Dr Sinyuy Geraldine, an IHRAM writer and one of the Directors for the IHRAM African Secretariat, converses with a young Nigerian writer, and Law student.

Geraldine Sinyuy: In your opinion, what makes a good story?

Usaini Abubakar: I believed every story either poetry, prose or drama has its own perspective and value, each story arrives with its soul and body, that’s why we have diverse writers and books, every story we read evokes unique emotions and performs different science to the mind’s body.

G S: Writers are also believed to be ardent readers. When did you start reading?
UA: That's very true, you can’t be a writer without being a reader, others books are your direct motivation. To my own little understanding as a young writer, reading is the most cheapest and common school of writers. Till now I’m yet to see any writer who's not a great reader. No doubt, accomplished writers are ardent readers. My love for reading began with reading short short pictorial stories in primary school, which later blossomed into a full flesh passion for poetry and accelerates the day I met the works of the poet Umar Yogiza Jr. on social media platforms. He makes poetry look easy, sweet and everlasting.

GS: What kind of Literature did you read when we’re growing up?
UA: I started with short stories and novella, however, upon discovering poetry it captivated my soul.

GS: Where do you get your inspiration from writing?
UA: inspiration comes from everywhere and everything, from others writing, I get inspiration from every day’s ordinary activities and complexity of life, from the traders, to farmers, to drivers, thieves, customs, traditions, faith, nature, artificial, joy and sorrow, everyday’s struggle of man. Even the air touching  my skin tenderness are inspiration. Poetry is the guide that direct and speaks deeply to me, resonating with my lively emotions and thoughts. My inspirations, like the human race is sometimes something big and sometimes nothing at all.

GS: Do you ever get inspiration from your dreams?
UA: Sometimes, on a rare occasion though. You know dreams are also our life’s extension. There are times that dreams speaks so vividly personal to me, other times they are patches of un-complete reality.

GS: What’s your favorite genre and why?
UA: Poetry is my favorite genre, it captivated my heart and had my soul, poetry with few words you can capture the largest story. Poetry provides unique outlet for expressing complex, emotional and some of the hidden unspoken grieves. When you are writing poetry it’s as if you’re the blind-universe’s guardian and protector. You write with people’s pains, grief, lost, love, mourning, anger, fear and dream, hope and expectations.

GS: Who is your favorite author, and what is it that actually touches you about their works?
UA: I greatly admired and loved the poets Umar Yogiza Jr., his word’s potency are as ken as knife. I love the works of the poet James Eze, Tares Oburumu, Sam Ogabidu, Aliyu Yakubu, Sumaila Isa Umaisha, their works captures real human experience with precision lens. Umar, James and Tares makes poetry sweet, tender and delicate like the structure of a beautiful woman. I go back to their works everytime.

GS: Have you ever experienced what is called a writer’s block? If yes, how did you get out of it?
UA: Answer: To my understanding, words comes from everything around us; I find my muse in little or large, present or past or the future, the stories we read comes from our real realities and imaginations… To me, even the writers block itself is a muse, an inspiration, it all depends on how you use it as a writer. I've found out that my writings flows best when it comes naturally, from my emotions or human acts- either good or bad, I let the words form without dilution, for me, when words form in organic manner it makes more sense.

GS: What themes do you write about?
UA: My poetry deals with all aspects of life, but explores on grief and history. I explore melancholy, home, nature with total tenderness. Most of my best accepted poems are on grief and loss.

GS: Do you in any way write about human rights? If yes, what aspects of human rights?
UA: Everyday we trample on human rights. From a beating husband, to instigated community crisis and mass murder. From inequality in education and so on. If you have time to read our constitution you’ll know that each second the violation of human in this country  uncountable. Everyday the inherent rights of individuals are being violated as if they are not living. I wrote poems of molested girlchild, under education of girl-child in Northern Nigeria, reoccurring instigated communal clashes  ethnic cleaning etc.

GS: Can you share an instance where you drew from real-life events to write your story?
UA: I've works that addresses the dire situation in Mangu, Plateau State using poetry as a means to expose the repeated unsaid injustice.

GS: Have you published any books? How have they been received in the society?
UA: Although I haven't published any chapbook yet.

GS: What is the most inspiring feedback you've ever received from a reader?
UA: One of my poems, "The Last Dropped of My Blood," resonated with a reader, who provided lovely feedback through my Gmail stating: “Your poem speaks to me directly, I wish so many people give the poem utmost attention”.  I loved these remarks, I was ecstatic the day I found the first positive feedback, when someone says that your works are helpful to him at a perilous moment of his or her life, it gives you as a writer more than joy.

GS: How has your writing evolved from when you started writing till now?
UA: I've seen significant growth in my writing, when I read my old poems, I know that I am growing. That’s why I read in every given opportunity mindless of the genre.

GS: What are some of the challenges that you face as a writer?
UA: Rejection can be painful and difficult for young writers like me, who often felt like they need praises instead of criticism. When rejections come, they should be a motivation to grind on, to read more, to write more. Rejection should be a mime to keep trying, to keep learning, to keep improving on oneself.

GS: What advice will you give to young aspiring people who want to become writers?
UA: Read, read and read more, read more than you write. And staying true to yourself. Write what you think is poetry or story, do not over depend of the trend and style. And learning from mistakes and rejection is also improvement. I think worrying about negative feedback from readers brings about writers block!

GS: What writing project are you currently working on now?
UA: Currently, I'm not working on any book project, I just keep writing hoping to embark on a compiling project soon. I don’t force poetry; I allow it come naturally like hunger.

Usaini Abubakar is a Nigerian poet who hails from Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. He is a motivational script writer, bibliophile, an introvert, and a well-trained teacher. Usaini has been meritoriously awarded many certificates for his literary achievements. He also contributes frequently to World Voice Magazine. His most recent feather which he added to his cap is the position he now occupies at Writing EDEN: a newly established online international publishing company based in South Africa founded by Noora Salaam - aka RAW Diamond as a Freelance Representative. His works have been published in reviews, journals and magazines. Usaini Abubakar is currently studying Law at the Bauchi State University, Gadau, Nigeria. Telephone: +234 813 481 5050