Semi @semi - YA author.
Debut novel: THIS SEAT IS TAKEN
Main Themes Discussed:
• Writing Young People + Trauma
Semi writes teens and young adults. She says it’s impossible to do that without addressing pain/trauma because that’s what young people are carrying right now.
She touches parental comparison, its effect and supposed effect with goal to break generational trauma. The "hope part" is talking/writing about it so we don’t pass it on.
• Politics in Fiction
For Semi, politics isn’t manifestos or speeches. "Politics is physicality"
it’s the effect it leaves on everyday Nigerians.
(THIS SEAT IS TAKEN) is her student political novel that explores this. I picked up on it immediately from the cover.
• Sex, "Spice" + Morality
Biggest debate in the Q&A.
Semi said “Sex is demonized by church/society”. As a Christian she believes God created it for humans, so writing it doesn’t remove a character’s humanity.
But she also acknowledged balance, sometimes books have "so much spice or smut that it lacks any structure or plot." At the end, it’s about taste and intention.
• Critiquing Culture
Critique gets used against you, especially with culture. But from her point: the real issue is when outsiders don’t understand “why”you’re critiquing in the first place.
Reminder: "Culture is man made."
Overall Vibe:
Honest, faith-rooted, and very intentional. Semi is writing to process real Nigerian youth experiences, trauma, politics, identity, sex; but with the aim of healing and not lecturing.
What is your take home from this Q&A?
Do you agree with her?
Drop your answers let’s discuss 💛