Hauwa Shehu is one of the leading Hausa fiction writers on social media. She has produced many works that have been published both in book form and online. She has participated in several writing competitions and, in fact, has emerged victorious in quite a number of them. She came first in the Gusau Institute Writing Competition held in 2023, and also placed third in the Writers’ Competition organised by the Kano State Censorship Board last year.
Our sister publication, Fim Magazine, spoke with the Kano-based author to learn how she started writing and the opportunities she has gained in the field.
QUESTION: First, we would like you to introduce yourself to our readers.
ANSWER: My name is Hauwa Shehu. I am a native of Kano State. I attended primary school and junior secondary school (JSS) here in Kano State, while I completed my senior secondary school (SSS) in Kaduna State.
I had the opportunity to complete my first degree in Mathematics, B.Sc. Ed. Mathematics.
How did you find yourself in the writing profession?
I developed an interest in writing from primary school, when I realised that I could express my complaints by arranging words on paper without having to say them out loud. From there, I understood that writing is a powerful means of conveying messages, educating, enlightening, and pointing things out in an entertaining way. From that time, I began to test my pen.
In what year did you start writing books?
In 2009, after finishing secondary school, when I was waiting for my results. ‘Shukuriyya’ was the first complete story I wrote.
Have you ever published a physical book?
Yes, I have published ‘Harin Gajimare’ and ‘Tsanin Tsaro’.
Last year, you participated in the Kano State Censorship Board writers’ competition where you placed third. Was that your first competition?
No, that was not my first competition. In 2023, I participated in the Gusau Institute Writing Competition and, by the grace of God, I came first. I also took part in the Group Writers’ Competition, where I placed fourth with the story ‘Tukunyar Talaka’. I also participated in the Hikayata competition, where my story ‘Duniyar Sama’ appeared among those that received commendation.
Writing is a powerful means of conveying messages, educating, enlightening, and pointing things out in an entertaining way. From that time, I began to test my pen.
What ambition do you have regarding writing?
My ambition is for the messages contained in my writing to be impactful to society. I want to be a writer whose messages will continue to be remembered even after my death.
What challenges are writers facing at this time?
In my view, the challenges writers face today are mainly lack of support and insufficient understanding of the ways to develop their skills and how to elevate the value of their talent so they can benefit from it.
What message do you have for writers?
My message to writers is that they should embrace the changes that come with modern times without forgetting the true value contained in their pen. They should continue to improve their skills through reading, research, and analysis. In addition to that, they should refine and polish their writing.
Alright, thank you very much.
Thank you as well.
