Chimamanda: Quitting Writing Was Never an Option Despite Early Rejections

Award-winning Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has said that quitting writing was never an option for her, even during the early stages of her career when she faced numerous rejections.

She made the remark on Saturday, August 2, 2025, while speaking about her journey as a writer during a media appearance following the release of her latest novel, Dream Count. The novel marks her return to long-form fiction after more than a decade, since the publication of Americanah in 2013.

Reflecting on her beginnings, Adichie revealed that her early submissions to publishers were repeatedly turned down, but she never considered giving up. “I was getting rejection letters one after another,” she said. “But quitting was never an option. I knew I had something to say, and I was determined to keep writing until someone listened.”

Her latest comments come amid renewed global interest in her work, with Dream Count already receiving critical acclaim. The novel’s release also follows a personal period of transformation for the author, who recently revealed that she became a mother to twins in 2024.

Adichie’s statement serves as an encouragement to young writers and creatives facing rejection or uncertainty, highlighting the importance of persistence, self-belief, and staying committed to one’s voice.

Today, Adichie is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most influential literary voices, known for her works exploring themes of identity, gender, politics, and migration. Her story remains a testament to resilience in the face of doubt and a powerful reminder that rejection does not define a writer’s worth.