adannamdi

[adannamdi]

Heads up!

Some of the images I’ll be posting are AI-generated or found online. They’re not final representations of my stories — just visual references to help bring the vibe to life.

AI images will be labeled, and any web images are used respectfully with no ownership claimed.

Thanks for supporting my creative process — I’m just getting started ✨

[adannamdi]

I’ve spoken about Divine Priestess before, but I’ve never really shared why I wrote it.It began with curiosity — about the role of priestesses in pre-colonial Nigeria — and frustration from watching a Nigerian film that didn’t sit right with me. That frustration became fuel.

I originally wrote the entire story in a fantasy medieval setting… then rewrote the whole thing from scratch to reflect pre-colonial Igbo culture. It was stressful. I regretted it midway. But I knew the story deserved more depth, more honesty.

So I reworked everything — the magic system, setting, food, clothes, terrain, map, even the language. I hand-drew concept maps, studied Igbo terms, rituals, and traditions. It took a lot of effort, but I don’t regret what it became.

This is the first in a behind-the-scenes series where I’ll share the before and after of this process — the shift in vision, the design choices, and how I managed the cultural transition.

It’s not just a fantasy. It’s a return.

[adannamdi]

Hey everyone 👋🏾

I haven’t been active lately (been a bit under the weather), but I’m back with updates!

🎉 Starting Saturday, I’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes posts on The Divine Priestess — how the story evolved, design choices, and more. Some parts might go behind a paywall later, so let me know how you feel about that.

Also, if you want updates sent straight to your inbox (and access to exclusive content), subscribe to my Substack — it’s free! 💌

[adannamdi]

✨ Hello friends! ✨

Sorry I haven’t been active lately — I’ve been unwell and it took a lot out of me. But while resting, I’ve been cooking up something exciting to share!

I’m opening up my storytelling world to you — with weekend updates! Expect:

📍 Rich location visuals

📜 Lore & world-building insights

💬 Reflections & deep-dives

But first — help me choose which story to start with! 👇🏽

📖 Ọnụ Nsọ (Divine Priestess)

If you love prophecy vs. power, political intrigue, and mystical journeys, you’ll enjoy this. Set in an Igbo-inspired world, Ijeoma Maduka is burdened with visions of destruction. As she navigates deception, fragile alliances, and her own haunted past, she must figure out not just how to save a realm — but who she must become when destiny calls.

💔 Lonely Heart

A heartfelt romance about Cassandra, who’s still grieving her fiancé’s death from cancer. When her friend Rita drags her out of isolation, she meets David — a man determined to melt her heart. But just as love blossoms, a sinister stalker threatens her new beginning. Can love heal, or will grief win again?

🔥 John & Rita

Spun from Lonely Heart, this slow-burn, character-driven romance follows John, a quiet 32-year-old systems admin, and Rita, a vibrant 25-year-old extrovert. Their relationship is messy, layered with misunderstandings and ex-lovers. Will love win — or will pride get in the way?

👉🏽 Comment or reply with your pick! Which story should I start sharing first?

💌 I’m also looking for beta readers!

Tainted Matrimony: Happiness is a mask — but what happens when it cracks? A story of a woman peeling back the layers of her marriage, uncovering passion, betrayal, and truths she might not survive.

The Hidden: When Adebayo’s daughter is found dead, her secret diary hints at a darker life than he imagined. Along with his brother and a friend, he digs for the truth — but some secrets fight back.

If you’re in for beta reading, reply or DM me:

“I’m in for beta reading” and mention the title you want to read!

Thank you for being here. Your input means so much to me! I’m excited to grow these stories with you.

🌿 Warmly,

Ada Nnamdi.

[adannamdi]

My first podcast episode

Just resting out and intro, more incoming

[adannamdi]

Help me shape this space 📝

Got a minute? I’m building something personal, reflective, and creative—and I’d love your input.

Take this quick survey and help guide what comes next. Your voice matters.

[adannamdi]

🗳️ A Quick Heads-Up: The Igbo Observer Survey Is Coming!

Hey everyone!

Tomorrow, I’ll be sending out a short survey exclusively to my subscribers. It’s my way of checking in—learning what resonates with you, what you’d like to see more of, and how we can grow this space together.

🔔 Want to be part of it?

Make sure you’re subscribed—it’s currently free, and you can always unsubscribe later. Even if it’s just for the day of the survey, your voice matters and I’d truly love to hear from you.

