There were days it seemed like pressure for a release, but not in a negative way. More like a lily pushing its way through the stubborn soil or like a caterpillar squeezing out of the cocoon as a beautiful butterfly. Either way, once the words were out, I felt free, fulfilled, and, to some degree, accomplished. It was an extremely satisfying experience, and I repeated this cycle from time to time.

 

I garnered the habit of writing as a child thanks to the household where I was raised. There was an array of social and educational activities outside the classroom that took place regularly. And while I enjoyed the indoor and outdoor games, movie nights, and swimming time, standing in front of the bookshelves to pick something to read (and there were loads of books) was my most relaxing and comfortable activity. It is still so today. The first time I stepped into a humongous university library, I didn’t want to leave. More recently, I spent close to 150 minutes with a beloved friend rummaging through a massive bookshop. We were checking for books to expand our minds, and it felt like home. 

 

Books remind me of my childhood. As I plunged into reading, it felt like my day was incomplete without picking up a book. The collection of books on the shelves was a combination of my dad’s, who read English and literature as his first degree before becoming a lawyer, and my mom’s, who is a political scientist. I read everything readable—from the timeless classics to African literature, political ideologies, history, autobiographies, and Christian faith-based materials. With time, I wanted to pen down words.

 

I considered it as a hobby that gave me so much joy. I wasn’t a talkative child and thrived a lot by deep observations, so most of my words were written, not spoken. This was also the reason why I hid everything I wrote. I felt anyone reading my works would see me in a transparent way, invading my privacy.

 

“I’m not saying you should publish anything.” My sister continued. “Just don’t write on anything that can’t be kept as a keepsake over time. Your written words should be treasured.” I didn’t really understand her then, but I do now. My stories and poems were somewhat uniquely creative even though they were faith-based Christian material. There were story angles and characters—such as Mrs. Jarius’ Side of the Story—that came to life in an unexpected way without distorting the foundational themes. However, regardless of the setting, character, or plot, the creative streak stood out. I was grateful to my sister. I still am, and I thanked her for being insightful.

 

Over time, I used up the two notebooks she got and purchased some more myself to keep writing, and before long, I had over 50 short stories hidden behind the covers of bejeweled notebooks. I had no plans to publish anything until an incident occurred on a particular day that shifted my mindset.

 

It was in my second year at the university, and somehow (I’m not willing to bore you with details), during study time in class one night, a young lady read one of my stories from one of the notebooks. As she read the story, her countenance changed, her body shifted uncomfortably, and then eventually she burst into tears. The story she read transformed her life and made her rewire her thoughts regarding some salient issues of life. 

 

Everyone who witnessed this was surprised and looked at me oddly. What they didn’t know was that I was more amazed than they were. Who would have thought that a handwritten story would have such a life-transforming effect? However, it got me thinking, and I said to myself, ‘Perhaps I should publish.’ I shuddered at the thought because I felt I would be violating my rules of privacy, but that was a small price to pay for light to pierce through darkness.

 

The next thing I did was to test the waters by joining an online global writers community, Faithwriters.com. Each week I was challenged to write on a topic, and it would be reviewed and critiqued by a panel of judges, which helped to hone my skills better. My climatic point came when one of my stories made it as a winner in the challenge competition and was published in one of their quarterly anthologies. This destination gave me the boost and courage to finally publish. 

 

In 2010, I released Changes and, a few years later, Encounters with the Master. Both books have been recently republished independently. To order, click here and here. 

 

At this turn, I became exposed to child rights advocacy, as both books were tied to advancing the cause of protecting the rights of indigent children in partnership with The Innercity Mission for Children. I took up writing articles and blogs for a noteworthy reason and received awards and accolades from the mission. 

 

This further led me to ghostwrite four international bestselling children’s books, after which I thought to publish something directly for children, especially those I fought for through my advocacy. 

 

As a result, Anna’s Granny, my most recent published work, was born. To purchase a copy, kindly click here.

 

Through the years, I have created a pathway for my hobby of writing to develop wings and fly. If you would like to view a catalogue of all my works, click here. 

 

Nonetheless, there are other sides of me as I try not to limit my creativity to only writing. 

 

I offer business solutions as an entrepreneur in the HR consulting field and run a writing services company which I set up, alongside three other business ventures. Do you have any writing needs? Please click here. Are you searching for HR solutions? Feel free to click here. 

 

My dear guest, kindly accept my heartfelt appreciation for taking out time to visit with me and read through my journey. 

 

I am grateful you dropped by, but don’t remain a stranger. 

Let’s connect! Click here for more information on my upcoming book, _The 12-Year-Old King,_ and other valuable regular updates. 

 

Finally, for anyone with a lofty dream, I congratulate you on your passion and I urge you, remain in the field of play and score your goal. 

 

Cheers!