Northern Narratives Initiative

The Northern Narratives Initiative is a transformative 3–5 month virtual mentorship and publishing program launched by the Northern Writers Forum (NWF), in collaboration with Open Arts World. Its mission is to empower emerging writers from Northern Nigeria—spanning genres like poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction—by providing them with personalized guidance and a clear path to publication.

• One-on-One Mentorship: Each participant pairs with an accomplished writer who offers individualized feedback, guidance, and creative inspiration.
• Structured Learning: Participants engage in regular check-ins, feedback cycles, and writing exercises designed to improve their craft progressively.
• Chapbook Development: Over the mentorship phase (April 21 – July 21, 2025), writers curate and refine a selection of their best work with the goal of forming a polished mini chapbook.
• Editorial & Publishing Support: From July 22 to September 21, 2025, a professional editorial team assists in polishing manuscripts, finalizing layouts, and preparing for publication.
• Publication & Launch: Writers are celebrated with their own mini chapbooks, showcasing their creative growth and offering them tangible evidence of their emerging literary presence.

• Amplifies Underrepresented Voices: By centering Northern Nigerian writers, the initiative seeks to enrich national and global literary conversations with fresh perspectives.
• Cultivates Creative Excellence: Through mentorship and editorial support, it helps writers elevate the quality of their work and develop sustainable writing practices.
• Builds Community: The initiative fosters a dynamic network of writers, mentors, and publishers, strengthening literary connections across the region.

In essence, the Northern Narratives Initiative is a nurturing ecosystem—offering support, skills development, and real-world publishing experience—to help Northern Nigerian voices find their place and power on the page.