Meet Kentimfon Charles Ndanyongmong, the remarkable young talent hailing from the vibrant city of Uyo, Nigeria. Born in Mbak Obio Itam, Kentimfon’s journey into the world of literature began in the classrooms of Dove International School, where his passion for storytelling first ignited. Currently a bright student at Beulah International School in SS1A, Kentimfon recently clinched the prestigious title of the 2023 Heirs Life Essay Championship. His eloquent words and boundless creativity have captured the hearts of many, painting a vivid picture of a future literary star in the making. Join us as we delve into the inspiring story of this young wordsmith, whose dreams and determination are reshaping the literary landscape of Nigeria. Excerpts.
What specific experience or realisation triggered your passion for writing, leading you to choose it as your dream career over other seemingly conventional options?
I started to develop a passion for writing when I realised that anyone could write. I had always loved writing, but I thought it was out of my reach, being a science student and all. However I found out that since writing isn’t a conventional career anyone could do it. That’s when my passion for writing was ignited.
You mentioned the transformative power of literature and your desire to inspire others. How do you envision your writing making an impact on the lives of Nigerians and people around the world?
I believe that my writing can inspire people, as other people’s writing has inspired me. When I write I feel like I am speaking directly to my readers. I want my readers to know the worst of the world, how hard life can be, but I also want them to see the best of mankind, to know that every problem has a solution.
In your essay, you emphasised the idea of writing being a window to the soul. Can you share a personal moment when your writing allowed you to explore your own emotions or thoughts in a profound way?
I remember when I tried writing for the first time, I felt one with my characters, I felt their struggles, their triumphs, their pain and their joy.
Your essay beautifully portrays the depth of writing as more than words on paper. How do you balance the technical aspects of writing with the emotional depth necessary to connect with readers on a profound level?
Of course when you’re writing there are some rules you cannot ignore, but why I love creative writing is because the rules can be bent and you are free to explore your creative side.
Winning the Heirs Life Essay Championship is a significant achievement. Could you share some insights into your creative process? How did you approach crafting your essay to stand out and resonate with the judges?
I believe that your first paragraph is the most important. If you don’t start well then no one will be willing to read your work to the end. Also I try to imagine what the examiner would want me to write and write differently, another perspective. I think that’s what makes my work stand out
You mentioned Chinua Achebe and Chimamanda Adichie as sources of inspiration. Are there specific aspects of their writing styles or themes that you admire and incorporate into your own work?
I love the way Chinua Achebe writes, the way he speaks through his characters is divine. I try to give my characters that emotional depth. Chimmamanda Adichie’s attention to detail is first class. Whenever I read her work I have a clear picture of what she’s talking about. I try to write like that.
Given your passion for writing and your desire to inspire others, what advice do you have for fellow students who may be struggling to find their own passion or voice in creative pursuits?
The best advice I can give to fellow students who are searching for their calling is to pace yourself. The last thing you want to do is rush into a decision like that. Evaluate your skills and weaknesses and eventually the right career will find you.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for the future? Do you have any specific writing projects or goals that you are excited to pursue in the coming years?
I’ve given it a lot of thought and I think I’ll try my hands at publishing a book, I hope it goes well. My teachers are flooding my desk with a lot of writing competitions, we’ll see how it goes.
