Tunmise Ojo Martins, more known as T.J Martins wrote eight full-length novels in three years. His secret? There’s nothing he loves more than writing. For the release of his tenth novel, 49th talks to T.J about writing, why he chose the name T.J and how he manages writing with school.
Zia: Hi. How are you this fine afternoon?
T.J Martins: Hullo. A bit tired, but that’s my jam these days, anyway. I have another meeting in a bit. Executive demands and alladat.
Zia: First off, why T.J Martins?
T.J Martins: T.J. Martins is just a pen name, honestly. A lot of people like to speculate what the J means because my first name starts with a T and Martins is one-half of my surname, but it’s honestly not that deep. The J doesn’t really stand for anything and the T doesn’t even stand for Tunmise either. T.J. Martins is just T.J. Martins because it sounds like greatness, greatness I’m tryna live up to. Yeah, it was inspired by my name but it is a pen name/pseudonym. Nothing more.
Zia: Who is T.J Martins?
T.J Martins: This is a simple question that should demand a simple answer, yeah, yet I can’t help but rack my brain a bit. Essentially, T.J. Martins is a novelist with a bibliography of 10 novels, 3 poetry anthologies and several short stories. All my works have roots loosely affiliated with different genres but are all unified under one identity umbrella of Relationships. Basically, I write stories on the complexities of human relationships, the dynamics that arise in their interactions and the vices. A lot of my stories have focused on romantic relationships, but they aren’t innately romance stories—because they take a wholesome approach to relationships at large, that went beyond the romance. And when it does address the romance, it focuses more on the gruelling aspects and the realism, than the butterflies and the peachiness. But before all of that, before being a novelist, I’m also an art and literary connoisseur.
I love music, a lot and I’m an enthusiast who studies the industry and the art as a whole. I also write songs. The same applies to cinema and also the literary industry. I’m also a Marvel fanboy, who is a big fan of the comics and the MCU. So there’s that.
Zia: Relationship is a very broad term. So that means your work spans genres?
T.J Martins: Yeah, it does. In the first phase of my writing, romantic relationship stories took centre stage. Currently, I’m drifting more towards thriller/mystery stories with my new novel, although romance is still on the back burner. In essence, relationship isn’t exactly a genre. It’s more like an identity to label these stories and their orientation. Whether it’s a love story that’s the crux or a murder mystery or a gripping horror, it is a relationship story—as long as the characters and the relationships they have amongst themselves are the bedrock of the story and what makes it tick.
Zia: Interesting interesting. So you use the words relationship a lot, but I get the feeling you’re talking about it in an observatory tone. Is that true?
T.J Martins: Definitely. These stories explore the tenets and rudiments of human relationships. They take a critical, analytical look at it—although not to the detriment of entertainment. Because, I mean, entertainment is still the paramount thing.
In many ways, it’s not really genre fiction. Because genre fiction is commercial fiction driven by plot. While literary fiction is driven by characters and isn’t really defined in its direction. It’s just very entertaining literary fiction, or you can say it’s the perfect mix. Sometimes, I can’t decide which direction it leans more towards. So let’s leave it at that.
Zia: 😂 I like the way you explain the themes. So let’s talk about your writing career a bit. For context, how old are you?
T.J Martins: I’m 22, but I feel 62.
Zia: Don’t we all? Just 22? And you’ve written 10 full novels? What?
T.J Martins: Lol yeah, na so we see am. Actually, after I graduated high school in ’16 was when I started writing, and it took a long while before I got into college. So I was able to make the most of those couple of years and write a lot. From ’16-19, I wrote 8 novels. And after that, I added 2 more. So that’s how I’m here today. But of course, that’s not to take anything away from my ardent dedication. I’m the most hardworking writer I know. I’ve written non-stop for days straight and completed novels in weeks.
Zia: 8 novels in three years, what’s your secret, please?
T.J Martins: It’s simple, I love writing more than anything in the world. So I’m very passionate about it and it’s easier to work hard at it, compared to anything else. It’s commitment really and blind devotion and the grace of God also.
