Iyanu: Hmm. I remember the Small World Readathon you hosted last year and how everyone on the group chat instantly picked up on how similar this story was to the Hosea and Gomer story in the Bible. I’m wondering: what inspired you to write a retelling of this biblical story?

Ufuomaee: I didn’t set out to write a retelling. I set out to write a story about brokenness and sexual perversion, and the solution, being Christ. The connection to Gomer and Hosea was made as I was writing.

Iyanu: Wow, that’s really interesting. I think sometimes, God works behind the scenes even as we write, leading us to a conclusion we don’t see coming. Now, I know the story of Hosea and Gomer deals with deep themes of love, betrayal, and redemption. How did you balance these heavy themes while still creating a compelling romance?

Ufuomaee: Fluke, I guess!!! Again, I didn’t set out to write a romantic story. I actually think the romance that played out between Promise and Jesus was more intense than the one between her and her husband, and that also was revealed to me as I wrote of her struggle with her addiction.

Iyanu: In that case, how did you develop the relationship between your main characters? Did you keep it close to the biblical account, or did you make significant changes?

Ufuomaee: I don’t think there is a lot of detail about Gomer and Hosea. I’m not even sure that the biblical story was romantic. He married her because God told him to. There was no suggestion that she even wanted to be his wife. In the case of Promise and Ope, she actually fell in love with him, and he married her for love. All he needed was God’s confirmation, because she was not the kind of woman he would have been with otherwise. The similarity between my characters and Gomer and Hosea is in the infidelity and running away, which Promise did repeatedly, with Ope coming for her every time, until God intervened.

Iyanu: What were the biggest challenges in writing a love story where one character is repeatedly hurt or rejected?

Ufuomaee: The biggest challenge was making Ope’s love and determination believable, because Promise was hard to love, and he could have found someone better, yet he didn’t. Also, writing Promise’s redemption was hard, because she put herself in some hot mess!

Iyanu: Did you have any concerns about making a romance out of a story that, in some ways, is painful and difficult? How did you address them?

Ufuomaee: No, it was exciting adding the romance to this painful story. It was the redeeming quality, because to write about so much abuse and pain, without restoration, would have been harrowing. The romance kept it interesting and sweet, and made my readers root for my characters to overcome their issues.

Iyanu: True! Many readers in the Readathon rooted for Ope and Promise’s reconciliation. I remember I was rooting for Ope to end up with someone else 😂😂. So, how did you navigate writing about brokenness and restoration in a way that reflects God’s love but still feels authentic?

Ufuomaee: In order for me to write Promise’s story, I had to immerse myself in her character and experience her pain and anger towards God. I had to pray to do this, because I was also the author with a purpose, and I didn’t want to forget it and lose my faith in the process. It was a bit like how Jesus became man to fulfil our redemption, but God remained enthroned! I became Promise, and while I was Promise, I didn’t know how it would end. I just wrote what I felt and did the things she would. God showed up as I wrote and showed me the way to the resolution of the story. It was magical, some might say unbelievable, but not beyond God.

Iyanu: What role does faith play in your characters’ journeys? How do they wrestle with grace, forgiveness, or unconditional love?

Ufuomaee: Ope married Promise based on his faith in God. Even still, it was tested, because he wanted to sleep with a prostitute, but God still used that to win a soul and revive his faith. Promise had no faith before she married Ope, and even after they married. After escaping the hell she ran to, she realised her mistake, but didn’t think she could go home. God did something miraculous to show her that He wanted her still, regardless of what she had done, and that was when she became a believer.

Iyanu: Hmmm. Did writing this book deepen your understanding of God’s love? If so, how?

Ufuomaee: Yes, it did! It showed me the lengths God was willing to go to save one lost soul. It also illustrated how husbands are to love their wives.

Iyanu: Were there any specific Bible verses or passages that guided you as you wrote?

Ufuomaee: Yes. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit.

Iyanu: Awwn. Psalm 34:18 is one of my favourite verses of scripture. I can’t help myself, but if you love that verse, then you’ll love Closer to God by Anne Wilson. Back to the topic, what do you hope readers take away from your book, especially in terms of love, grace, and redemption?

Ufuomaee: That God loves them madly. That they are not too broken to be healed and restored. That there is true love in the world. That they can love their spouse and forgive them the way God loved and forgave them.

Iyanu: Hmm. I hear you, but I think some readers might struggle with the idea of a “Hosea-like” love in modern relationships. How would you encourage them to interpret this kind of love through a biblical lens?

Ufuomaee: I would like my readers to understand that God actually called Hosea to marry Gomer. We should not go looking for trouble. We shouldn’t be unequally yoked because Hosea and Gomer were! We shouldn’t stay in an abusive relationship because Hosea kept going back for Gomer at God’s command. God was illustrating His love for Israel, and so, with my story Broken, I was illustrating God’s love for us, and how He longs to restore us to wholeness. No man can love like God perfectly. Even Ope failed with that, but God’s grace held him up. The main thing for anyone going through a similar situation or challenging marriage is that God is able! They can put their trust in God like Ope did, but if God didn’t call you to carry that cross, it’s not yours. You’re on your own!

Iyanu: This makes a lot of sense. What advice would you give to someone who wants to write a biblical retelling, especially one that explores romance and faith-based themes?

Ufuomaee: Read and understand the story you want to retell. Meditate on it. Pray about it. Imagine it in a new way. What is the purpose of your retelling? Is there another message God wants you to convey through this retelling? Don’t be afraid, go for it!

Iyanu: Thank you so much for this piece of advice. I’ll also bear them in mind because I’ve been thinking about fantasy/history retellings of some stories from the Old Testament. What about you? Are there any other biblical love stories you’d like to retell in the future?

Ufuomaee: Perhaps the story of Ruth and Boaz, or David and Abigail. I have never actually thought of it. I’m keen on telling new stories. There are so many!

Iyanu: Oh my gosh! David and Abigail, that would be really fun to read, especially in a contemporary Nigerian setting. My mind is salivating just thinking about it. Younger me used to think theirs was a slightly romantic quasi-marriage-of-convenience/forced marriage. Till I realised Abigail wasn’t his only wife and he had an affair with Bathsheba. I’d love to read any more retellings you write! Anyway, thank you so so much for taking the time to answer my questions and shed more light on your thought process behind Broken. As we wrap up, please can you let readers know where to find your book, and how they can connect with you?

Ufuomaee: You can read my entire library of books here. Some are free, but most are for a price. Broken is absolutely free, and you don’t need to sign in to read it, like some others. Do connect with me on IG @ufuomaee. Drop me a DM 😊.

Iyanu: Well, guys, you heard her. Broken is a free story, so take advantage of it and read it if you haven’t already. Also, show Ufuomaee some love by following her on Instagram and sharing your thoughts on her books with her. You can shop her books on her website or on Selar using my affiliate link.

If you enjoyed this interview, or have questions for me or Ufuomaee, please drop a comment below, and I’ll ensure you get your answers or a response.

Until next time, remember, I love you, but God loves you more.