Tolulope Popoola

There is more courage in finishing imperfect work instead of endlessly polishing unwritten dreams.

The life of a writer - finding time in-between school runs, office meetings and an endless to-do list. I have learnt to transition between them (especially work mode), but my writer’s brain never truly switches off.

The real magic happens in the "in-between" spaces. I’ve become an expert at finding creative pockets where I can. It might be scribbling a plot twist on my phone during a cramped Jubilee Line commute, or typing out a few paragraphs of flash fiction over a quick lunch break.

By the time I finally sit down with my laptop and my mug of green tea in the evening, those precious minutes feel like a total win. It’s not always glamorous, and it’s definitely not easy, but it’s how the stories get told. Balancing a career and parenting and a writing gig on the side means being a bit of a literary ninja! 🥷✨

I'm sure many other working mums can relate! How do you find your ‘creative pocket’ during a busy day? Whether it’s writing, reading, or just a moment of peace, I’d love to hear how you make it happen!

New article📜 - 7 Mistakes you’re making with a blank page (and how to fix them)

Hello writer! Are you staring at a blank page right now? You've got the coffee. You've got the laptop. You've got the dream of writing a book. But somehow... the cursor keeps blinking and nothing happens. 😩

Most writers don't get stuck because they lack talent. They get stuck because they're making one (or more) of these 7 common mistakes:

❌ Editing while drafting
❌ Waiting for inspiration
❌ Chasing the perfect first sentence
❌ Comparing a rough draft to a published novel
❌ Constantly rewriting instead of moving forward

In my latest article, I break down the biggest blank-page mistakes writers make and exactly how to overcome them.

Finishing a book isn't about being a genius. It's about showing up, writing imperfectly, and refusing to quit. If you've been stuck in the start-stop cycle, this article might be exactly what you need.

Read the full article on our blog 💻: https://accomplishpress.com/7-mistakes-youre-making-with-a-blank-page-and-how-to-fix-them/

7 Mistakes you’re making with a blank page (and how to fix them) - Accomplish Press This article tackles one of the biggest challenges writers face: the dreaded blank page. The fear of the blank page is often caused not by a lack of ideas, but by habits and mindsets that sabotage progress before the writing even begins. The article identifies seven common mistakes writers make. For...

Hello parent! Is your child a bookworm? Don't let their summer reading stop at turning pages!

This summer, help your child step inside the stories they love. Instead of simply reading books, they could:
🔶Create a book trailer
🔶Rewrite a story ending
🔶Design a character scrapbook
🔶Build fantasy worlds and maps
🔶Start a Bookstagram or book review blog
🔶Turn their favourite novels into movie projects

These fun activities help children develop creative writing skills, critical thinking, storytelling confidence, and a deeper love of books.

If your child loves reading, they may already be taking the first steps towards becoming a writer. And summer is the perfect time to nurture that creativity.

Read the full article and discover how to make this summer creative, educational, and unforgettable.

Click here to read (link in bio): https://accomplishpress.com/creative-indoor-activities-for-book-loving-kids/

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Creative indoor activities for book-loving kids - Accomplish Press This article gives parents practical and creative ways to keep book-loving kids engaged during the summer holidays. Rather than simply reading books, children are encouraged to interact with stories through activities such as creating book trailers, designing character scrapbooks, rewriting endings,...

Hello parent! You've recently realised that your child loves writing. Maybe they're always filling notebooks with stories, maybe they're creating entire fantasy worlds, maybe they are writing poems, or they're constantly talking about characters who seem very real to them.

If you've spotted a genuine passion for writing in your child, this is a wonderful opportunity; but many parents aren't sure what to do next.

In my latest article, I share practical ways to nurture a young writer's talent and what to do if you need professional support.

You'll learn:
🔸How to encourage creativity without pressure.
🔸Why reading is essential for young writers.
🔸The biggest mistake parents make when giving feedback.
🔸How to build your child's confidence as a young author.
🔸When to consider getting a writing coach or a creative writing club.

A young writer needs is someone who believes their stories matter. Your encouragement today could be the reason they become a confident writer tomorrow.

Read the full article here (link in bio) - https://accomplishpress.com/my-child-loves-writing-what-should-i-do-next/

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My child loves writing: what should I do next? - Accomplish Press This article is a practical guide for parents who have realised that their child has a genuine love of writing. It explains that once a child begins filling notebooks with stories, poems, or even their own comics, the next step is to nurture that passion without turning it into pressure. Parents sho...

Do you want to write a non-fiction book about your life but not sure where to start? One of the biggest questions I hear from professional women is: "Should I write a memoir or a business book?"

