Ezekiel Olayemi is a Nigerian writer and poet whose works often explore themes of identity, faith, and the human experience. His poetry is featured on Poetic Side, a platform that showcases diverse voices in contemporary poetry. Ezekiel is currently based in Lagos, Nigeria.

Ezekiel’s story ‘The Church of Synthetic Faith’—in which an AI takes over as the new god—features in THE BARE BONES BOOK OF SPECULATIVE FICTION. The anthology’s editor Tejaswinee Roychowdhuryinterviewed him to find out about his literary influences.

How do you perceive speculative fiction vis-à-vis the world around you?

I see speculative fiction as exactly what it is, stories that reveal what a writer thinks about our world. It is imagination that stretches wide, yet still strikes reality and truth in a way that resonates with readers. For me, speculative fiction speaks deeply about our world, our existence, and our search for reality. It is a way of exploring what the whole process of life is truly about, through worlds that may not be real but still feel true.

Who and/or what are some of your influences while writing speculative fiction?

I am mostly influenced by movies. I develop my imagination by watching outstanding scripts written by talented writers. I do not draw much from books, and only a little from personal experience. I am especially inspired by stories that reveal truths about our world, even when they are presented in ways that entertain people when they should not be. For me, it allows me to step into the beautiful world a writer has created while also discovering deeper truths within it.

Tell us about the creative process behind your story.

My creative process is simple and centered on imagination and deep thinking. I allow myself to fully immerse in my thoughts and follow ideas wherever they lead. Whenever a new inspiration sparks, whether from a movie or a book, I pick up my pen and notebook and begin a first draft. Not every idea develops into a full piece of writing, and I am comfortable with that. I often turn many of them into poems.