I distinctly recall a misty morning, just a day after I was honored as the writer of a particular month for a blog I once worked for, which focused on the northern Nigerian niche; this blog had a unique mission of showcasing the lifestyles of the "Arewas" (People from Northern Nigeria) to the world, alongside other niches addressing various issues. I received a Whatsapp voice call from a colleague who had been a part of the team long before I joined. This colleague, a lady, was genuinely intrigued by how I was able to incorporate storytelling techniques into my articles on different topics. She admired the way I crafted my pieces to captivate readers, prompting them to engage by sharing their thoughts and comments. It was a level of reader engagement that she rarely experienced in her own articles.
Nahida! That's her name. She reminded me how my stories sometimes leave an impression on the minds of people as though I was from the North, not the South where I'm actually from, the type my Yoruba folk would term as "Omo kaaro ojiire" (children of Yoruba). I recalled telling her that to be a good writer, a creative one, she needed to mix imagination, language, and feelings to make readers really feel her words. And how it's so important to learn about her readers' beliefs and lives by reading and researching. Only then could she be able to share different views, create emotions, and pass her message clearly. Our talk went on for a while before we bid each other goodbye.
As I worked on my writing skills, I understood the difference between a writer and a creative writer. Anyone can write well with a good grasp of language, but creative writing is more than just putting words together. A creative writer must connect with readers in a special way, drawing them into the story and making them feel a connection to humanity or the subject matter. Being able to tell stories that not only interest but deeply involve the audience is what makes creative writers stand out in the world of creative writing. But in the light of today, it is so unfortunate that this is where most writers miss the way, by failing to understand their audience's perspectives and tapping from it to create their own story.
After some years with the blog, there was a new policy that shifted the focus of it to impersonal affiliate marketing, which wouldn't give me the avenue to embrace the sense of freedom and inventiveness I usually enjoy in creative expression of storytelling. With this, there was no reason to stay as a writer with the blog anymore, so I left the family of proficient writers.
Leaving the blog behind felt like parting with an old friend. I lost touch with my readers, and worse, with myself as a writer. The absence of a platform meant more than just fewer viewers; it stifled my creativity, leaving me adrift in a sea of untold stories. I had lots of things on my mind begging to be seen on the surface of my notepad. But upon every strike of inspiration, the thought of no platform to showcase them often plunged me into emotional chaos.
Just like what I faced, I soon realized I wasn't alone in this struggle. Many creative writers face the same challenge; a disconnect between their heartfelt narratives and the platforms that dictate their reach. Without a supportive stage, their voices echo only in their minds, their potential stifled by the lack of a receptive audience.
On this day, i stumbled on yet another astonishing means to reach a handful audience with nuggets of captivating word that will surely tickle your fancy, while it enhance my journey in creative writing. I hope you always stay in touch.
