How studying law has helped my writing career — Olayiwola

There is a quietness about Deborah Olayiwola that easily invites curiosity. She is reserved, almost self-effacing, the kind of young woman who would rather listen than compete for attention. She speaks with measured calm, never in a hurry to impress. Yet beneath that gentle disposition lies a woman of uncommon steel—focused, disciplined, and unwavering in her convictions. She knows where she is going, and every decision she makes seems to move her one step closer to that destination.

That determination found one of its finest expressions in “Adebisi’s Tales”, her 2024 collection of three interconnected stories that herald the arrival of a fresh, thoughtful, and deeply compassionate voice in contemporary Nigerian fiction. At a time when many young writers are chasing trends, Deborah chose instead to tell stories of women finding their voices amid pain, loss, abuse, grief, and the quiet search for identity. Though fictional, the stories are emotionally authentic, drawing their power from the everyday realities of Nigerian women and from the author’s abiding Christian faith.

She describes the book, published by Abbi Books, as contemporary inspirational fiction, but it is far more than that. It is a profound meditation on resilience, healing, and the enduring power of hope. Through the intertwined lives of Ini, Adebisi, and Yomi, Deborah explores the emotional terrain of coming of age, mental health, suicide, sexual objectification, family relationships, and spiritual renewal with remarkable sensitivity and insight.

Yet, rather than lingering in despair, the stories gently lead readers towards hope, redemption, and restoration. Little wonder, then, that Deborah regards “Adebisi’s Tales” not simply as a work of fiction, but as a ministry of encouragement—a book written to inspire, comfort, and heal.

Remarkably, Deborah’s publishing journey has been smoother than that of many young Nigerian writers. She credits much of that to her publisher, Ms. Adenike Osadolor, whose confidence in her work made the transition from manuscript to printed book a rewarding experience.

“The journey to publishing Adebisi’s Tales was a memorable one. Although it was my second book, every publishing experience comes with its own lessons and excitement. I was blessed to have the support of my “OG” publisher, Ms. Adenike Osadolor, a woman who has always believed in me and my writing. Her encouragement and confidence in my work have been invaluable throughout my journey as an author, and I remain deeply grateful for her support,” Deborah enthused.

“Adebisi’s Tales was published in 2024 and seeing it in print was a deeply fulfilling experience. Although it was my second publication, it felt just as special because of the message the book carries. My greatest joy has been knowing that these stories are reaching readers and, hopefully, encouraging them to find hope, healing, and purpose through the characters’ lives,” Deborah noted.

What then inspired her to write the book? “The first and greatest inspiration behind Adebisi’s Tales was God. I believe He gave me the vision for the book and guided me throughout the writing process,” she said.

“The stories were not simply products of my imagination; they were born out of what I believe God wanted me to communicate. My desire was to faithfully tell those stories in a way that would bring hope, healing, and point readers back to Him.

“Secondly, I saw the book as an opportunity to give a voice to the women around me. Over the years, many women had shared their personal experiences with me – stories of pain, abuse, grief, disappointment, societal pressure, and resilience. While the characters in the book are fictional, they are inspired by the realities that so many women live through every day. I wanted those experiences to be acknowledged and validated.

“More importantly, I wanted women who read the book to know that they are seen, heard, and not alone. If even one reader finds the courage to speak up, seek help, embrace healing, or rediscover her purpose because of these stories, then I believe the book has accomplished what it was meant to do,” Deborah averred.

The remarkable thing about the book is that it was written by someone whose professional life is far removed from literary cafés and creative writing retreats. Deborah studied Law at the University of Ibadan, one of Nigeria’s most demanding academic environments, and is currently doing her National Youth Service at the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja, where she is gaining practical experience in regional law, justice, and international trade. For many, law and literature occupy different worlds. For Deborah, they have always shared the same address.

“Studying Law at the University of Ibadan was one of the most formative periods of my life. It was an experience that challenged me intellectually and helped shape the way I think, analyse issues, and approach problems. The academic environment was rigorous, and it taught me the value of discipline, consistency, and hard work.

“People often see law and writing as two completely different paths,” she said in an interview with this reporter. “But for me, they have always gone hand in hand.”

Reading law, she explained, has not diminished her creativity; it has strengthened it. Law taught her discipline, precision, and clarity of expression. And as she earlier said, It trained her to critically, construct persuasive arguments, and communicate accurately. Creative writing, on the other hand, gives her the freedom to explore emotions, relationships, and the deeper questions of human existence. She believes law sharpens her mind, while writing nourishes her soul. That balance has defined her life for as long as she can remember.

“Writing brings me a kind of fulfilment that nothing else can. It is more than a hobby or a profession—it is a part of who I am. Even if I had chosen a completely different career, I believe I would still have found my way back to writing.

“Studying law did not make me abandon writing; if anything, it strengthened it. Law is, in many ways, a discipline of writing. It involves drafting legal essays, constructing persuasive arguments, interpreting language, and presenting ideas with clarity and precision. Those skills naturally complement creative writing, even though the two require very different styles.

“At the same time, creative writing allows me to explore emotions, relationships, and the human experience in ways that legal writing cannot. Law teaches me to be analytical and objective, while writing gives me the freedom to be imaginative and expressive. I enjoy having both because they balance each other. One sharpens my mind, and the other nourishes my soul,” Deborah maintained.

Long before legal textbooks and courtroom principles became part of her daily vocabulary, she had already fallen in love with words—although, as she amusingly recalls, it was beautiful handwriting that first captured her imagination. As a child, she was fascinated by elegant notebooks, carefully shaped letters, and attractive stationery, many of which were bought by her mother. Before long, those empty pages began filling themselves with stories.