Other writers have explored the same myth about the king and the horseman
I wrote the King and Horseman in two and half days, says Wole Soyinka
Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka disclosed on Saturday that he wrote his acclaimed book, “The King and His Horseman,” in just two and a half days. However, he emphasized that the idea had been developing in his mind for many years before he decided to write it down so quickly.
Soyinka made these remarks during the unveiling of “CreaTent” and “Books of Aphorisms,” authored by one of his mentees, Mohammed Bello. He described “The King and His Horseman” as one of his finest works, attributing its uniqueness to his creative process.
While other writers have explored the same myth about the king and the horseman, Soyinka explained, “Finally, I couldn’t help it anymore. Instead of feeling burdened by the task, I found joy in attempting to restore a powerful symbol that has proven to be one of the most successful plays I’ve ever written.”
He went on to clarify, “The important thing is that the process of writing this play didn’t start when I sat down at my desk. It had been there, building in my subconscious, and when I was ready, it flowed out. Many people wouldn’t believe that I wrote that play in just two and a half days; in reality, it was like a month and a half of preparation that culminated in that short period. It reflects the nature of being responsive to creative inspiration—not necessarily immediately.”
Soyinka encouraged aspiring writers not to be discouraged when experiencing writer’s block. He advised them, “Don’t worry if you’re trying to write a play and nothing seems to come out. Engage in other activities—play soccer if you wish, listen to music, socialize with friends, or participate in community projects. Inspiration isn’t a mystery; it’s about being open to ideas that others might overlook. So I recommend this pamphlet to teachers, students, and anyone interested in creativity.”
He concluded by reminding everyone that there is a connecting thread among those who often separate different artistic disciplines, such as literature, painting, and conversation, emphasizing the importance of encompassing a broad range of skills. Read More
