Lessons From Studying Legendary Writers

“A man only learns in two ways, one by reading, and the other by association with smarter people.” – Will Rogers

I firmly believe that the easiest way to learn something is to look at those who have attained legendary status in that thing. When it comes to writing, I explore the works of writers whose techniques and use of words fascinate me.

There’s something magical about reading the words of legendary writers. They make us see the world in new ways, help us understand our own stories, and teach us timeless lessons about life, culture, and the art of writing itself. As someone who loves to write, I’ve spent some time studying the greats (in my books)—reading their work, learning from their interviews, and paying attention to how they crafted stories that still resonate today.

I’ll be sharing some of the key lessons I’ve learned from studying the works of legendary writers, including iconic Nigerian authors like Chinua Achebe and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, as well as other global literary giants. Their words, both on and off the page, offer wisdom for anyone looking to refine their craft, embrace their voice, and create meaningful work.

It’s me. I’m ‘anyone’.

Anyway, let’s get into the meat of today’s essay, shall we?

1. Chinua Achebe’s Cultural Responsibility: The Power of Storytelling

Chinua Achebe, one of Africa’s greatest literary figures, understood the power of storytelling to shape perceptions and convey cultural truths. His groundbreaking novel Things Fall Apart challenged colonial narratives and offered a nuanced portrayal of pre-colonial African life, making readers around the world rethink the way African history and culture had been told.

One of Achebe’s most profound lessons is the importance of telling your own story and giving voice to your people. He once said, “If you don’t like someone’s story, write your own.” Achebe believed in the responsibility of African writers to reclaim their narratives, and he showed that storytelling is not just an art form—it’s a way of preserving history, challenging stereotypes, and fostering cultural pride.

For modern writers, especially Nigerian writers, Achebe’s legacy is a reminder that our stories matter. Whether we’re writing fiction, nonfiction, or even in the digital space, we can use our words to reflect the complexities of our experiences and to share our cultural perspectives with the world. Achebe taught us that every story has power, and that power lies in its authenticity. How liberating is that?

2. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Authenticity: Embrace Your Own Voice

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is another towering figure in Nigerian and global literature. She has captivated readers with her novels, essays, and talks that address themes of identity, feminism, and the immigrant experience. Adichie’s writing is deeply personal, yet universally relatable. One of the most powerful lessons she offers is the importance of embracing your own voice and telling stories that are true to you.

In her famous TED Talk, The Danger of a Single Story, Adichie speaks about how limiting it is to only hear one perspective. She shares how, as a child, she only read Western literature and believed that stories had to be about white, middle-class people living in places far from her Nigerian home. But when she discovered African writers, like Achebe, she realised her own stories were valid and worth telling.

Adichie’s lesson for writers is to resist the pressure to conform to others’ expectations of what your work should be. As she puts it, “Many stories matter. Stories have been used to dispossess and to malign, but stories can also be used to empower and to humanise”. Your unique perspective is valuable, and writing from that place of authenticity is what will make your work stand out. Adichie is a reminder for me to not be afraid to infuse my work with my experiences, language, and worldview.

3. Toni Morrison’s Humanity: Writing with Empathy

Toni Morrison, the Nobel Prize-winning author of Beloved and The Bluest Eye, is known for her deeply emotional and poetic prose. Her works often explore the human experience—particularly the struggles of Black women in America—with a sense of empathy and understanding that makes her stories resonate on a profound level.

Morrison’s lesson is that great writing comes from empathy. She understood the importance of truly knowing and caring about her characters. In her own words, “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” She believed that writers had the power to give voice to the voiceless and tell the stories that were missing from mainstream literature.

Morrison teaches us to write from a place of compassion. Whether you’re creating fictional characters or telling personal stories, understanding the humanity behind the experiences you’re writing about is crucial. Writing with empathy allows us (writers) to connect with our audience on a deeper level and helps us create stories that resonate long after they’ve been read. I would love to be able to do that someday.

4. Ernest Hemingway’s Precision: The Art of Observation

Ernest Hemingway, one of the most influential American writers of the 20th century, is known for his minimalist writing style and his focus on the truth of human experience. Hemingway’s lesson is that great writing often comes from keen observation. He’s quoted to have once said, “A writer’s job is to tell the truth,” and he believed that every detail in a story mattered.

Hemingway’s ability to distil complex emotions into simple, powerful prose teaches us the value of precision. As writers, we don’t always need to use grandiose language or lengthy descriptions to make an impact. Instead, paying attention to the small, everyday details and writing them with clarity and honesty can create more powerful and relatable stories.

5. Buchi Emecheta’s Authenticity and Honesty: Championing Stories Of Empowerment

Buchi Emecheta, one of Nigeria’s most revered literary figures, made a significant impact on both African literature and feminist discourse. As a novelist, playwright, and essayist, Emecheta wrote about the experiences of African women, addressing themes of motherhood, independence, and the complex interplay of tradition and modernity. Her work continues to inspire writers worldwide, particularly those interested in telling stories of marginalized voices.

Emecheta’s writing is known for its brutal honesty and raw depiction of life’s challenges, particularly for African women navigating postcolonial realities. In Second-Class Citizen, she draws from her own experiences as an immigrant in London, exploring themes of alienation, racism, and resilience. Emecheta did not shy away from the uncomfortable truths of her life, choosing to confront them through her writing. This is such a vulnerable thing to embark on achieving.

Studying legendary writers like Chinua Achebe, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Toni Morrison, and Ernest Hemingway offers invaluable lessons for aspiring writers. These literary icons have shown us that writing is both an art and a responsibility. They each carved their own path by staying true to their voice, embracing their unique experiences, and pushing the boundaries of their craft.

As modern writers, we can draw inspiration from their legacies and apply their wisdom to our own journeys. Whether you’re just starting out or have been writing for years like me, it is important to remember that every great writer was once a beginner, and every story you write has the potential to leave a lasting impact.

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