PHOTO: Abiodun Thorpe, author of Beneath Amulet Chronicles, combines mythology, technology, and emotion to deliver an unforgettable storytelling experience.
A Journey of Creativity, Technology, and Storytelling
Abiodun Thorpe discusses his debut book, inspiration from mythology, blending technology with storytelling, and the emotional depth behind his characters in an insightful and inspiring interview.
Abiodun Thorpe has always stood at the intersection of two fascinating worlds. By day, he is a Cloud and AI analyst, solving modern-day puzzles with code and technological ingenuity. By night, his creative soul unravels endless adventures, crafting vivid characters and compelling tales that invite readers to lose themselves in mystical worlds. His debut novel, Beneath Amulet Chronicles: Secrets of Ava’s Ixchel Adventure, is a thrilling marriage between ancient legends and raw human emotion. We recently interviewed Abiodun for Reader’s House, and what follows is a glimpse into his captivating creative process and personal journey.
“Writing this book,” Thorpe shares, “was my own kind of treasure hunt: finding the balance of adventure, historical intrigue, and human emotion.” The idea for Beneath Amulet Chronicles struck during an unexpected moment—while debugging stubborn lines of code in his tech role. “It came to life when I imagined ancient puzzles hidden in temples, coded messages that the bravest or most brilliant could decipher,” he explains. For him, the story not only explores thrilling adventures but dives deep into the emotional and personal motivations of its characters.
Thorpe’s background as a technologist fuels his approach to storytelling. He describes his two metiers as “parallel universes that occasionally intersect.” His work in tech is steeped in logic and problem-solving, while his creativity flourishes in weaving tales of mystery and human connection. “The connection between the two is creativity,” he reveals. Whether writing code or crafting a pulse-pounding escape scene, he approaches both with the same analytical curiosity. “Sometimes, when I’m stuck on a plot, I approach it like debugging: what’s not working, and how do I fix it?”
Abiodun Thorpe masterfully merges intellect, creativity, and emotion, crafting stories that captivate readers with thrilling mysteries and relatable characters.
What makes Thorpe’s work especially magnetic is his exploration of ancient legends and universal human truths. “There’s something timeless about myths and legends,” he notes. “They remind us that humans have always grappled with big questions: Who are we? What’s our purpose?” In Beneath Amulet Chronicles, protagonist Ava Whitmore’s treasure-hunting escapades aren’t just external adventures—they mirror her inner quest to reconcile her father’s legacy with her own identity. Damian Cross, her counterpart in the story, embodies themes of guilt and redemption. These layers of emotional resonance anchor Thorpe’s epic narrative, grounding the grandiose with deeply relatable struggles.
Thorpe likens creating complex characters like Ava and Damian to writing their “source code.” “Every character starts with a set of core values, strengths, flaws, and desires,” he explains. Ava’s fierce independence and Damian’s stoic vulnerability are not just personality traits but integral forces driving the story. Dialogue plays a key role in Thorpe’s character development. He often “hears” conversations between characters before writing them, ensuring their banter is both sharp and insightful. “I want readers to feel like they’re adventuring with Ava and Damian, not just watching from the sidelines.”
The author pulls creative inspiration from many sources, including something as unexpected as salsa dancing. “Dancing is my secret creative recharge!” Thorpe smiles. When confronted with writer’s block, he turns to the dance floor for clarity. “The rhythm, the energy, the connection—it’s all about flow, much like storytelling.” His time running a salsa club in Lagos also influenced the chemistry between Ava and Damian. “Their push-and-pull dynamic mirrors the tension and synchronization of a great dance.”
While Thorpe’s debut novel is capturing readers’ imaginations, he’s already thinking ahead. “I’m brainstorming a tech-inspired mystery series—imagine an elite hacker uncovering secrets hidden in ancient codes.” This new project will blend his technical expertise with his storytelling prowess. He’s also collaborating with historians and specialists to add depth to his future works. “There’s something thrilling about blending fact with fiction, and I can’t wait to bring readers along for the ride.”
Abiodun Thorpe’s extraordinary ability to unite ancient mysteries with modern sensibilities makes him a unique voice in today’s literary world. His immersive world-building and focus on deeply human emotions prove that the power of storytelling knows no bounds. Whether crafting lines of code or creating unforgettable narratives, Abiodun Thorpe demonstrates that creativity is limitless when fuelled by curiosity and passion.
Source: This article is based on an interview with Abiodun Thorpe, originally published in Reader’s House.
