The Northern Writers Forum (NWF) is proud to announce the forthcoming release of ten digital chapbooks by emerging writers across Northern Nigeria. These publications are the creative culmination of the Northern Narratives Initiative, a mentorship and publishing programme supported by Open Arts World (Fund), designed to amplify underrepresented voices in the region.
Over the past several months, ten selected writers, working across poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction, have undergone an intensive mentorship programme with accomplished Nigerian writers. Through workshops, one-on-one mentorship, and editorial guidance, each participant developed and refined their work into compelling manuscripts reflecting Northern Nigerian literature’s depth, diversity, and evolving landscape.
The digital chapbooks will be available for free download on the day of the public book presentation and reading at the Open Arts Space in Kaduna, to be held later this month. The event will bring together writers, literary enthusiasts, and the wider public to celebrate the mentees’ achievements and showcase their works to a broader audience.
Speaking on the project, NWF Founder, Zakiyyah Dzukogi noted:
“This initiative goes beyond just publishing books; it aims to create opportunities for new voices, uphold storytelling traditions, and elevate Northern Nigerian literature in wider dialogues. These chapbooks serve as both a starting point and a guide for what can be achieved when young writers receive support.”
The chapbooks will be hosted digitally on the Northern Writers Forum website, where readers will be able to download and engage with the works.
The Northern Narratives Initiative stands as a significant contribution to nurturing literary talent, strengthening reading culture, and preserving diverse voices from the region.
