Quick Chat With The Author… is a weekly OkadaBooks series that spotlights indigenous authors, amplifies their voices, and gives character and depth to the brains behind the amazing stories our readers have come to love on the OkadaBooks mobile app. Check back for new episodes Wednesdays at 12 noon.
I was today-year-old when I discovered Sophia Bernard and T.M. David West are one and the same person. Both brainchildren of Theo David-West. My goodness! There are more new things I discovered about this amazing author during the course of our chat; continue reading to find out what those are. It’s another interesting episode.
Hi, briefly tell us about yourself.
Let’s begin with my name. I am Theo David-West, and my pen names are Sophia Bernard and TM David-West. I’m a farmer, an African fiction writer, a shameless romance reader, and I love soap operas and rom-coms.
How did your writing journey begin?
I wrote my first story at 13, and only because I wanted to prove to my sister that I could write novels like the one that had her not paying attention to me. It was just fun.
Of all the genres you could’ve possibly written for, why romance?
I do write other genres under my pen name, TM David-West. But I do more romance because I love the happy-ever-after endings. I love love, and I love that it is the No.1 bestselling genre in the market.
Yeah, I love love, too. Who doesn’t really?
You write under two pseudonyms. That’s not something you see every day. Tell me a little about the significance these two monikers hold for you.
Pseudonyms always intrigued me from a young age. I saw it as having a unique name that’s different from the regular one for which you’re known. This reason is why I chose TM David-West when I published my first work.
Now, choosing Sophia Bernard is for two reasons. One is personal and because no one knows the future, you need a name that’s totally yours. The second reason is that I wanted TM David-West to focus more on Romantic Suspense, Inspirational Romance, and other genres of fiction. At the same time, I still loved simple Contemporary Romance stories, so the only solution seemed to be another pen name and I went with it.
How do the stories you publish under both pseudonyms differ from one another?
I believe I’ve answered this question a bit above. Since 2018 when I released my first book under Sophia Bernard, the only Romance novel TM David-West published is Just Deserts, a Romance Mystery novel.
Reiterating my previous response, TM David-West focuses on Romantic Suspense novels, Inspirational Romance novels, and stories from other genres of fiction, while Sophia Bernard is Contemporary Romance that comes in trilogies and series.
I’d like to think there are a set of people who read your works but don’t know that both Sophia Bernard and T.M David-West are the brainchildren of the same person. Is this an intentional thing you do, separating your audience? If so, do you have plans to reconcile both audiences in the future?
I was public about publishing under another pen name from the onset. And at the back of every book I publish, I have my author’s bio which clearly states that I’m Theo David-West, the author behind the pen names, TM David-West and Sophia Bernard.
So, there’s no mystery really. Lol.
And if I have a third pen name, which I’m considering (insane, I know), I’ll make it public. It’s not about separating my audience, it’s more about defining what to expect from this author’s name from now onwards. Plus, I love it.
In your opinion, what’s the recipe for an irresistible (love) story?
An unforgettable hero. When I’m writing romance, I’m more focused on my hero. I’m thinking about how he’s going to win the heart of my leading lady and the readers, who are mostly women. Another thing I focus on is telling a believable story and writing believable characters.
Check out all books by Sophia Bernard HERE.
Check out all books by T.M David-West HERE.
Apart from writing, what else do you do for a living?
I’m a farmer, with a poultry farm. I also design book covers.
How did you get into farming, and how has it been juggling it with writing?
It’s all about sticking to a schedule. It’s tough as the farm demands a lot of attention and work; however, I love writing and try to work with a timetable.
Is there any other passion you think you’d be pursuing if you weren’t a writer or a farmer?
Yes. Sit in front of my TV and do nothing but watch gooey movies and soaps.
What kind of connection would you say you have with your characters?
It’s a struggle over who stays behind the wheel. I should let them drive, but there are moments I feel like I know the destination better. I’ve had characters who were not willing to give up their power, though.
Do you have a favourite character you’ve created?
Well, now, let’s see. I just love Saz from A Slice of Heaven. I loved his name, loved his eyes on the prize attitude, his generosity and his determination to get his woman.
What’s the one genre you don’t see yourself ever writing?
Horror. I’m terrified just thinking about it. Plus, I’m not sure I can write an authentic scary story.
What’s an important lesson writing has taught you that has helped you in other parts of your life?
If I don’t plan and stick with the plan, I get nothing done.
You’re known for your affinity for publishing trilogies. What spurred your interest in telling your stories in this format?
I like the continuity. You bring in these people and there’s this connection they share and each one, or each pair, has their unique love story. It just doesn’t end with one, that’s the catch.
Who are some of your biggest writing influences? Give them a shout-out.
My biggest influence is Nora Roberts. She’s my queen of Romance. And there’s Kiru Taye, I simply love her. And after my discovery last year, I’m intrigued by Empi Baryeh‘s writing style.
What’s a popular misconception against female romance writers you’d like to see change?
Well, I don’t know if there are misconceptions. However, I hope that in this day and age there are no more people who still believe that because you write romance, you’re some sort of loose woman. I hope not.
Check out all books by Sophia Bernard HERE.
Check out all books by T.M David-West HERE.
What’s your idea of a proper relaxation time?
Romance novel. Absolute silence.
What are some of your interesting hobbies that might surprise your readers?
Imagining I’m anywhere except where I am. It’s a favourite habit of mine and I can’t get enough of it.
If you had the opportunity to adapt any one of your books into a movie or TV series, which would it be? Why this pick?
Pretend Engagement. I loved the small-town scene. A hairstylist, a business owner, and an overbearing, disgruntled ex. Simple folks, lots of drama.
On average, how many books do you publish yearly?
These days I’m lucky if I manage three.
What are you currently reading? Tell us a little about it.
Oh, boy! I’m reading M-M Romance right now. Lots of it. It’s the mood. I just discovered A. E. Via, and I’m liking her style. It’s all about boy meets boy, they beat the odds, and here’s happy ever after.
What’s a popular book you’ve never read? Do you plan to fix this anytime soon?
I’ve not read the House of Saene series by Love Africa Press. I won’t rest until I do.
Do you think the reading culture of the average Nigerian has improved or worsened today compared to, say, five years ago?
I think Nigerians are reading and they love reading. It’s all about getting them the right books. There’s definitely an improvement. More writers pop up every day and more sales, it’s a sure sign people are reading.
Check out all books by Sophia Bernard HERE.
Check out all books by T.M David-West HERE.
What’s one thing you would love to see about your works 5 years from now?
Print. I would love to see my books in print.
What are your thoughts on self-publishing? How do you think OkadaBooks has influenced this space?
Self-publishing gives you the chance you couldn’t get otherwise. You take your destiny in your hands and fly with it, or you walk at a steady pace until you get to where you’re going. For OkadaBooks, she gives us that chance we’re seeking, that space we need, that spot to say, hey, I’m here, see me, read me, pay me.
What’s a piece of advice you have for aspiring writers?
Read until you find yourself as a writer. Then write and write, and keep writing, doing better every day, because as I once heard, a writer writes always. But… they best be good stories, that’s what I’ve learned.
Check out all books by Sophia Bernard on the OkadaBooks mobile app HERE.
Read previous QCWTA episodes HERE.
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