stop coming. For every yes, there are a multitude of no’s.

Writer’s corner21 March 2024 · 2 min read

The exact query letter that got Firstborn of the Sun out of the slush pile — broken down line by line.

News21 March 2024 · 2 min read

Penguin Michael Joseph has snared the epic fantasy trilogy Firstborn of the Sun in a three-book deal.

Writer’s corner5 February 2024 · 11 min read

23 days querying. 50 queries sent. 15 full requests. Here’s exactly how it went.