This Lawyer Turned Writer Is Killing It – Smart Money Africa

Storyteller, Producer, Content Curator and Screenwriter, these are some of the career roles in Nicole Asinugo’s bag. She recently bagged the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for Best writer in a Movie or TV series in 2020 for her first screenplay; Living in Bondage: Breaking Free, further setting her apart as one to watch.  Nicole didn’t discover her flair for creative writing at an early age, in fact she initially had her eyes set on becoming a lawyer; “My parents encouraged me to study law from an early age, I actually wanted to study law. I loved reading and was particularly taken by John Grisham’s vivid tales of courtrooms and the seemingly exciting lives of lawyers. But by the end of my first contract law class, I knew I had a mistake. I found the information technical and hard to follow and that was really the beginning of the end between me and law.” 

There are so many layers under procrastination, so if I was to really answer honestly it would be fear.

Looking back at some of her early literary inspirations, she talks about how her love for reading made her want to be a writer as well; “The first book that really jolted me in terms of just description and depth was Ayi Kwei Armah’s ‘The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born’. I still remember the way he describes a man hurling spit into the ground. It was visceral and jarring and I wanted to write in a way that people could see it, just like I saw his words. Chinua Achebe’s ‘Things Fall Apart’ was another favourite of mine. As I’m thinking about it, I realise that it was all the African Literature required reading in secondary school that probably inspired me the most to write.” 

Every writer has trouble writing, when asked what her biggest hindrance was, she  said procrastination. Here’s how she’s coping with this particular hindrance; “There are so many layers under procrastination, so if I was to really answer honestly it would be fear. Fear that I’m not as good as I think I am. Fear that I’ll never finish. Fear that I might succeed and my life would change. Sometimes, staying in the same place is far more comforting than the unknown, even if that unknown is success.” Still on the topic of discussing hindrances and fears associated with writing, Nicole also shared her thoughts on imposter syndrome and how she is dealing with it. “I do think imposter syndrome is inevitable. However, rather than struggle with it, I reject it. The moment I feel like an imposter, I reject the feeling and remember who I am and that I deserve to be exactly where I am.”

Getting the right type of support can make career dreams come true and this has been the case for Nicole. While talking about what has been her biggest help so far, she references God and receiving support from other writers. From writing retreats to just being in spaces with accomplished and phenomenally talented writers who share similar fears and how they’ve overcome them, this has helped her not to feel alone. “The writer, Chibundu Onuzo once told me that she doesn’t believe in writer’s block because God is the ultimate Creator and her creativity comes from Him. That never left me. When I am feeling blocked or lost or just completely helpless, I look to God and He has always filled my cup with new ideas.” she shared this memory as an example of how she has received support from the writing community.

I do think imposter syndrome is inevitable. However, rather than struggle with it, I reject it.

Talking about balancing a full time job, finding time for other creative jobs and getting rest, Nicole shares what she has learnt so far and some of her coping mechanisms; “I have a post on my mirror that says ‘Remember to rest’. I need this reminder because I realize that if you do not take in your life, life will take you. I would never be able to write and do all the other things I do alongside having a job if I didn’t absolutely love it. I was created to create. And I am always thinking of the next project and what I can do next. I think working from home for the past year has been very trying for me. This is because before I was able to leave work at work. And my home was my creative space. But now, the lines have blurred and I’m still trying to find my balance. I’m learning that you can’t cheat the balance. If I’m not getting enough sleep or time to journal, pray, rest – then everything just goes downhill. I’m trying daily to make better decisions so that I can show up properly for my full-time job and my writing which sometimes feels like a full-time job in itself.”

With a new award in the bag, an international portfolio and a novel in the works, when asked what her 5 year plan was, she had this to say; “I don’t even have a 5 month plan. In 2019, people were asking me what my plans were after my contract at Expo 2020 Dubai is over. Would I stay in Dubai? Would I move back home? “Whatever God’s plan is” was my default response. And then the pandemic hit. And Expo 2020 Dubai was postponed for an entire year. No one could have planned for this. Sure, I have goals and dreams but they are not set in stone. I lean on Jeremiah 29: 11 which says; “For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future”.