Meet Literature’s Next Big Voice

 

By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Ahunwa Maryfavour is a young writer recognised at the Nightengale Literary Awards. In this interview, she shares her journey, inspiration, and the lessons she has learned through writing and competition.

 How did you feel when you received the Emerging Voice in Literature Award?
I felt so happy that I couldn’t fully express my joy because I never expected it.

Why did you decide to join the Nightengale Literary Awards competition?
I joined to improve my competition skills and to learn how to express my imagination better through writing, and it truly helped me.

When did you start writing?
I started writing at the age of 10, with the help of my teacher in my amateur stage.

What kind of writing do you enjoy most?
I enjoy creative writing the most, especially storytelling. There is something powerful about building characters, shaping their emotions, and creating worlds that feel real to the reader. I like writing stories that carry meaning, whether about love, growth, challenges, or everyday life, because they allow me to connect with people on a deeper level.

I also enjoy descriptive writing, where I can paint clear pictures with words and make readers feel like they are inside the scene. But overall, creative writing stands out for me because it gives me the freedom to express my imagination and ideas.

Who encourages you in your writing?
My aunt, Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu, has been a strong pillar of support and my anchor from the very first day I started writing until now.

What did you learn from this competition?
I learned that imagination is the foundation of literature because it improves the mind and way of thinking. I also learned how to express my thoughts in written form, like prose or drama, and it improved my writing speed.

What challenges do you face when writing?
My main challenge is self-doubt. Sometimes I ask myself, ‘Is this right?’ or ‘Will people like it when they read it?’ That is my biggest challenge.

What message do you like to share through your writing?
I like to share messages about growth and self-belief. I encourage others to believe in their dreams and nurture them into something beautiful, because it might be the light someone else is waiting for.

What advice do you have for other young writers?
My advice is to keep dreaming, imagining, and believing in your dreams. If you don’t believe in them, no one else will. And always remember, you must defeat the bees before accessing the honey.

What are your future plans in writing?
My future plan is to grow, learn, help others, and impact knowledge through my writing skills.

Ahunwa’s story shows her passion, hard work, and belief in herself. It reminds young writers that with effort and imagination, they can grow, inspire others, and make a difference with their words.