Meet Chidinma Mercy Mba: Second Place Winner Poetry Category at WWMFESTIVAL 2025

 

WWMF: What sparked the initial idea for your entry? (Did music inspire you at any time?)

CM: Yes, at a point, I was inspired by Taylor swift’s song called “The Lakes” in her folklore album where she seeks solitude and somewhere safe to cry.

WWMF: What message or emotion were you most hoping to convey?

CM: The message I was hoping to convey is how sometimes clarity and inspiration hits you in the dark, even on sleepless nights. How a sudden light of hopefulness can brighten your restless nights.

WWMF: If you had more time to develop the piece, what might you add or change?

CM: I really didn’t have enough time to write the piece and I rushed through it because I was already late, if I had more time, I would add how beautiful dreams are, how hopefulness realigns my life, how creativity hits more in solitude and how it feels so beautiful having even as little as a strand of hope to hold unto.

 

WWMF: How did you approach writing and revising this piece?

CM: I approached it with calmness, just as how my thought process would be in the middle of the night, calm, soft and peaceful.

WWMF: Did you encounter any creative obstacles, and how did you navigate them?

CM: Yes, the main obstacle I encountered was how to put my thoughts into words and I tried my best to make up words that were not only understandable to me but to others as well.

WWMF: Are there elements of your craft you felt grew stronger through this submission?

CM: I would say creative thinking and relatability.

WWMF: What motivated you to enter the Write with Music Festival’s writing contest

CM: Honestly, it was a spontaneous decision, I haven’t really written in a while now and I was excited at the opportunity.

WWMF: How did it feel to learn you had placed as the second runner-up

CM: I was surprised honestly, I rushed through my writing and I felt it wouldn’t be good enough, I’m very motivated to start writing again.

WWMF: What part of the festival experience has been most meaningful to you

CM: I loved the part where the guest speakers were invited to speak, watching them speak with so much joy about their craft made me feel seen.

WWMF: What do you hope readers take away from your work?

CM: I hope that readers would always open up their minds to new ideas, even at the darkest times, the best inspirations can come and that they should always find beauty in every moment of their lives.

 WWMF: What are your current writing goals or upcoming projects?

CM: I wouldn’t say anything for now but I’m still trying to put something together, once it is done, I’ll definitely reach out.

 WWMF: Do you have advice for writers who are hesitant to share their work publicly?

CM: You never know whose heart that you’re going to touch by your words, gatekeeping your work is like lighting a candle and covering it up, your work can take you where your legs might not be able to reach.

WWMF: Drop your social media handles so that readers and fans can connect with you.

CM: I’m active on Instagram, you can connect with me, my handle is mexy_starr

Do have a nice day❤️❤️