If you've built a successful career, overcome significant challenges, or learned lessons that could help others, your story deserves to be told. The challenge is choosing the right format.

✨ A memoir shares your personal journey.
✨ A business book teaches your expertise.
✨ A business memoir combines both to create impact, authority, and connection.

In this article, I break down the differences, help you identify which format fits your goals, and share practical questions to help you stop overthinking and start writing.

The world doesn't need another unwritten book sitting in your head. It needs your voice, your experiences, and your wisdom.

Read the full article and take the first step towards becoming a published author. - https://accomplishpress.com/memoir-or-business-book-helping-professional-women-choose-the-right-format-for-their-book/

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Memoir or Business Book? Helping professional women choose the right format for their story - Accomplish Press This article helps professional women decide whether their story is best suited as a memoir, a business book, or a hybrid of both. It explains that a memoir focuses on personal transformation, emotional truth, and life experiences, while a business book is designed to teach, solve problems, and esta...

Hello Mums and Dads! How will your child spend this summer?

Does your child love making up stories? Perhaps they fill notebooks with ideas, create imaginary worlds, or dream of writing a book one day.

This summer, help them turn that creativity into something amazing.

At the Young Writers Summer Storytelling Camp, children aged 9 to 15 will spend a fun and inspiring week:
🌟 Building confidence
✍️ Improving their creative writing skills
📖 Creating unforgettable characters and exciting stories
🤝 Making friends with other young writers
🏆 Completing a story they can be proud of!

Instead of spending the summer scrolling through screens, they'll be developing creativity, communication skills, and self-expression in a supportive and encouraging environment.

"My daughter has absolutely flourished since joining. Her confidence, creativity and love for writing have grown so much."

Storytelling Summer Camp details:
Dates: 📅 27 July – 1 August 2026
Location:📍 Online via Zoom
Time: 10.00am to 2.00pm
🎟️ Spaces are limited.

Find out more and register your child today! Early Bird price is until 30th of June.

https://accomplishpress.com/young-writers-summer-storytelling-camp/

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Young Writers Summer Storytelling Camp - Accomplish Press This Summer Storytelling Camp offers an enriching opportunity for aspiring young authors to enhance their writing skills in a supportive environment. Participants will engage in creative activities designed to boost confidence and foster self-expression.

Stories become timeless when they illuminate ordinary human truths. ✍️

Your story might not be “boring”, your characters might just have it too easy. One of the biggest mistakes new writers make is giving their characters what they want too quickly. That means there's no tension, no obstacles and no reason for readers to keep turning the page.

In this post, I break down the powerful storytelling concept of the “conflict engine”, the thing that makes novels addictive and unforgettable.

You’ll learn:

✔ Why every great story runs on “No”
✔ How conflict creates tension and momentum
✔ The difference between internal and external conflict
✔ How to raise stakes that actually matter
✔ Why your characters NEED to struggle

Your readers won’t fall in love with perfection and ease, they fall in love with perseverance.

👉 Read the full article here: https://accomplishpress.com/conflict-why-your-characters-need-a-no-before-they-get-a-yes/

If your story feels stuck or flat, this could completely transform your writing.

Conflict: Why your characters need a "No" before they get a "Yes" - Accomplish Press I’ve seen it happen so many times. A talented writer comes to me with a beautiful premise, lovely prose, and characters they clearly adore. But about thirty pages in, the story just… stalls. It feels like a car that’s run out of petrol on a flat road. There’s no momentum, no urgency, and hon...

On a vibrant Lagos Saturday, Bisi is the calm centre of the storm. As a wedding planner, her day started at the crack of dawn, and it won't end until the last guest has danced out of the hall.

From the perfect floral arrangements to ensuring the small chops are served piping hot, her day is beautiful chaos. She’s currently juggling a DJ setting up, a nervous bride, and a caterer who’s navigating the infamous Lagos traffic.

Decor? Check. 🌸
Cocktails? Prepped. 🍹
Checklist? Almost finished. ✅

But even the most seasoned pro needs a moment to breathe. For Bisi, her secret weapon is a quick break with small chops and a cold drink. It’s her five-minute sanctuary before the grand entrance begins. 🥟🔥

The Lagos wedding hustle waits for no one, but it’s these little moments of fuel that keep the magic happening behind the scenes.

You can catch Bisi's adventures in The Lagos Flash Fiction Series - 📚 by Tolulope Popoola

Where to buy:
Amazon: http://amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DYLB1P3T
Selar: http://selar.com/m/tolulope-popoola
Apple Books, Kobo and more!