TEEN WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (TWAN)
An initiative of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers aim at enhancing, empowering and promoting literary works of teen writers in primary and secondary schools across the country
WRITING AS A CAREER
(SEVEN MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BY TEEN WRITERS)
WHO IS A WRITER/AUTHOR?
A writer is a word-smith: a producer of the written word. The writer/author is someone who sets down idea in a written form or strings together words in a meaningful, attractive sequence to express an idea/opinion or to tell a story. The idea/opinion or story begins as though in the writer’s mind. It is then captured in motion and frozen in time for all eternity in one form or another (novel, poem, play, article, etc) thus, writing, like other forms of art (painting, sculpting, mimic etc) captures the drama and essence of human existence at any point in time. Which is why writers are distinguished mentors of Arts family?
WHY DO WE WRITE?
We write to share ideas and opinions with other people – to communicate our innermost thoughts to as many people as possible without having to be physically present. Writing (and reading of course) has remained the strongest, most enduring hall mark of civilization. Reading good books is like having conversations with the finest minds of the past (and of today).
We may write to entertain, to educate or enlighten, to inform or simply to record a remarkable event, worthy life attainment or mutual occurrence in nature. Whatever the reason, a writer writes so as to share thoughts to communicate with others.
WHAT DO WE WRITE?
Writings, basically are of three genres: namely biographies, thrillers, fiction, adventures, science fiction and children’s literature are all prose. Poems of all sorts come under poetry while plays (as in tragedy, comedy, farce etc) come under drama.
HOW DOES ONE BECOME A WRITER?
Writing is like a calling – an innate gift that attains all consciousness and realization only when a person begins to write. One has either got it or hasn’t got it. It is said that every human being has a story lurking around in the mind or sub-conscious. But the ability to set it down in writing in a manner that others would enjoy reading it sets a writer apart. It is that innate ability to tell a story in writing that makes a writer.
Nowadays, however, it is absolutely necessary and inevitable that a writer in order to be good at the craft should have in his/her skills through good, effective training. It is also essential for today’s writer to be up-to-date in Information Communication Technology and this also requires training. Further information, assistance and support on this can be accessed at your local Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW)
ANY OTHER THINGS REQUIRED TO BE A WRITER?
Oh yes! Wide, up-to-date knowledge of the subject are one wants to write about and a keen interest, in broad horizon of the world around us are inevitable. Besides, a writers needs discipline, perseverance, courage and focus. Add to all these, a little bit of luck.
WHO KNOWS? YOU MIGHT BE THE NEXT NOBEL LAUREATE THE WORLD IS WAITING TO CELEBRATE


CAN ONE REALLY MAKE A LIVING AS A WRITER?
To be truthful, it must be said, sadly, that very few people do. In now part of the world particularly if you feel the urge to write and fund it irresistible, learn a trade or take a job and keep writing. You might just get` a treak that will catapult you into the pro writers’ league and you may never have to look back.

FINALLY, CAN SCIENCE STUDENTS ALSO BE A WRITER?
Definitely, the past National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (our own Wale Okediran) is a medical doctor, like T.M. Aluko who was an Engineer. So is Dr. Tony Marhino and many others. Remember, writing is like a calling: You’ve either got the time or you haven’t – irrespective of whatever one may be studying.
REMEMBER: Writing is COMMUNICATION with the attribute of permanence (unlike the spoken word).
So, good luck as you begins in the long journey towards being a writer.
May the ink never dry on your pen!
For more info contact the Acting National Coordinator – Idongesit Ifet – 07067102336, 07038421740 or Wole Adedoyin - 08072673852