Why I write

I write because books have always been my solace. They were my solace all throughout secondary school where I was ruthlessly teased.

Somewhere between year eight to year nine. I started reading so that I wouldn’t have to speak to the people in my class.

During lessons, I would read with my book hidden between my text book. From time to time, my teacher would realise it wasn’t the textbook I was engrossed in and would tell me to put it away.

I had always enjoyed reading since I was a kid but during those key teenage years the books I read changed my perspective on life.

For example, one book I remember reading around this time was written by Danielle Steele titled, ‘Silent Honour’. It was a tale about a young Japaneese woman who went to USA, to further her education and then pearl habor got bombed and her whole family ended up in a detention centre where they all struggle to survive amid the chaos and mounting death toll.

It was a moving story. I still remember the way I felt after reading it. I cried actually. I was so glad to have read something so pivotal. From them on, I sought out books of substance. Books that taught me real lessons about life and history.

My First book

Sometime between those years in secondary school I started writing my own book. I would write chapter after chapter of badly written content filled with slang and profanities and send them to my friends to read. Don’t get me wrong, the storyline was interesting but it was so badly written.

The main character of the book was named ‘Moesha’ (it had nothing to do with the TV series it was just a popular name at the time). I called it the M book. My friends loved it and would ask me for updates.

I got such a thrill from writing those chapters. When I recently re-read it, I took note of the themes explored; teenagers trying to make sense of the world around them. Now that I am an adult, I reflect on my teenage years and this book is something that takes me right back to my teenage years.

And now…

I am writing another story, this time its a story about something slightly different. A Nigerian couple as they wade through their marital problems and try to make sense of why they got together in the first place.

I will write about the many things I have seen in my community – young girls growing into young women and their experiences. So, come along with me on my writing journey.

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