In a remarkable display of dedication and talent, a young woman from Kano has captured the literary community's attention by producing an impressive body of work under challenging circumstances. Yusra Abdul'azeez Sa'ad, a writer in her early twenties, has completed approximately 15 novels within a single year, weaving stories in both English and Hausa while balancing family duties and limited access to publishing resources.
From Marketing Diploma to Prolific Novelist
Sa'ad's extraordinary writing journey began in November 2025, shortly after she completed her diploma in Marketing. With no sophisticated digital tools at her disposal, she started her first manuscript in a simple 60-page notebook. Astonishingly, she completed The Dream Beyond the Sky, her debut novel, within just one week.
"I didn't think I could finish it, but within one week, I completed my first novel," Sa'ad revealed in an interview with Daily Trust. The aspiring author, who attended Umar Faruq Community School, Al-Furqan Academy, and Kano State Polytechnic, is the second child in her family and lost her father at a young age, leaving her mother as her primary source of motivation.
Overcoming Practical Hurdles with Discipline
The path to producing 15 novels has been fraught with practical challenges. Sa'ad writes her stories in the evenings after completing household responsibilities and home tutoring sessions. She faced a significant setback when she lost both her phone and computer, forcing her to write longhand before typing on her mother's device when possible.
Despite these obstacles, she maintains a strict timetable. "I create a timetable. In the evenings, I dedicate time to writing," she explained. This discipline has enabled her to produce works including:
- From Dust to Destiny
- Under Christian and Muslim
- Yahanasu's Dream
- The Golden Sun of Dubai: A City of Dreams
- Brave Hand
- Nana Khadija: Daughter of Dignity
- Faith and Truth
- Understanding Islam and Christianity
Several Hausa-language titles are also in development, though some works are still awaiting final titles.
Seeking Sponsorship and Future Ambitions
A major hurdle remains: none of her 15 completed novels has been published due to lack of sponsorship. Sa'ad continues to seek support to bring her growing catalogue to readers. Her first novel, which follows two village students pursuing education despite poverty, mirrors her own outlook on perseverance and social impact.
Looking ahead, Sa'ad hopes to gain wider recognition as a novelist and expand into film scripts, with ambitions for screen adaptations of her stories. She draws inspiration from writers like Fauziyya D. Sulaiman and Aminu Nasara, as well as mentor Ibro Sandi, who encouraged her to craft adaptable narratives.
Her advice to other young Nigerians with creative dreams is heartfelt: "Never give up. Even if people don't support you, keep writing or pursuing your dream. Allah will help you." This quiet literary surge from a modest Kano home demonstrates that powerful stories can emerge from anywhere, fueled by determination and faith.
