You owe it to humanity to write – Lawrence Darmani to young writers

Veteran writer Lawrence Darmani has urged young, unpublished writers to consider their craft a responsibility to humanity, insisting that those gifted with the ability to write must not abandon their work.

Delivering a virtual address at ‘Unplugged & Reconciled,’ a ‘sip and chat’ event organised by 365Mustang for writers and readers in Accra, the Grief Child author emphasised the importance of resilience and focus in today’s fast-paced, distraction-filled world.

“If you have been given the calling, the skill, and the inspiration to write, you owe it to humanity to write so that others can benefit from it,” he said. “People are actually waiting to read your work, so do not abandon it. Even if you reach a point where things get tough, still get back to it and finish.”

Darmani highlighted the impact of distractions - ranging from social media to everyday responsibilities - on writers’ ability to complete their projects. However, he urged writers to treat writing as a ‘jealous skill’ that demands time, dedication, and consistency.

“You must make writing a distraction against all other distractions,” he noted. “If I have set time aside to write, then my writing becomes the reason I am unavailable for anything else.”

The event, hosted at Full Option Lounge, brought together writers and readers to discourse about the artform, and to encourage networking among like-minded individuals. Attendees explored the challenges and opportunities of writing in the digital age, sharing insights on staying relevant and maintaining originality amidst the growth of technology, particularly the rise of Artificial Intelligence and shifting reading and writing habits.

The evening featured a hybrid approach that comprised keynote addresses, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities. Participants had the chance to exchange ideas, gain mentorship from seasoned writers, and reflect on their personal writing journeys.

The longtime publisher also advised writers to continuously sharpen their skills through continuous reading, training, and belonging to writing associations. He stressed the importance of having a writing project at all times, stating, 'If you aim at nothing, you will hit nothing.' According to him, many writers struggle to complete their work due to a lack of focus, making it crucial to set clear goals and follow through.

The discussion reinforced the idea that writing is more than a profession or hobby - it is a duty. Darmani encouraged writers to take their work seriously and push past obstacles, reminding them that persistence is key to success in the literary world.

In an era where content is abundant but depth is rare, writers, Darmani reiterated, have a unique role to play in shaping thought and preserving knowledge.

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