In this edition, Liza Chuma Akunyili speaks with Comfort Naana Adwoa Okyere, a passionate creative and guest Chief Editor of the Writers Space Africa (WSA) Magazine for the September edition. Comfort discusses her journey as a writer, her love for poetry, and her recent accomplishment as a participant in the 2024 Aspire Leaders Program. She reflects on the transformative power of writing, emphasising its role in expressing her inner self and connecting with others.
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Liza: Hi Naana, I am so excited to get this opportunity to sit with you. Thank you for the work you are doing with young leaders and congratulations on finishing the 2024 Aspire Leaders Program
Naana: Thank you very much Liza. I am very much excited about today’s conversation.
Liza: What came to mind when you first heard you will be the spotlight of the 93rd issue of the WSA Magazine?
Naana: I felt a mix of emotions- joy, surprise and gratitude. I was so overwhelmed with excitement. I was happy because finally a great audience would be able to learn more about my creative journey.
Liza: Hahaha, Ma’am, you have introduced yourself as a powerful master of Ceremonies during the African Writers Conference, 2023 and then gone on to becoming the Chief Editor of this magazine. It is I who is grateful and excited to get the opportunity.
Naana: That’s wonderful. I’m very much excited.
Liza: Now that we are here, if this was your one shot to sell yourself as a creative, what would you say about yourself?
Naana: As a creative, I love to explore the dynamic fusion of imagination and passion. I always make an effort to craft unique pieces with a keen eye for details and captivating ideas.
Most of my writings help me to express my inner self better.
I love the transformative power of writing, crafting worlds and breathing life into characters. Writing connects me with others, touching hearts and sparking meaningful conversations. It challenges me to learn and grow, exploring new subjects and refining my craft. Writing is my passion, sanctuary, and gift to the world. I’m grateful for every moment I spend with words.
Liza: ooh! I love it! What is your favourite genre and why?
Naana: Poetry is my favourite.
Poetry is my favorite genre because it’s a symphony of words, evoking emotions and thoughts with precision and beauty. It’s a condensed yet powerful form of expression, distilling complex feelings into few, well-chosen words. Poetry’s rhythm and meter create a musical quality, making it a joy to read aloud. Its imagery and metaphorical language paint vivid pictures in the mind. Poetry’s brevity belies its depth, inviting reflection and contemplation. It’s a genre that both inspires and challenges me, making it a lifelong passion.
Liza: Yes! From one poet to another, you have delivered poetic justice with that response. Hahahaha!!! If you could try out another genre of writing, what would it be and why would you try?
Naana: Flash fiction! Yes, it would be flash fiction because it is a fascinating genre that requires concise and evocative storytelling. Flash fiction typically involves:
- Brevity: Stories are extremely short, usually under 1,000 words, and often limited to just a few sentences.
- Implied narrative: Suggesting a larger story or world beyond the brief text.
- Focus on essence: Distilling the core elements of a narrative into a tiny, potent package.
- Experimentation: Pushing boundaries of language, structure, and style.
- Impact: Aiming for a strong emotional resonance or surprise.
Flash fiction also challenges writers to:
- Edit ruthlessly: Cut out some ‘unnecessary’ words and focus on the essential.
- Use suggestion: Imply character, setting and plot rather than spelling it out.
- Create a snapshot: Capture a moment or image that speaks volumes.
- Play with language: Use concise, evocative prose to convey complex ideas.
Flash fiction is an exciting genre that demands precision, creativity, and skill. It’s an excellent way to hone writing skills, experiment with new ideas, and captivate readers with brief, powerful stories.
Liza: Whooosh! This is beautiful! I love how you swiftly taught us about it. Hahaha
What are the top five lessons you have learned from writing consistently over the last five years?
Naana: Well, Liza I have learnt a lot of exciting things from writing all these years
First of all, *Discipline breeds creativity*: Showing up to write every day, even when inspiration is scarce, has taught me that discipline is essential to unlocking creativity.
