The 2011 winner of The Nigeria Prize for Literature, Adeleke “Mai Nasara” Adeyemi,works as an editor, science writer and journalist. Adeyemi, who lives in Midwest USA with his wife and three children, is the founder and CEO of The Adjai Center. In this interview with OLUKOREDE YISHAU, he speaks about life after winning Africa’s largest literary prize, writing,and related issues. Excerpts:
We’ve not heard much from you since you won the Nigeria Prize for Literature. What have you been up to?
Well, that’s largely a result of my decision to become a ghost! Pun intended. You know, a ghostwriter. Wait—did I just out myself? (Laughter)
You can ‘blame’ my visible absence from the literary scene on my winning The Nigeria Prize for Literature. Seriously though, winning the prize opened doors to new opportunities, exposing my work to a wider audience and providing a platform to showcase my writing skills.
I’ve landed ghostwriting jobs with high-profile clients, allowing me to make a living doing what I love. The prize has given me credibility and recognition, enabling me to build a successful career as a writer.
There have also been both pleasant and unpleasant distractions. The former would be raising a family and traveling the country a bit. I suppose I should say not distractions but attractions for this category. My Kàndé (that’s Hausa for a firstborn girl) is 12 and has already written comic books and a graphic novel. She has an animation studio (there goes my office!) and is at work on directing and producing her first series of webisodes. My Tánkò (Hausa for only son; Yoruba: Òkánlàwón) also has a good head on his shoulders. Just like his mama my highly supportive wife (my Áyálukà—that’s Ekiti dialect of Yoruba language; let the reader understand what it meaneth), he also has a head for numbers. He’s into robotics and programming. Along with two of his friends, he represented Indiana at the World Robotics Championships in Dallas, Texas, last year. As for my Àutá (Hausa: lastborn), she has insisted since she was five (that’s three years ago) that she wants to be “a singing chef,” to quote her.
Now for the latter, that is unpleasant distractions. On April 22 (many Nigerians may remember it as the anniversary of the bloodiest coup in that country’s history), I had a medical crisis that, thank God, was taken care of. The storm is over now; I can see the sunshine! That’s from a song that I so much love to listen to and also sing along to.
It started with an unprecedented (and, I should add, unrepeated) series of seizures, leading to the discovery of a tumour, which led to my having to be hospitalised and getting brain surgery on May 27, which is Children’s Day in Nigeria. It was my first ever. Well, that’s not counting circumcision! (Laughter.)
During my month-long stay at the hospital, I prayed with the psalmist—“Take me not away in the midst of my days!”—and also praised along with him—“You brought my soul up from the pit; You gave me life and shielded me!”
Oh, I almost forgot that I also went back to school to earn an MA. I’d gained admission to Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky) to pursue an MFA but took that detour, leaving just one residency and one independent study short of an MFA.
This year’s prize is for books in the children’s literature category, which you won years ago. What are your expectations?
My expectations are that even better, more reader-worthy books than mine will emerge! I expect that there will be quite a pile of entries that will be submitted by highly motivated writers, for the attention of the highly competent panel of judges—who have the unenviable task of making the call to award or not to award the prize. As you know, the prize is only awarded if there is one (or, under certain conditions, two) entries deemed worthy to be awarded the prize in any given year.
Your last book is in need of a younger sibling. When are you going to grant this wish?
Well put! I recognize that Yoruba turn of phrase. (Laughter.) As is the standard required for submission for the prize, my book was originally published in English. The fact that it is now available in French, Spanish and Yoruba as well means that I’ve been quite busy working with various translators literally all over the world. Surely, you understand how involved I must have had to be, coordinating with translators and editors and reviewers of the book in those different languages.
As a matter of fact, I even started work on the full-length animated movie adaptation of the book, starting with what’s known as an on-spec screenplay. Actually, I have not one but two versions of it in hand. Well, it’s looking like, with the formidable array of AI tools built for tasks like this, I may be able to get something out sooner than later. So—coming soon!
You are undoubtedly a huge literary figure. However, your book has only been published in Nigeria. What problems have you encountered in marketing your unique stories to gatekeepers in America and the rest of the developed world?
I’m not so sure about the preamble to your question, even though The Nigeria Prize for Literature is indeed Africa’s biggest literary award.
I did encounter problems in pitching my book first to agents and then to school corporations and also libraries around the U.S. The main problem, according to a couple of writer friends with whom I formed a critique group, is that “your book is not written the way publishers in America want books in this genre to be written to be structured,” as one of them graciously volunteered. One of them (we were meeting weekly in the county library) showed me exactly what that means. She even proposed a way to restructure my story. No, I was not offended in any way. (Laughter.) For me, it was merely a learning opportunity.
