Award-winning Nigerian novelist on the Nigerian civil war, motherhood and feminism

See some of the questions and answers below:

On the Nigerian civil war

Oyelola asks:

In your novel Half of a Yellow Sun which I read about my country’s history, I realised you didn’t mention the two women who were murdered during Nigeria’s first military coup January 15 1966, Latifat Ademulegun and Ahmadu Bello’s first wife, why? Also, during the first coup, civilians were shot in Lagos and none of this was talked about in the novel.

Chimamanda Adichie answer:

Many things were not talked about in the novel. I told the story I wanted to tell. There are still many stories untold (although there is mention of the attacks in Lagos). And thank you for mentioning the women who were murdered.

On Writing

Koochacoo asks: What advice would you give to somebody who would like to write creativity, but has no idea where to start in terms of plotting a story, creating realistic characters and so on? How much planning goes into your own work? Second question – what are your thoughts on creative writing courses?

Chimamanda Adichie answer:

They can be helpful if you are clear about why you want to go and if you manage your expectations. Where to start? Write. Just write. Start. And read as much as you can. Read widely and read different things, and sometimes while immersed in the multitude voices of others, you just might find your own.

More advice for writers:

MontagandMildred asks: Would you say you’re a confident person? Do you write with the idea that people will want to read what you have to say in your mind or do you write purely for yourself? I tend to be my own worst enemy and believe that no one will enjoy what I have written.

Chimamanda Adichie:

Self doubt is part of the creative process. I hate to have it but I also realise it is part of the process. Otherwise you become complacent, which is cancerous for creativity. I generally write the kind of books that I like to read.

On Motherhood

Sarah Hannan asks: What excites you the most about being a new mom? What terrifies you the most about being a mom?

Chimamanda Adichie answer:

Most exciting – a new and unique kind of love has come into my life, glorious and joyful and encompassing and full of discovery.

Most terrifying – the anxiety-filled desire to protect her from everything and the terror-filled sense that I cannot.

And check out her best book for this year:

Joyce Hamya asks: What’s the best book you’ve read so far this year?

Chimamanda Adichie:

A book of poems by Reginald Dwayne Betts called Bastards of the Reagan Era which is magnificent, and I have just been reading every book by Tessa Hadley after reading her novel The Past. She has such great psychological insights into human beings, which is rare. She is one of the best fiction writers writing today.

Read the interview in its entirety on Guardian UK

Compliment this interview with why she wanted her pregnancy to be personal, 10 writing advice from the author of 'Americanah' and 7 African literature books to read if you love Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

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