The Birth of a Young Author
At the age of 10, Osawese Agbonkonkon faced a pivotal moment during a standardized test at school. Tasked with writing his own story, he discovered a profound passion for storytelling that would shape his future. “I went home right after that test,” he recalled, “and the first thing I did was get a binder, fill it up with some lined paper, and start writing my first book.” This early spark of creativity ignited a journey that would eventually lead him to become a published author.
The Journey to Authorship
Agbonkonkon’s literary career took a significant step forward with the release of his debut novel, Psychic Suit. The young author, who hails from Utah and attended Wakeland High in Frisco, Texas, has a unique story. He is not just a writer; he also excels as a student-athlete competing in high jump at the University of Texas. As a sophomore, he is majoring in economics with minors in English and history, while also eyeing law school as a future aspiration.
Reflecting on his unexpected journey, Agbonkonkon shared, “It was something I wanted to do, but I never thought that I would be in this kind of position where I’m talking about a book that I actually wrote.”
Crafting Psychic Suit
The concept for Psychic Suit began blossoming in Agbonkonkon’s mind when he was merely 10 or 11 years old. Inspired while jumping on a trampoline with his best friend, he would create stories influenced by various TV shows. However, it wasn’t until 2018 that he began to seriously develop this narrative. Balancing athletics and academics, he found pockets of time to write late into the night after training sessions and classes, often fueled by inspiration that struck him when he was most engaged in these activities.
“Maybe instead of watching a TV show, I decided to let me write my own story,” Agbonkonkon explained. It was this determination and love for writing that led him to create a rich world in Psychic Suit, which follows a group of ‘Psychics’ bestowed with extraordinary powers from a rare alien metal. When a terrorist organization exploits this technology for malevolent purposes, the heroes must rise to the challenge.
Exploring themes of war, politics, and mental health, Agbonkonkon infused the story with his personal experiences. He draws parallels between the characters’ struggles and his own, especially the weight of expectation that comes with being a student-athlete.
Self-Publishing and Future Prospects
Agbonkonkon chose to self-publish Psychic Suit through his own publishing house, drawing inspiration from the evolving landscape of athlete partnerships in branding. “If companies consider athlete partnerships a good business decision, why not partner with myself?” he pondered. This approach not only allowed him to maintain creative control but also established a brand that reflects both his identities as an athlete and an author.
Navigating College Life as an Author
Agbonkonkon’s path to college athletics wasn’t straightforward. Coaches began recruiting him in eighth grade after witnessing his athletic prowess during a basketball game. Although he initially resisted, he eventually committed to the high jump, discovering its cerebral nature mirrored his writing style. “I like that it’s so technical, kind of like writing,” he noted, emphasizing the mental focus required to excel in both fields.
After transitioning to college sports at the University of Oregon and then Texas, Agbonkonkon found support from his coach and teammates regarding his literary pursuits. He surreptitiously revealed his writing journey through an interview with The Daily Texan, only to be met with an overwhelming wave of encouragement from friends and supporters alike.
A Message to Fellow Athletes
Agbonkonkon’s journey serves as an empowering narrative for student-athletes seeking to explore their interests beyond sports. “We can be more than just athletes,” he asserted, aimed at dispelling the stereotype that athletes lack depth beyond their athletic prowess. By pursuing his passion for writing, he proves that it is not only possible but fulfilling to embrace multiple identities.
As Agbonkonkon continues to write, he has ambitious plans for the future. He is already halfway through his second book and has outlined ideas for 17 more. “These are ideas I have,” he expressed. “These are things that I’m doing, and I personally find them interesting, and I hope that other people do as well.”
Sharing his creative vision with the world, Osawese Agbonkonkon is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance in both athletics and the arts.