Avinuo Kire on Writing with Integrity and Honesty
Avinuo Kire, a poet and writer from Nagaland, shared her views on writing during a conversation with poet and educator T Keditsu at the Open House event on July 26, 2025. She emphasized that artificial intelligence lacks originality and freshness, which makes integrity and ethics crucial in writing.
For Kire, the core of writing lies in being true to oneself. She said, “when it comes from a place of honesty and you know that you're being absolutely honest with your craft, there's nothing as satisfying.” This approach reflects a commitment to authenticity that writers should uphold.
Writing Inspired by Real-Life Experiences
Kire recounted her journey into writing and discussed her book The Power to Forgive. This work was inspired by a news story titled “Father forgives rapist,” which disturbed her deeply. It raised questions about patriarchy, where women’s voices are often silenced. She pointed out that while forgiveness and healing are important, addressing violence must come first.
T Keditsu noted that a recurring theme in Kire’s books is the portrayal of Naga life beyond stereotypes. Her women characters stand out by revealing their inner worlds and struggles during crises.
Writing About Ordinary People Living Extraordinary Lives
Kire finds comfort in writing about what she knows and observes in the people around her. She said, “I have always been inspired by ordinary people.” She admires how Naga people lead ordinary lives filled with extraordinary moments.
As a woman, Kire naturally relates to her female characters, putting herself in their shoes. She highlighted that fiction often draws from reality and serves as a safe space for women to express themselves.
Personal Politics of Writing
When asked about her politics of writing, Kire described it as a personal journey of learning and unlearning rather than a radical stance. Her focus is on reclaiming language that reflects the unique history, politics, culture, and experiences of the Naga people. This distinctiveness is a key part of Naga literature.
For writers looking to deepen their craft, Kire’s perspective reminds us that authenticity and respect for the subject matter are essential. Writing grounded in honesty, cultural context, and personal truth creates work that resonates.
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