BIO
Tina Abena Oforiwa is a writer based in London. Born in Ghana, she moved to the UK in 1995 and has been crafting stories ever since.
She writes fiction for both children and adults, as well as poetry. Under a pseudonym, she also runs a blog that explores themes of marriage, intimacy, and relationships.
Tina’s writing often centers on the journeys of young Black women, exploring themes of self-discovery, pleasure, and personal freedom.
She is the author of Twenty Four, a poetry collection; Wildflower, her debut novel; and We Are All Here, a collection of short stories for children. She is currently working on her second novel.
Get to Know Me
Birth: April 1988
Education: BA in English, Queen Mary University / PGCE
Origin of Name: “Abena Oforiwa” is of Ghanaian origin. “Abena” means "born on Tuesday," and “Oforiwa” translates to "light of knowledge" or "flower beauty."
What are some of your favourite books? Shanghai Baby by Wei Hui, South of the Border, West of the Sun by Haruki Murakami, Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and everything by James Baldwin.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing? Spending time with my son and hanging out with my best friend.
What was the first thing you ever wrote? A poem published in a Brent magazine when I was eight. I was invited to perform it at Brent Town Hall in the summer of 1996.
What inspired you to become a writer? Writing provided an escape from the mundane and repetitive nature of life, especially during my childhood.
Do you have a favourite quote or mantra that guides your writing?"If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it." – Toni Morrison
