Take nine writers, create nine Nigerian characters, throw in a plot involving best friends, a wife, a mistress, an irresistible charmer and a dollop of mystery, and what do you get?

In this case, a novel called 'In My Dreams It was Simpler', a riveting romp through London and New York and through the lives and romantic adventures of six best friends.

The story revolves around the six friends, a man, his wife, his mistress, a handsome man of mystery and a man with a shady past. Thrown together through a series of interrelated events, the story's twists and turns leave the reader in constant suspense. The book's chapters follow the thoughts of the nine characters: Lola, Titi, Funmi, Maureen, Dayo, Folake, Dolapo, Temmy and Wole.

ReConnect Africa talks to Tolulope Popoola, the founder of the writing group, about the creation of the novel and what it says about relationships between African professionals in the Diaspora today.

ReConnect Africa (RCA): What inspired you to create the blog in the first place?

Tolulope Popoola (TP): The blog grew out of a short story. I got the idea for the initial short story when I was looking through a friend's wedding album on Facebook. I thought the groom looked like a cousin of mine who was already married to someone else. The potential drama of that situation got my imagination going, and a few days later I wrote a short story titled My Dilemma and put it on my blog and as a note on Facebook.

To my surprise, a lot of people left comments asking for a continuation to the story. One particular comment said the story was dramatic and could be turned into a series. That caught my attention and I thought it was a great idea, so I decided to expand the plot and the characters. Then I invited some bloggers to join me in writing the series. Seven of them were interested, and a few weeks later we created the blog and the series began in May 2009.

RCA: Your characters are all Nigerian professionals, mostly in the UK. What do you think the plot says about the state of relationships between Nigerian/African men and women in the Diaspora?

TP: The plot reveals that the modern Nigerian/African female is torn between the old and the new. She has to choose between maintaining her culture and the demands it places on her, between expressing her independence, and her need for a lifelong partner. She wants more out of her relationships and she does not want to repeat the mistakes of her mother's generation.

African men have the harder task of meeting and adjusting to the changing expectations of their women. They might have the traditional ideas of a woman's place in society, but exposure to Western influences gives us a chance to question some aspects of our culture. There are no set rules anymore; every couple now has to find out what works for them. The traditional roles for women have changed and men need to keep up with the present.

RCA: How have readers reacted to the characters and the plot?

TP: Our readers have reacted very positively to the characters and the plot, and they are very involved in the storylines. We've had so many people telling us how much they enjoy following the blog and eagerly look forward to our weekly updates. People have told me that they can relate to the characters and their lives because the story includes themes that affect the modern young female – such as relationships, fidelity, secrets, moral dilemmas, friendships, cultural conflicts and career choices.

Almost anybody in their twenties or thirties can immediately identify with the characters and their lives. A lady read the book and said it felt like she was watching a movie because it was so real. It's great because it started online, so it caught the attention of people who read blogs or surf the web looking for entertaining content.

RCA: The story ends on a note of suspense. What are your plans for a sequel?

TP: There will be a sequel to the first book. We have started writing Season 2 on the blog already, and we plan to compile all the posts into a book when the season ends. We hope to have the second book published before the end of the year.

RCA: How do you balance the blog and writing with your own professional responsibilities?

TP: I write full-time at the moment, so apart from the series, I write articles and short stories for magazines and I'm working on a novel. I also try to maintain my three blogs, so it's pretty much non-stop.

I practically spend most of my day on my laptop, and I have to be really organised with my time. But I love writing, and I quit my accounting career to do it two years ago, so I'm not complaining.

RCA: What advice do you have for would-be African writers today?

TP: Keep reading and writing. Read great books by other writers, and practice writing everyday.

There is no better way to improve your work. And be resilient in doing it, even when you get discouraging comments. Pick yourself up and continue. Also, try to create your own opportunities, work on your own ideas and bring them to life.