We love it when we have interviews with writers who remind us how blessed we are to have this skill. Maryam Afolabi is simple yet profound. We love the way she talks about her love for writing and writers. You will love it too. Enjoy our interview with her.
Hello Maryam. Can you please describe yourself in a few words?
I am a jovial free spirited lady. I love to be around people to share their stories and experience.
When did you discover that you had a passion for writing and why did you decide to follow this passion?
I’ve always had this passion for reading literary works especially novels since I was young, but I started composing poems when I got to 300 level in college.
Can you tell us what you love most about writing?
I love the feeling I get when I come back to read some of my works after some time and it made sense.
What is the most important lesson writing has taught you?
Writing has taught me how to lock down my thoughts and experiences in words.
Which author (dead or alive) would you love to spend a day with if given a chance?
I am a fan of many authors but I would really love to meet Tunde Leye and the delectable Chimamanda Adichie.
Have you ever reached a point where you wanted to give up on writing?
There are times when I get too tired or too busy to write but I’ve never been frustrated to the point of giving up on writing.
When you are struggling to find inspiration, can you share some of the things that you do find that inspiration to write?
I find inspiration in many things, from novels, conversations, music, and even from my imaginations. But when I have a theme or topic to write on, it makes it easier for me to focus.
What will you say has been your biggest achievement as a writer so far?
My biggest achievement was when my poems and articles were featured in the NYSC magazine.
Where would you like writing to take you in the future?
Apart from being a writer, I’m also a reporter so I would like very much to improve my writing and I would love to write and publish books.
What advice do you have for people who know that they have a message to share but fear keeps holding them back?
A writer I believe is a prophet sent to minister to the world, so it’s now left to the individual writer on how they want to utilize their gifts. Therefore writers should be free to express themselves because you can never tell whether what you are withholding is what will change the world for better.
