In advance of our upcoming group book launch, we’re running Q&As with our featured authors about their books, writing processes, and creative journeys.
Here we’re spotlighting Mohammed Salihu, author of the self-published poetry collection Voices from the Soil: Wounds and Wisdom.
What’s your book about, and what inspired you to write it?
Voices from the Soil: Wounds and Wisdom is a collection of poems about migration, identity, grief, faith, and healing. I started writing as a way to process my own experiences of loss, but I noticed that each stage of grief shaped the poems. For instance, when I was in the acceptance stage, my poems focused on healing, while the bargaining stage inspired poems about faith and spirituality. Over time, I realized these poems moved beyond personal reflection. These poems became a way to capture collective experiences and legacy. I wanted to create a chapbook that could resonate with others navigating similar journeys.
What led you to opt for the self-publishing route?
I chose self-publishing because it gave me full creative control. Traditional publishers often involve compromises or rejections that can dilute your vision. With self-publishing, I could preserve the voice and themes of the chapbook exactly as I intended, and reach a global audience.
Can you walk us through the process of getting your book out into the world?
I wrote and edited most of the chapbook myself. I then collaborated with a designer to ensure the layout reflected the themes and feel of the work. Once finalized, I used Amazon and IngramSpark for distribution, making it available internationally, from Waterstones in the UK to Booktopia in Australia. Beyond print, I’ve shared my poetry through stage performances at events like the Paisley Book Festival, the UWS Creative Writing Competition, and the Writers’ Gathering in Glasgow.
What were some of the unexpected struggles and triumphs you experienced in writing and publishing your book?
Writing required deep vulnerability, which was emotionally challenging. Translating personal grief into universal themes unearthed wounds, but it also became a source of wisdom. Triumphs include seeing my chapbook reach a global audience through online retailers like Waterstones and Foyles in the UK, performing it internationally, and receiving constructive feedback from literary critics.
What’s next for you, and what should we keep an eye out for?
I want to keep exploring migration, identity, and healing, both on the page and on stage. I’m also interested in telling underrepresented stories, especially from Nigeria and the African diaspora, sharing them in ways that feel truthful and personal. I want my poetry to continue engaging audiences through readings, performances, and multimedia storytelling.
Mohammed Salihu is a Nigerian poet based in Scotland and the author of Voices from the Soil: Wounds and Wisdom. His work explores identity, migration, grief, and resilience, weaving universal themes with deep cultural roots. He has performed at the Paisley Book Festival and the George Floyd Memorial, and his poetry has been published in Brittle Paper, Fahmidan, and is forthcoming in Rowayat, among other publications.