Zia: Damn. I need to work on myself. You churn out so much in so little time, have you considered that this may affect the quality of your work?
T.J Martins: I have, actually. This is why it’s important to note that I’m talking about the time I used to write the novel here. I spend way more time planning. For instance, my new novel of 113k words, I wrote in fifteen days, but prior to that, I spent almost an entire year—planning and honing every single detail along the line. So I’m a perfectionist and I hold myself to higher standards than anyone else.
Quality is very, very important to me. It’s why to this day, I’m still hoarding 2 of my books, because although at the time I wrote them they were good, compared to my recent works—it pales in comparison, and it’s just weird to put them out.
I also have a quotient and a personal critique aggregate score, that I developed to ensure the execution is always stellar. So yeah, there is a lot in place to ensure the books come out brilliant. And I might not be the most popular author around, but the people who have read my books can definitely attest to the quality.
Zia: Damn straight. Every great writer is also a reader, what are some of your favourite genres to read?
T.J Martins: I read almost every genre, honestly, asides maybe horror. But I gravitate more towards genres that focus more on relationships like romance, thriller, fantasy and adventure.
Zia: Ou very interesting. So as you’ve written so much, are you still independent?
T.J Martins: Yeah, I guess. I’m not traditionally published, so yep.
Zia: Why not?
T.J Martins: I’m working as hard as I can to change that. Some things I want haven’t fallen into place yet. And the offers I’ve gotten aren’t up to the standard of what I want.
Zia: Never settle 🙏 As a writer, are you heavily involved in the African literary space? Consuming works, discussing with authors.
T.J Martins: Yes, definitely. Growing up, I was influenced more by western authors. The likes of Nora Roberts, Karie Anie Moning and Lisa Kleypas—and till this day, I still gravitate more towards western books. But along the years of writing, I’ve met quite a number of amazing African writers who have become friends of mine and we’ve gone on to forge meaningful friendships, of course, I do love their works and we support each other.
Zia: Bouncing off of that, what do you think about the consumption of books as a form of entertainment in the continent?
T.J Martins: It’s not the best really, as in novel culture in this part of the world, but it’s definitely getting better. At least, it’s not as bad as most people make it out to be. It’s just that this generation and the last were raised on books that weren’t resonant and relatable with them. And so that sort off alienated them and gave them the wrong perception of books being uptight and not being entertaining enough.
This new generation, we need to do better and incorporate stories that they actually want to read—into the curriculum at a grassroots level. Enough of the incessant sufferhead, historical fiction stories that basically no one can relate to—we need an influx of urban, Gen z stories set in the western-influenced African atmosphere. Because like it or not, that’s our reality now.
Zia: Oh yes, this. Speaking of books, there’s a trend of African books that are really popular with western publishers. It’s either trauma porn or overly spiritual to the point of fetishism. What do you have to say about that?
T.J Martins: Basically, Pan-Africanism is at play here. I’m not going to downplay the significance of some of these stories, because like it or not, it is the harsh reality of some Africans and these stories need to be told. However, the problem arises when no one wants more than that from us. We’re a lot more than these struggles and strife that we’ve been labelled with. A lot of us live in cities, in urban settings and haven’t experienced some of these vices. A lot of us lead everyday, modern lives albeit with our unique struggles in this part of the world. Those stories are also important and need to be told.
There are fascinating love stories, intriguing mysteries, enthralling adventure stories and mystifying fantasy worlds to explore. It’s not right to be boxed into one stereotype, you know.
Zia: Very very true. You said that the reading culture is improving, what do you think is the cause of this improvement?
T.J Martins: Honestly, I don’t know. Could be a result of various factors. Movie adaptations are one thing. When people love a movie and find out it’s based on a novel, they’re more inclined to check it out. Another thing is more relatable stories. Young adults are finally finding stories that hearken to their struggles and not that of their forefathers.
Another reason might be that literature just has better PR, these days. Better promo campaigns, more sophisticated artsy covers etcetera.
Zia: It looks more like a combo than one singular thing. Got it. Who are your favourite African authors?
