An Interview with Author Osunfemi Wanbi Njeri

Tell us about yourself

Osunfemi Wanbi Njeri curates life-changing courageous conversations to build intergenerational communities of wellness. She has served her community through 1 on 1 sessions and has blessed crowds of up to 60,000 people using music, cardology & literature. Today Osunfemi is making her debut as a Children’s Book Author! As a Priestess of Osun, Certified Cardology Coach, Sickle-Cell Warrior, and Music Artist she’s helped thousands of people change their perspectives and realize their great potential! Her Album “Warrior Woman” is the catalyst for her Wellness Workshops as well as her new book Little Warrior Woman: Just Like Mama! Through interactive community workshops and her Instagram LIVE show “Lounge 11:11 All in The Cards’ ‘ she interviews local heroes, well-known celebrities, and offers her own wisdom as jewels of inspiration and insights towards their own personal healing.

Tell us about your book. What is it about?

Little Warrior Woman: Just Like Mama stands as a creative summation of easily applicable, foundational tools that have been proven to help anyone especially women and girls (re)direct their life with intention & purpose. Imagine how magical each day would be having the essential tools and time to develop a deeper spiritual practice with your child and yourself. Little Warrior Woman Just Like Mama is a story that reinforces good character, discipline, curiosity, freedom, and more through the eyes of Prosperity, our little shero.

What motivated you to write and publish a book for children? Is there a moral or message in your book, or is it just for fun?

I was completely guided to write a children’s book. In cardology, there is a writer’s card and I had it in 2019. I thought I would be writing music. And I did a little bit. But in the midst of recovering from a sickle cell crisis, the whole story came to me. It just flooded in or downloaded as some may call it. I got a close piece of paper and pencil and wrote it all down right then. Yes, there is definitely a moral to this story, there are many. However, a major theme is to develop helpful rituals, like brushing your teeth and washing your face, to offer children tools for grounding, alignment, and longevity.

Who is your target audience suited for in this story? What age group of children do you suggest for your book?

That was a big question for me, lol. I don’t like to conform. If I must narrow it down I’d say children ages 3-9. But in my eyes and the vision that was given to me, it is a book that grandparents will read to their grandchildren, mother’s and fathers to daughters and sons, single parents, everyone in the family is apart of my audience because it’s about passing down legacies of healing, laughter, fun and ritual… not trauma. Everyone is welcome to follow along, add their two cents and remember & share their rituals. It takes a family, a community to raise a child. I had a grown woman purchase the book for herself to nurture her inner child. Also, a mother of a newborn boy purchased the book for him, his first!

Do you have a favorite character in your story?

My favorite character is Mama. I like her style, lol.

Are you currently working on another book? Is it the same genre?

Yes, this book is the first in the series.

Do you find reviews helpful? Or intimidating?

All eyes on my work are helpful. I’m doing some amazing helpful life changing things.

Why did you decide to self-publish?

I self-published for ownership purposes. But also because I won’t wait for a company to discover me, I have to start and keep pushing what God gave me.

Did you use IngramSpark, Amazon KDP, or another company to handle the printing and distribution of your book?

I used IngramSpark

Now that your book is in print, do you have any regrets?

No, never.

What parts did you do on your own, and what did you hire out to have done? (Illustrations, editing, book design, cover design, eBook, marketing, etc.)

I wrote it and teamed up with the people the universe brought me to work with. This book wanted a team. It required and requires more than me to reach the audiences it wants to reach.

What would you do differently if you were to self-publish again?

I wouldn’t do anything different. I trusted the process and leaned into the necessary patience needed. Jera, specifically Kimberly has been Amazing to work with.

What is the most difficult part of writing this book?

Remembering where I put the piece of paper that I chicken scratched the story all over, lol.

If you could tell yourself anything as a younger writer what would it be?

Keep writing. Like Dori, just keep writing just keep writing, lol.

What marketing have you done for your book? What worked and what did not?

So far I’ve engaged my email list, text messages and social media. It has all worked well. We’ll be doing interviews starting next week and reaching out to other sources to help market Little Warrior Woman.

Did you start marketing before your book was launched? If not, do you regret that decision?

Yes. I’m so glad I did. It built up the anticipation, A Lot!

How do you use social media as an author? Has it worked well for you, or is it something you want to do more or less of?

I use it to promote my book, it works well and I enjoy it.

Which platform do you use the most?

Instagram

Any advice you want to pass on to other authors looking to self-publish their book?

 I do have advice. I will be sharing it all in a webinar for everyone who purchases the book from now until August 30th.

Anything else?

Get Your story out of you, on paper and into the hands of others. We’re not meant to transition, still holding onto all the knowledge, secrets, and wisdom.