📬 The survey will be sent directly to inboxes, so if you’re already subscribed, you're all set. If not, this is a great time to hop in!

Thank you for being here. Let’s build this together.

— Ada Nnamdi

The Igbo Observer

[adannamdi]

Saying “no” is powerful—but no one talks about the aftermath. The silence. The guilt. The backlash. This piece is a reflection on boundaries, bravery, and what it really costs to protect your peace.

The Power (and Cost) of Saying NO

[adannamdi]

What I’m Dealing With Right Now: A Writer's Plea for Understanding and Empathy

Recently, I made a comment online—just one—that suggested something simple but real: that not every writer can afford to pay for custom artwork, especially those of us from underrepresented or economically strained backgrounds. I meant no harm. I only meant to express a truth many of us face daily.

But instead of dialogue, I was met with insults.

I was accused of sounding like AI. My education, intelligence, and intentions were ridiculed. Even after I shared my lived experience and made it clear that I wasn’t devaluing artists, just pointing out economic constraints, I was mocked, dismissed, and even stalked to my profile where more violence was exhibited.

And when I asked for solutions—a way we could collaborate, bridge the gap, and build a fairer system—I was silenced again.

This… this was disheartening.

I thought we were a creative community, one meant to uplift, educate, and challenge one another with kindness and open minds. A space where artists, writers, and thinkers—regardless of race, location, or income—could learn from each other and push the industry forward.

Instead, I was reminded that bias and elitism still thrive—even in the creative space.

But I’m not discouraged.

This experience lit something in me. I do have a solution in mind—one that could support both young writers and artists alike—but I’ll share it in due time. For now, I just want you to hear this:

If you’ve ever felt overlooked, underfunded, underrepresented, or told that your voice didn’t matter because you couldn’t “pay your way” into the industry—I see you.

We deserve to dream, too.

And if you believe in real solutions over shame, in access over gatekeeping, and in compassion over cancellation, I invite you to follow, subscribe, and stay tuned.

Because we’re going to build something stronger—together.

With resolve,

Ada Nnamdi

The Igbo Observer

[adannamdi]

Imagine a space where Nigerian and African writers could:

Share work and get honest critique

Promote and sell books without stress

Collaborate or even animate stories someday

That’s something I’d love to help build—slowly, with others.

Would you be interested in a space like this?

Question to Audience:

What would make a writing community feel supportive for you?

Have you ever wanted feedback but didn’t know where to get it?

[adannamdi]

I've been trying all I can, but nothing seems to be working. It feels like every effort I make either leads nowhere or ends in pain. I’m not lazy—I’ve taken steps, started things, pursued opportunities—but I keep hitting walls. It’s starting to weigh on me, and I just need someone to talk to. Maybe even a little guidance or support.

[adannamdi]

Dear Nigeria, it’s time we had a real conversation. One rooted in truth, tradition, and transformation. This is not just another critique—it’s the beginning of The Nova Chronicles, a people-first lens on how we can heal and rebuild our home.

This post is only available on Substack, do subscribe to to get more updates.

[adannamdi]

A Quick Note from Me to You

Dear readers,

I’ve been struggling to return to writing fiction the way I once did. It’s been hard. So instead of forcing what no longer flows, I’ve decided to redirect my writing energy into something just as meaningful—my new Substack, The Igbo Observer.

It’s still me—just from different angles. I’m writing from the heart, about faith, healing, Nigeria, identity, and growth. It’s a space where I can explore all the parts of myself freely and hopefully find the confidence and inspiration to return to storytelling when the time is right.

So if you’re here for the stories, stay with me. I’ll write again—but for now, I’m breathing new life into my words elsewhere.

Thank you for reading, for listening, and for walking this journey with me.

Warmly,

Ada.

[adannamdi]

The life of a Christian is incomplete without a deep encounter with the Word. Join me as I begin my spiritual deep dive—starting with the beginning of all things. Genesis Chapter 1 isn't just history; it's a foundation. Let’s uncover its living truth together.

I apologize but this post is only available on Substack, so I would advice you subscribe and look forward to it's release on Substack

BTW it's free.

[adannamdi]

How to Make Your Main Protagonist Impactful in a Mystery Whodunit

I've talked about suspects, villains, and character occupations in mystery writing, but let's go deeper into how we can make our main protagonist even more impactful in a whodunit narrative.