What makes a good writer?
I’m reminded of a quote I grew up with: “Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man.” It’s from Sir Francis Bacon. He went on to say, “Therefore, if a man write little, he had need have a great memory; if he confer little, he had need have a present wit; and if he read little, he had need have much cunning, to seem to know that he doth not.”
You may know that Francis Bacon is credited with giving the world what’s known as the scientific method, the tool that has been instrumental to scientific discovery after scientific discovery leading to the development of the human race.
Not many people know that my background is in the sciences (one year of Biochemistry at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ílé-Ife and a degree in Geology from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, both in Nigeria), so forgive me for going on a little bit more about this. Bacon’s method, which he developed in the 16th century, begins with a description of the requirements for making careful, systematic observations that are necessary to produce quality facts. Next is the use of induction, which is the ability to generalise from a set of facts to one or more axioms. In order to test potential truths, or hypotheses as they are more accurately defined, Bacon devised a method whereby scientists set up experiments to manipulate nature in an attempt to prove their hypotheses wrong. Yes, that’s exactly right: wrong. Karl Popper built on it, later in the 20th century, with his Falsification Principle: a way of demarcating science from non-science. Here’s how it works: for a theory to be considered scientific, it must be able to be tested and conceivably proven false. For example, the hypothesis, or postulation, that “All cats are white” can be falsified by observing a black cat. How cool is that!
What does your writing process look like?
We’re continuing on the trajectory and getting even more abstract now, aren’t we? Many times I wish I am but, to be frank, I’m not an outliner or, as most people say, plotter. I’m more of what Americans call a pantser. You know, from the expression, “fly by the seat of your pants”. I admit: I just plunge into writing the beginning without a plan. And go back to rewrite stuff as I move along. Well, I’m sure you’ve heard it said that all writing is rewriting. Ouch! That was a painful confession to make. (Laughter)
How did you arrive at your pen name, Mai Nasara?
I came up with and decided to use it for my very first book so that people will ask me about it, like you just did! Seriously. Well, I reckon it serves as an icebreaker.
More seriously, it’s because I grew up Hausa, in Katsina and Kano and Zaria and Kaduna, all in northern Nigeria. It is usually one name but I broke it up into two. It means the same thing—‘the victorious one’—as my given legal first name. As you know, Adeleke is Yoruba, which is the predominant language spoken in southwestern Nigeria.
How did you come up with the idea of your winning entry?
Now that’s a very good question! The answer is one that’s really dear to my heart. Like a coin, the idea is two-sided. One one side is something I read in a book—about a boy who quite literally planted a clock—and on the other side is a testimony I heard way back while growing up in Katsina in a gathering of Christians. It was narrated by a university professor. He acted on a clear instruction from God after praying for a financial miracle, he said. This led him to take action on an idea that formed clearly in his mind. That’s faith with works, which is what he did that led to a new lease of life for his family.
I never forgot about it. I want to close with an excerpt from the report of the panel of judges. It’s so positive and affirming, I now know it by heart. (Laughter.) That is, offhand. Here goes: “The Missing Clock dramatises the importance of growing food and returning to the earth, the sustainer of human life….A gifted storyteller, Mai Nasara explores the consciousness, emotions and actions of a child in a fascinating narrative distinguished by the simplicity of its themes, ideas, language and style….Indeed, this is a loveable and credible novel that endorses family cohesion and responsible parenting that would guide children to become imaginative, well-motivated and balanced individuals…”
What has winning the prize done for you?
Do you want the long version or the short one? (Laughter.) OK, not to bore you I’ll hand you the short version. Winning The Nigeria Prize for Literature has opened doors for me. As it has been written: A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men. Here’s a different rendering of the above truism that I prefer: A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.
What pieces of advice do you have for young or aspiring writers?
How about this? Before and during and after you write, please make time to read. A lot. A whole lot!
As it has been said. writing really is rewriting and doing so regularly—even if it’s just for a few minutes each day. Also, learn how to find your unique voice and style.
You must find a way to learn and master the basics, such as grammar and punctuation and spelling. Even with AI tools, it is rather easy to get into the rut of sloppy writing.
Here’s a classic piece of writing advice that many have heard but haven’t really learned or figured out how to do it: Show, don’t tell. One piece of advice I have here is to pick up a book on screenwriting. I took a class in it when I was enrolled in the MFA program in creative and professional writing.
Here are just a few more: It should be self-evident that you have to revise and edit your work, after seeking feedback from people who you know can be brutally honest and frank with you. Grow a thick skin. Learn to handle criticism, and rejection if you get to work with literary agents.