T.J Martins: Like I said earlier on, up until I met colleagues that wrote African stories, I never fancied them much. So I’m sorry I won’t be mentioning any household names.
This is no detraction to them, of course. They are great writers. I as an artist and a reader simply don’t connect with them. However, names like Benjamin Paul, Chiziterem Chijioke, Clinton Durueke, Lilian Nwagbara and a host of others—are amongst the few talented, on-the-rise authors I’ve met over the years and enjoyed their works.
Zia: Singing Tendrils is your tenth novel, yes?
T.J Martins: Yes, it is. Technically my 11th, because I rewrote my first novel after my 2nd. But for proper sequential sake, yep.
Zia: God when. That’s quite a milestone, was there any pressure writing it?
T.J Martins: There was external pressure because there was a general consensus in my audience that my 9th novel was my best project yet. So in my head, I knew that I had to do something really phenomenal.
And then the personal pressure I put on myself, to ensure I write a better project than the last one. I write every book like it’s my last, write myself into difficult corners, and take the execution to even more tasking heights. All of that.
Zia: Wod wod. Without giving spoilers, is there anything spectacular about Singing Tendrils that separates it from your previous work?
T.J Martins: Yes, I mentioned this earlier. It’s my first work that’s geared more towards the thriller/mystery theme than romance. Although romance is still on the backburner. I wouldn’t call it a classic whodunit or mystery though. A pop-culture thriller is an ideal term to use to describe it.
It’s the story that ensues when the dissimilar worlds of a pop star and an aspiring novelist—collide. The drama that ensues, the conflicts that arise, the malice that brews in the orchestration of agendas. It’s a lot honestly but in a good way.
Zia: Wow I shall be buying and reading.
T.J Martins: I mean, it’s available for free reading. The aim right now is still to build a larger fanbase, so I’m not selling it.
Zia: Uh, after Singing Tendrils, what next for TJ Martins?
T.J Martins: A lot, honestly. I already know the next 3 books I’d be working on. Singing Tendrils is the first book in the Serenade EP franchise, which consists of 5 books. A trilogy and 2 spin-offs. Asides from that, I’d be also rewriting some of my old stuff—to bring it up to the quality of my new works.
Zia: Sounds like you’d be busy, how do you combine writing with school?
T.J Martins: It is honestly still a work in progress because school is a biggie.
I’m a medical student studying Physiotherapy, so I have perhaps the most strenuous schedule you can think of. But I struggle to make things work because once again, there is nothing in this world I love more than writing.
How I cope is, that I plan the novel while in school. I can still brace the planning aspect alongside the numerous activities of the school, then during the short holiday breaks, I do my best to write the novel itself. It’s the best I can do for now.
Zia: Rooting for the TJ Martins brand. How do you hope to inspire the African literary space?
T.J Martins: Thank you, very much. I like to think the whole relationship movement is revolutionary. I’m not going to say I started it, but I feel like I’m the first person that is compelled to label it so it can be properly identified for what it truly is.
So of course, through these stories—hopefully, there is a seismic impact on how African writers believe they can attack certain stories. We can write beautiful stories about our culture, heritage, relationships, city life and pop culture. We don’t need to be stuck in a vacuum on how African stories should feel. What they should read like. There is this perception that African writers should write with a minimal style and not be too immersive or descriptive.
It’s basically about breaking out of the box and being true to your artistic self. Write whatever way you want to write and love to write. What makes your story African is simply the fact that your characters are African. It’s as simple as that.
Zia: Word to an aspiring author?
T.J Martins: Work hard and be unique. As a writer, there is always that unique distinguishing style to your writing that would separate you from everyone else. It could be a tenet of literature. Maybe it’s the way you write dialogue or the way you describe. Or it’s the themes you treat in your books. Find stories that would help your artistic voice shine and amplify it, and then write those stories. This is art, there is no such thing as a clear-cut, defined best. exceptional works are works that say something different and are incredibly good at saying something different.
Zia: Word to your fans?
T.J Martins: I’m working on a lot, for now, and for the future. So be patient. Once I’m out of school and get a good enough contract, it’s a non-stop party honestly.