In this post, I'll share what I did with my character, Adebayo Owolabi, and why I believe he is the most memorable character in The Hidden Diary. This isn’t a strict formula for writing your protagonist, but I hope it helps you develop your own characters.

This also isn’t the only mystery I will be writing, so my approach to crafting main characters will evolve over time. As I work on new projects, I’ll continue sharing my insights. Make sure to follow for updates!

ADEBAYO OWOLABI: A Case Study

Adebayo Owolabi is, in my view, the central male character of The Hidden Diary. Here’s a brief rundown of who he is:

Full Name: Adebayo Owolabi

Age: Mid-60s

Family: Widowed, father of one (late daughter, Adaora)

Background: Retired lawyer, now a businessman

Personality: Logical, firm, values justice, dislikes gossip (though that changes)

Likes: Cooking, especially fish dishes, spending time under his orange tree, reading newspapers, listening to the radio, sipping gin in the evening breeze

Dislikes: Injustice, disrespectful people, things being out of place

Habits: Regularly visits his wife’s grave to update her on his life and their daughter’s life

Occupation: Former lawyer, now owns a business run by a trusted associate

Living Situation: Owns a home in Lagos, Nigeria

Car Type: Year 2000 Toyota

Adebayo is a Yoruba man living in Lagos. His personality is shaped by his past experiences, particularly the loss of his wife, Ngozi, which made him deeply protective of his daughter. His investigation into her death isn’t just about justice—it’s about fulfilling his promise to always protect her.

He’s also not isolated. His connections play a crucial role in the story:

Chimoabi Duru – A high-ranking police officer and old friend who provides confidential intel.

Tunde Owolabi – His brother, a politician with access to influential circles.

Blessing – A street informant who feeds him local gossip and market rumors.

This network gives him resources to investigate—but not without consequences.

Why Character Details Matter

When crafting your main protagonist, consider the following:

Basic Characteristics:

Name

Last Name

Age

Family

Backstory

Personality

Likes & Dislikes

Favorite Dish

Habits

Occupation

Housing

Car Type

Extra Details:

Height

Blood Type

Favorite Color

Shoe Size

Clothing Style

Hair Style

Skills

These details build a well-rounded character with a clear past, present, and future. They also help maintain consistency throughout the story. However, it’s okay for characters to evolve.

For example, Adebayo dislikes gossip. But when it becomes a valuable source of information, he listens in, even calling Blessing to know what market women are talking about. This contradiction makes his character feel more real and adds layers to his motivations.

The Impact of Occupation on a Mystery Protagonist

Adebayo’s role as a retired lawyer shapes his approach to the mystery. He thinks like an investigator, but his status as a civilian creates obstacles. His friend Chimoabi reminds him that he no longer has the authority to investigate cases, yet Adebayo persists.

This introduces a compelling internal conflict: Is Adebayo obsessed, or is he genuinely pursuing justice? The answer isn’t clear until the story unfolds.

Now, imagine Adebayo wasn’t a retired lawyer but a professor. His investigation would look different depending on his field:

A criminology professor would analyze the case differently from a business professor who relies on financial leads.

His connections to law enforcement might come from former students rather than lifelong friends.

These variations show how a character’s occupation influences their methods, resources, and challenges.

Final Thoughts

Creating an impactful mystery protagonist isn’t just about making them intelligent or determined—it’s about grounding them in their world. By carefully choosing their occupation, background, and personal struggles, you create a character that feels real and memorable.

What do you think? How do you develop your protagonists? Let me know in the comments!

[adannamdi]

Hey everyone,

So it’s been a while since I wrote anything new. Most of what you’re seeing—especially on Tumblr—was either pre-scheduled or pulled from older work. On Substack, I’ve just been doing some transfers and I’m almost done with that too.

I wanted to share this because... well, there’s a chance I might not be writing stories for a while. My depressive thoughts have been slipping in and out again, and lately I’ve just felt like a couch potato—stuck, waiting for something to shift.

There are about three (or is it four?) works that I haven’t finished yet. I’ve been putting them off for a long time. Same goes for my blog—nothing solid has come out in a while. And now I get it: creativity burnout is real, and I’ve just gone through my worst one yet.

But don’t worry—I’ve decided to turn that into something. Writing about how I feel and how I’m coping has always helped, so I’m going to start doing that again. A little more honestly. A little more consistently.

So stay tuned.

[adannamdi]

My contents are also available on Substack, please do subscribe for more engaging contents, and soon I'll be posting a link to my stories soon.