Divine Okpe, the 16-year-old winner of the 2023 African Teen Writers Prize (Prose), converses with Lise Nova Berwadushime about her writing journey and creative inspirations.
————-
Lise: It’s my pleasure to host you, Miss Divine Okpe. May our audience know more about who we have today?
Divine: Ah, ‘Who am I?’ What a profound question! My name is Divine Okpe and I’m a sixteen-year-old Nigerian student. I see myself as a student of life, learning from every moment and every person I encounter. I love learning new things, creating and connecting with others. And, yeah, that’s me in a nutshell.
Lise: When did you start identifying yourself as a writer?
Divine: Honestly, I’ve always been a storyteller at heart. With the juicy gossips with my mum and friends. But I think I started taking writing seriously after a consolation prize in Uzo Udegbunam poetry contest which gave this “Go girl” kind of spirit that I could be more. So, I decided to explore my creativity experimenting different styles and genres. So, I’d say it has been a gradual process.
Lise: ‘What inspires you? What is the source of your creativity?’
Divine: Oh, I find inspiration everywhere! I’m a curious person who loves trying new things. Movies, music and conversations with others all spark ideas and creativity for me. I also do lots of reading the works of amazing authors which always motivates me to write. Sometimes, even a simple moment or memory from my childhood can ignite a creative flame. But honestly, my biggest source of inspiration is the human experience – our stories, struggles, and triumphs. I believe everyone has a unique perspective and experience to share, and that’s what drives me to create and tell stories that resonate with others. Most importantly everything around me inspires me to spill my ink. I try to find muse in everything that’s just it.
Lise: Would you say that you are much of a writer or you are much of a reader?
Divine: Definitely both! I’m a firm believer that to be a good writer, you need to be a voracious reader. I love getting lost in books and discovering new authors and genres. Reading expands my vocabulary, sparks ideas, and helps me understand different perspectives. At the same time, writing is my way of processing the world, expressing myself, and connecting with others. I enjoy writing in various forms – stories, poetry – as it helps me reflect, grow, and heal. So, I’d say I’m equally passionate about reading and writing; they fuel each other and help me become a better storyteller and communicator. To be a good writer one also has to read wide, they both go hand in hand. So, I find myself doing both.
Lise: How did you know about African Teen Writers Award?
Divine: I found out about it through my mentor, Mr Ojo Blessing.
Lise: Tell me about the process of writing, submitting and daring to go for that competition
Divine: When he told me about the competition, honestly, I was really blank on what to write. I had to do so much research and a lot of reading as well. I just don’t write straight forwardly; I like to merge a lot of things that come to my head to produce a beautiful piece. I’m a movie kind of person so I got the muse to write flipped coin first from a movie. I just knew I had to write something down and from there I did my research and fused in different aspects of life issues like problems faced by single mothers, the Nigeria army and others. Voilà! my piece emerged. I try to live in my story it’s something I always do to connect my emotions with it that way I know how my reader should feel while reading it. Usually, I hate failure it’s something I really fear a lot but during the process of writing for this award I got to understand that you need to pour your heart into writing the work and never forget that winning isn’t everything; the journey itself is valuable because you’ll learn, unlearn and relearn once more
Lise: How did you feel when you emerged as a winner of African Teen Writers Award?
Divine: Smiles. Waiting for the result was really nerve-wracking. I was absolutely thrilled when I emerged as a winner! It felt unreal because I initially heard of it from friends before actually checking. Buhh!!! I mean I won it, lol. It was an incredible feeling, knowing that my hard work and dedication had paid off. I felt a sense of validation and recognition, which boosted my confidence and motivation to continue striving for excellence. But what was even more rewarding was the opportunity to share this achievement with my friends and loved ones. Especially my mentor and my mum who had been there to encourage me every step of the way. It was also a stepping stone to prove to my dad that being in a science class is not a limitation for whosoever wishes to write. It was a truly unforgettable experience that I’ll always cherish.
Lise: There are moments when a writer relates to their stories. Do you relate with A flipped coin in one way or another, if I may ask?
Divine: Absolutely! As a writer, I pour my heart and soul into my stories, and I often draw from my own experiences and emotions to create authentic characters and narratives. I certainly infuse pieces of myself – my thoughts, feelings, and observations. I believe that’s what makes writing so powerful – the ability to connect with others through shared human experiences.
In my story, A flipped coin, I explored themes of pain, hopelessness, death and others. The character’s struggles and triumphs are, in many ways, my own, and I hope that by sharing my story, I can help others feel seen, heard, and understood. It’s my usual habit to live in my story and connect with it.
Lise: What are your hobbies?
Divine: I love to make-up, just sit, take the powder, eye pencil and do crazy and wonderful things to my face so that’s my number one amongst others like cooking, dancing, singing and I’m a foodie as well. I love eating a lot.
Lise: What is your way forward? I mean, what should we expect from you in terms of writing/literature?
Divine: As a writer, I’m constantly evolving and seeking ways to improve my craft. In terms of my writing, you can expect me to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity and storytelling. I’m excited to explore and experiment new genres, themes, and styles. Ultimately, my way forward is to remain true to my passion for storytelling, to stay curious and open to new ideas, and to always strive for excellence in my craft. Expect a bigger Divine in the literary world because she’s growing and will be cooking up things, serving hot. And of course, staying loyal to her mentor as well.
Lise: Is there anything you would like to share with us?
Divine: Actually, yes! I’d like to share a piece of advice that has helped me in my writing journey to my fellow writers and creatives to keep pushing forward, even when faced with rejection or self-doubt. Embrace constructive criticism and use it as an opportunity to grow and improve.
Remember that every writer has a unique voice and perspective, and the world needs more diverse stories and perspectives. Don’t be afraid to take risks, experiment with new ideas, and learn from your mistakes. And most importantly, keep writing from the heart, with passion and purpose. Reading extensively, acknowledging there are people better than you so you just have to learn. It is said: “Rome wasn’t built in a day” so just work on yourself.
Lise: Thank you so much for your time. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
Divine: Thank you so much.
Read – Grace Tendo – 2nd runner-up in the 2023 Wakini Kuria Prize for Children’s Literature
