Bashirat: Writing on how I overcame grief brought me relief

Bashirat Abdulwahab is a trained journalist from Bayero University, Kano. She is also a social worker at Hands for Life foundation. In this interview, Bashirat spoke on why she wrote her book ‘From Pain to Purpose’ and how it has affected her life.   How did you start writing? I started writing in secondary school, […]

Bashirat Abdulwahab is a trained journalist from Bayero University, Kano. She is also a social worker at Hands for Life foundation. In this interview, Bashirat spoke on why she wrote her book ‘From Pain to Purpose’ and how it has affected her life.

 

How did you start writing?

I started writing in secondary school, but the urge to write died when I wrote a novel and my teacher misplaced the manuscript. It was very painful, but I had to let go. When I got into the university, I wrote articles for newspapers – Daily Trust inclusive. I wrote extensively on ‘Almijiranci’ and the menace of street begging because I didn’t like seeing young kids begging everywhere, I thought it was unfair for them not be in school. 

Fortunately, I discovered my real passion – giving myself in the service of others. I joined the BUK Students’ In Free Enterprise (SIFE, now ENACTUS) team where i got the opportunity to volunteer at various events, community training, women and youths empowerment projects in various communities.

Through my volunteerism I got the chance to represent the Nigerian team in Berlin where the BUK team came 5th out of 45 countries.

What is the message in your book?

My book “From Pain to Purpose” is a mini autobiography of my life and my painful past. After losing the two most important men in my life (father and husband)  and being able to have my life back due to post traumatic stress disorder and depression, I knew that I needed to share this story of survival with the world.

 I realised many people who have had a tough time in life or lost their loved ones find it difficult to move on. So I decided to share my life’s painful story with the world. To inspire people who may feel like giving up on life already due to one thing or the other. No matter what happens don’t give up yet, hang on in there. No one’s life should end because of the loss of a loved one. Heal. Love. Live.

How long did it take to write the book?

When I finally decided to I was going to write the book, I wrote every day 8am and sometimes at night and early mornings for about four months. Editing took about five weeks; publishing took three weeks. All in all, it took me 6 months.

What do you expect to achieve with your book?

This book is for everyone sincerely. Because I am sure whoever reads it will find a piece of him/herself inside it, adults and young minds alike. But more importantly, it is for people who are struggling with life, who have lost their loved ones, and who are battling with depression and emotional trauma. In the book, “from pain to purpose” I outlined how I got out of depression and how anyone can too. I want my readers to be able to absorb the deep lessons therein as they read it.

How has authoring this book affected your life?

Writing this book was like bringing off me a heavy burden. I feel light and fulfilled to share my story with people who are having hard times and those who feel like their lives have ended already. The reviews and comments I get on a daily basis from my readers are really inspiring. I feel really happy and fulfilled knowing that people who have read my book found pieces of themselves in it and renewed passion and courage to move on in life no matter how unfair life has treated them or is treating them. 

Funding and circulation are often challenges for young authors. How did you overcome these?

I had to save money for publishing. It was a huge sacrifice. Unfortunately, the money saved wasn’t enough; I had to seek financial support from my family members which I got.

When my book was finally published, I knew I needed to market it. So, I sought the advice of my publisher, Words Rhymes and Rhythm, and I was able to get a good book marketing company that made my book available in many states in Nigeria. Interestingly, my book is now available on Amab Books, Amazon and Okada books and in nine bookshops around the country. My aim is to sign up more deals with book marketers to make it accessible nationwide.

What are your words to young writers?

My advice to upcoming writers is that: stay gritty! Even if you feel you are the worst writer ever born, persistence will make you better by the day. Read, unlearn, and relearn. Keep at it, don’t you ever stop.