Another is to join or form a writing community or group. Then you have to learn to be patient and persistent.
You will do well to try to always remember that writing is a journey and not a destination. Keep priming yourself to enjoy the process. It’s hard but don’t ever give up on your passion!
Are writers born or are they made here on earth?
A classic question! While some may argue that writers are born with a natural talent, I believe that writing is a skill that can be developed and honed over time. Sure, some people may have a natural inclination towards writing, but it’s the dedication, practice, and hard work that transforms them into skilled writers.
Writing is a craft that can be learned and mastered. So, while there may be a spark of natural ability, writers are ultimately made here on earth through effort, patience, and persistence.
Is it possible to become a writer without some form of talent?
Yes, it is possible to become a writer without natural talent. Writing is a skill that can be learned and developed.
While natural talent can be helpful, it is not a requirement. Many successful writers have developed their skills over time, even if they didn’t start out with a natural inclination towards writing.
Writing is a diverse field with many different types of content and styles. You may find that you have a knack for a specific type of writing. Like technical writing (if you’re from a science or even engineering background), copywriting, or journalism, even if you don’t feel naturally talented at or called to, creative writing.
Remember that writing is a skill that can be developed with effort and dedication. Don’t let a perceived lack of talent hold you back from pursuing your writing goals!
Is talent enough to become a writer without some form of training, whether formal or informal?
No, talent is never enough. Talent can certainly be a helpful starting point for becoming a writer, but it is unlikely to be enough on its own without some form of training or education. Writing is a craft that requires a range of skills, including the following: Grammar and syntax; storytelling and structure; character development; research and fact-checking. Last but not least is self-editing and revising.
While talent may provide a natural inclination towards writing, it is unlikely to fully develop these skills without some form of training. Writing is a constantly evolving field. Staying up-to-date with industry styles, standards, and genres (I’m looking to break into crafting graphic novels) requires ongoing learning and development.
Formal or informal training can provide valuable guidance, feedback, and opportunities to develop and refine writing skills. Like writing workshops (and conferences) as well as online courses or tutorials, thanks to the internet.
Do you have book recommendations?
I sure do! How many would you like me to mention—10 or maybe 50? (Laughter.)
Actually, I haven’t been able to read lately as much as I would like to. Well, I still try but my ghostwriting has meant that I don’t have enough hours in the day to devote to reading. Yet, I’m still able to play catch-up with audiobooks.
There is a young Nigerian pioneer in this field that I think everyone should check out. Her name is Ojiugo Uche and the name of her platform is Genti Media. Genti is an audio media platform dedicating to showcasing African audio stories, dramas, educational materials and more in African languages and voices. “Genti” is Ìgbò for “listen!” I should know; my best friend, CNS Prince, with whom I grew up in northern Nigeria, is Ìgbò. It makes me happy to say that, although I had books at home, it was at his home—which I frequented quite often—that I got exposed to so many more books and magazines. Remember that this was before the internet. We didn’t even have TV at my own house.
Still on audiobooks to the rescue. Interestingly, Ojiugo was one of the beta readers of my book that went on to win The Nigeria Prize for Literature. She graciously agreed to write a preview for inclusion in the book when published.
Since I do quite a bit of driving, this way I’ve been able to devour quite a few books.
As for actual, tactile reading I have a few books that I like to dip into again and again. Like Chinua Achebe’s Chike and the River and Mabel Segun’s A Reader’s Theatre; also Akachi Ezeigbo-Adimora’s My Cousin Sammy and Jude Idada’s Boom Boom. Note that each of the last three authors I mentioned is a laureate of The Nigeria Prize for Literature in the Children’s Literature category.
Another one of my favourite writers is the hugely talented and hard-working, prolific Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmor. Besides children’s literature, she’s also written an outstanding book for grown-ups that I think everyone should read. It’s titled If They Tell The Story. It’s a well-written, fantastic and highly topical book. I do not like the title, but that’s a different matter altogether. (Laughter.)
There are a few others that I think are worthy to be mentioned. Practically every book by C.S. Lewis as well as the Harry Potter series, by JK Rowling. Also books by Nigeria’s own highly renowned writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, except for her clichéd feminist drivel. Last but certainly not least is the first novel Stay With Me by another highly talented and hard-working Nigerian writer, Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀. The book has garnered nearly 60,000 ratings and over 7000 reviews on Goodreads, with an average of over 4 stars. Its audiobook adaptation has nearly 8,000 highly rated reviews. Once I get a breather from a project that I’m working on, I’ll get it. I look forward to savouring it.
