ZAINAB ABDULLAHI of northern literary forum had an interview session with a teenage writer; Umar Muhammad Nafisah alias Anat, an indigene of Kogi state, Okene Local Government Area. 19years old Nafisa is a student of Federal University Lokoja, studying mathematics. She is an aspiring poet and a writer whose passion for writing is beyond measure.
Excerpts…
How did you become a writer, what influenced it?
I became a writer through the influence of a lady who never gave up on expressing her thoughts.
How long have you been writing?
I started writing since January 23rd, 2O21.
What are the difficulties you faced (or facing) as a writer?
Obviously, the main difficulties I’m facing right now is “writers block” and how to avoid repetition of words.
It’s quite uneasy in merging your field of study with literary world. How do you cope with that?
I developed the passion for writing despite my course of study, I didn’t just walk into poetry forsake of its beauty or the hefty words in it. Though, I only write when I’m inspired by things around me.
How do you handle writer’s block?
I just relax, take a deep breath and rest, till I build up my mind again.
Is there any book you’re working on? If yes! Recommend a book for me.
I’m not working on a book yet. However, I believe you should read a book that will be the best option for you so as to build up your knowledge.
Between when you started and now, what growth have you had?
The main growth I’ve had is the support, concern and mostly the positive reactions of my audiences.
That’s why, when ever the thought of giving up crosses my mind, I think of those who appreciate me when I was trying my best.
Have you ever thought of walking away from poetry?
Yes, especially when I couldn’t compromise anything. Then, I knew better that poetry was harder than it is viewed.
What do you want to achieve as a writer?
What I want to achieve as a writer is to explore my knowledge, voice out my thoughts and inspire people.
Who are your greatest influence and why are you in awe of their works?
My greatest influence is Zee Aslam. She’s a poet and a writer. She’s an enthusiastic and a prolific writer.
Her works always leave me in awe because when ever I read them, it gives me the urge to scribble down something.
How do you feel when someone criticize your poem, Do you toe it off or you give it a welcome gesture.?
At times young writers feel bereft and they might think they can’t go on after been criticized over what they have written down, how do you overcome this and fuel up?
When my poem undergoes criticism ,I feel happy because it gives me the power to stand up and work hard to do better next time.
I welcome it wholeheartedly because I know, someday I’ll become great too.
How long does it take you to write a good poem?
It depends on the theme. It might take me days or weeks to get something vital and well creative.
Who is your favorite author?
Seriously, I don’t have any for now because I only read books randomly.
But since the day I joined poetry, Zee Aslam became my favorite because I get all my inspirations from her.
What’s your advice to aspiring writers or poets out there?
I will share the advice I got from my tutor.
She always say “read read read and write. Read more than you write so as to get a masterpiece.
Thank you so much for honoring our invitation.
It was nice having a chat session with you.
We look forward to more, In Sha Allah.
Thank you too for inviting me to explore my knowledge, it really means a lot to me.
I am grateful for this, God bless the management and all the brave and courageous members of this group.
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