Also, I believe Writing is rewriting*: I’ve learned that good writing is often the result of rigorous editing and revision. It’s okay to write badly at first, as long as you’re willing to refine your work.
For me, authenticity resonates and it is very essential. Writing from a place of honesty and vulnerability has helped me connect with readers and build a loyal audience.
And then, consistency trumps perfection. Regular writing has taught me that it’s better to publish something imperfect but complete than to wait for perfection that never comes.
Finally, Growth happens outside comfort zones*: Pushing myself to try new styles, genres, and topics has helped me grow as a writer and discover new strengths and passions.
These lessons have been invaluable in my writing journey, and I continue to learn and evolve as a writer.
Liza: how were you able to combine schooling with creative writing?
Naana: I balanced schooling with creative writing by:
– Setting aside dedicated time for writing, even if just 15-30 minutes daily
– Using breaks between classes or assignments to jot down ideas or write snippets
– Incorporating writing into school projects, like essays or presentations
– Prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively to meet deadlines
– Finding inspiration in coursework and applying it to creative writing
– I also got into positions that allowed do lots of writing to enable me develop my craft holistically.
This allowed me to nurture my passion for writing while still excelling academically without feeding one more than the other.
Liza: These tips feel like the making of a writer’s guide to greatness!
Which three books or three authors made the most mark on you as a writer?
Naana: Wow! This is a very fantastic question. Let me begin with Toni Morrison. I admire her style of lyrical prose and exploration of theme like trauma and identity. Another author who has the best mark in my life as a writer is Danielle Steel. I love how she is able to tackle real life issues and also amplify the strength and abilities of her female characters especially in “No Greater Love”. Maya Angelou is the third author. She has made me understand that writing is a great tool for healing and self-discovery.
Liza: Those women are phenomenal! Which book did you read and wish you authored and why that book?
Naana: “No Greater Love” by Danielle Steel. I wish I had authored this particular book because I really learnt a lot from it. Looking at how Edwina Winfield had to stand up and care for her siblings after tragedy struck their family on the Titanic, it shows how unpredictable life can be sometimes. In a dinner with your family and few seconds later their lives flash before your eyes. Quite sorrowful but very captivating.
Liza: If you could give a piece of advice to the African Union, what would be your recommendation to improve literacy skills on the continent?
Naana: To begin with, investing a lot into the various mother tongues across the continent will go a long way to improve literacy skills to make learning more convenient and accessible. Also, leveraging on technology to reach remote areas and providing interactive learning tools. I would also like to recommend to the African Union to also invest in more training programs for our teachers and facilitators to improve their instructional skills and confidence.
Liza: Mother tongue! That’s a conversation we need to have! Imagine more creative books in our mother tongue, the flow and sheer beauty possible! I’ve loved having you here today, Naana.
Any final lessons you will like to give to a young writer who is reading your interview and hoping to grow up in the creative space?
Naana: Well, I have a lot to tell the young writer who would see this spectacular interview.
To a young writer, I’d say:
- Write from the heart: Share your unique voice, experiences, and perspectives.
- Read widely: Devour books, genres, and authors to broaden your understanding of storytelling.
- Practice consistently: Make writing a habit, even if it’s just a few sentences daily.
- Embrace feedback: Learn from constructive criticism to refine your craft.
- Be patient: Writing is a journey; don’t rush the process.
- Stay curious: Explore new ideas, themes, and styles to stay inspired.
- Join a writing community: Connect with fellow writers for support, motivation, and growth.
- Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small.
- Persevere: Overcome self-doubt, rejections, and fears to keep creating.
- Keep learning: Attend workshops, webinars, and conferences to hone your skills.
Remember, writing is a lifelong journey. Enjoy the process, stay true to yourself, and keep writing!
Liza: Thank you, Naana, this was worth every minute invested.
Read – Chipo Chama Moono – The Poetic Journey of an Ambivert Writer
