The good news is that there are now many platforms, communities, and resources available for writers in Nigeria. If you understand how to use them well, you can grow your writing skills much faster.
Here are ten practical tips that will guide young Nigerian writers who are just getting started.
1. Start Writing Consistently (And Know Where to Write)
The most important step in becoming a writer is writing regularly. But many beginners ask an important question: where should I write?
One good place to start is Read.WritertainCreatives.ink, the storytelling platform connected to Writertain Creatives. It allows writers to publish stories, poems, essays, and serialized fiction where other readers can discover them.
The platform also uses a reward system called WoCrens. Writers who publish consistently earn WoCrens, which are platform credits. These credits can later be used for useful creative services such as:
- Book cover design
- Editing support
- Writing-related services within the community
This means that writing consistently not only improves your craft but can also help you earn resources that support your future books.
The most important thing is building a writing habit, even if it is just a few paragraphs each day.
2. Read Widely and Know Where to Find Books
Good writers are usually active readers.
Reading helps you understand storytelling techniques such as dialogue, pacing, character development, and narrative structure.
You can find books in several places.
Bookstores in Nigeria
- Roving Heights
- Bookville World
These bookstores stock both Nigerian and international literature.
Online reading platforms
- Wattpad
- PabPub
These platforms contain thousands of stories written by emerging and established writers.
Free online literary platforms
- Brittle Paper
Reading from different sources exposes you to various storytelling styles.
3. Read Short Stories to Learn Structure
Short stories are one of the best learning tools for new writers.
Because they are shorter than novels, it is easier to study how the story works.
When reading short stories, observe:
- How the story begins
- How the conflict develops
- How the ending resolves the story
Many well-known authors gained recognition through short fiction before publishing longer works.
4. Share Your Writing (And Know Where to Share It)
Sharing your writing allows you to receive feedback and build an audience.
Here are some places where Nigerian writers often share their work:
- Read.WritertainCreatives.ink
- Wattpad
- Nairaland writing threads
- Medium
- Brittle Paper (for essays and submissions)
- Twitter/X writing threads
- Facebook writing communities
Feedback from readers helps you identify areas to improve.
5. Join Writing Communities
Writing communities help writers grow faster because they offer feedback, motivation, and opportunities.
Many Nigerian writers discuss storytelling and publishing on forums such as Nairaland.
Writertain Creatives also has its own forum and discussion spaces where writers can:
- Ask questions about writing
- Share opportunities
- Discuss storytelling techniques
- Participate in community writing activities
Being part of a community helps you stay motivated.
6. Study Basic Storytelling Skills
Good storytelling involves more than just having ideas.
Important storytelling elements include:
- Character motivation
- Conflict
- Dialogue
- Plot structure
Understanding these elements will help you turn simple ideas into engaging stories.
7. Observe Everyday Nigerian Life
Many powerful stories come from everyday experiences.
Writers who pay attention to their surroundings often discover strong story ideas.
Examples of inspiration include:
- Family relationships
- School experiences
- Community life
- Social challenges
Stories grounded in familiar environments often feel more authentic and relatable.
8. Understand the Different Publishing Paths
Modern writers have several ways to publish their work. Understanding these options helps you plan your writing journey.
Traditional Publishing
In traditional publishing, a publishing company accepts your manuscript and produces the book.
Examples of Nigerian publishers include:
- Cassava Republic Press
- Farafina Books
The publisher handles editing, printing, and distribution.
Self-Publishing
In self-publishing, the writer publishes the book independently.
Many writers use Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing to distribute ebooks globally while maintaining control over their work.
Digital Publishing Platforms
Some writers publish stories online first through storytelling platforms such as:
- Wattpad
- Read.WritertainCreatives.ink
This allows writers to build an audience before releasing full books.
9. Be Patient With Your Growth
Writing development takes time.
Most writers improve gradually as they:
- Write regularly
- Read widely
- Receive feedback
- Revise their work
Instead of comparing yourself with experienced writers, focus on improving your own writing step by step.
10. Stay Curious and Keep Learning
The best writers remain curious about the world.
They observe people, ask questions, read widely, and experiment with storytelling styles.
Every conversation, experience, or observation can become the seed of a story.
Final Thoughts
Starting your writing journey may feel uncertain, but there are now more opportunities than ever for Nigerian writers.
You can publish stories online, read widely, join writing communities, and explore multiple publishing paths.
Platforms like Writertain Creatives make it possible to practice writing consistently, earn WoCrens, and gradually build the resources needed to publish your future books.
Every great writer once started with a blank page. The most important step is simply to begin.
