Nigerian novelist and author of The Girl with the Louding Voice, Abi Daré, reveals that writing her latest novel, And So I Roar, demanded a different approach: ‘This time, I allowed myself to embrace the unknown and let ideas simmer between drafts. It was a journey of letting go of immediate expectations and growing comfortable with exploration.’
First Draft is our interview column, featuring authors and other prominent figures on books, reading, and writing.
Our questions are italicized.
What books or kinds of books did you read growing up?
Growing up, I devoured books written by Enid Blyton, convinced that I was the yet-undiscovered member of the Famous Five or that I would eventually find myself at a boarding school just like Malory Towers. Those stories stirred my sense of adventure. I also discovered John Grisham at a young age, which broadened my interest in thrillers and mysteries. Over time, I found books that ignited a love for storytelling itself—one of the earliest I can remember is Second Chance by Nyengi Koin, which planted seeds that grew into my passion for writing.
What’s the last thing you read that changed your mind about something?
The last book that truly made me pause and reexamine my views was A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. It reshaped my perspective on resilience and the sacrifices people make for love, challenging me to think deeply about the strength required to endure and maintain hope.
What is your writing process: edit as you write or draft first, then edit?
My writing process is a blend. I draft with an eye for fluidity, trying to capture the raw energy of my ideas, but I often find myself polishing sentences as I go. This keeps me anchored in the voice and rhythm of the narrative. Once the draft is complete, I take a step back, reread with a critical eye, and add depth, refining each layer to bring out the heart of the story.
My writing process is a blend. I draft with an eye for fluidity, trying to capture the raw energy of my ideas, but I often find myself polishing sentences as I go.
What was your process for writing your debut novel, The Girl with the Louding Voice?
Writing The Girl with the Louding Voice was immersive and deeply personal. It began with a burst of inspiration and intensive research into issues of child labour and education in Nigeria. Adunni’s voice was a guiding force, urging me to write in long stretches, revisiting scenes over and over until her spirit felt fully realized. I spent months refining her journey, driven by a desire to honour her resilience and ensure her story radiated strength in every chapter.
The Girl with the Louding Voice is about a teenage Nigerian girl called Adunni who becomes a maid and faces many struggles. Looking back, what’s one thing you might revise/do differently if you were to write it again?
The Girl with the Louding Voice follows Adunni, a teenage Nigerian girl who becomes a maid and faces countless challenges. Looking back, there is nothing I would change about her story—I set out to write a novel centred on her journey, and I feel like I accomplished that. With my new book, And So I Roar, I now have the chance to delve deeper into the lives of those around Adunni, adding new layers and perspectives to the world she inhabits. In a way, this broader exploration completes Adunni’s story, offering richer contrasts and connections that enhance her journey.
How did your approach to writing change while working on your latest novel, And So I Roar?
And So I Roar demanded a different approach. This time, I allowed myself to embrace the unknown and let ideas simmer between drafts. I learned to lean into the spaces where uncertainty lies, to trust God completely and trust that the story would take shape in its own time. It was a journey of letting go of immediate expectations and growing comfortable with exploration.
Which book or author had the most influence on your approach to writing it?
Interestingly, the script-like style of Fredrik Backman’s Anxious People inspired me to experiment with form, while the countdown structure from the TV show 24 influenced my approach to pacing and timeline, lending a fresh intensity to the narrative.
What’s one thing about readers’ reactions to The Girl with the Louding Voice that surprised you?
I was surprised—and deeply moved—by how many readers told me they cried. To know that Adunni’s journey resonated so emotionally with people is both humbling and heartwarming.
With my new book, And So I Roar, I now have the chance to delve deeper into the lives of those around Adunni, adding new layers and perspectives to the world she inhabits.
What’s the first book you read that made you think you wanted to be a writer?
A Time to Kill by John Grisham. That story held such power; it left me feeling as though words could truly shape minds, open dialogues, and perhaps even change lives.
What book (from Africa) do you feel has not yet received the attention it deserves?
When I think of ‘attention’, I think of a book being honoured and widely shared. For me, it is about creating a platform for voices that are too often overlooked, though I don’t measure a book’s value by how widely it is read.
Who is the most compelling character you’ve ever encountered in a book, and what makes them memorable?
Amir in Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner left a lasting impression. His flaws, his struggles, and his journey toward redemption made him unforgettable. There is something universal about his vulnerability, and it lingers long after you have closed the book.
What’s one book you would recommend gifting a loved one this holiday season, and why?
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi. This sweeping family saga connects generations and powerfully reminds us of the shared threads of history and resilience that bind us all.
What’s one word, line, or quote that captures how this year has gone for you?
This year has been about growth, embracing change, and finding strength in the unexpected.
What’s the best book by an African author you’ve read this year?
The First Woman by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi. Her storytelling is powerful and celebratory, with a rich focus on women’s voices and heritage that’s both deeply personal and universal.
What is your favourite topic to write or read about these days?
Lately, I am drawn to stories that explore themes of identity, migration, and the concept of home. These resonate with me as they capture the complexity of belonging and the emotional tapestry of what we call ‘home’.
My family reminds me why I write: to tell stories that bridge human experiences and to give voice to those who are often suppressed.
What are you currently working on?
Right now, I am focused on sharing and touring my latest book, And So I Roar. It has been an adventure connecting with readers and hearing their reflections.
Question from Candice Iloh: What is your family’s relationship to your work?
My family is incredibly supportive—they are my sounding board, and my greatest cheerleaders. My family reminds me why I write: to tell stories that bridge human experiences and to give voice to those who are often suppressed.
Bonus: Please suggest a question for a future author’s First Draft.
What book taught you the most about yourself, and why?⎈
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