Book contents
- African Literature in Transition
- African Literature in Transition
- African Literature in Transition
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Figures and Table
- Contributors
- Introduction
- Part I Micro-histories of Genres
- Part II Genres in Transition
- Part III Experiments with Genre
- Chapter 13 The Graphic Narrative as Site of Cultural Negotiation
- Chapter 14 Experimental Writing
- Chapter 15 The Reemergence of African Science and Speculative Fiction (ASF)
- Chapter 16 Genre in African Online Creative Writing
- Chapter 17 Indigenous Hausa Fiction and Transmediality in Northern Nigeria
- Index
- References
Chapter 16 - Genre in African Online Creative Writing
from Part III - Experiments with Genre
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 20 February 2026
Book contents
- African Literature in Transition
- African Literature in Transition
- African Literature in Transition
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Figures and Table
- Contributors
- Introduction
- Part I Micro-histories of Genres
- Part II Genres in Transition
- Part III Experiments with Genre
- Chapter 13 The Graphic Narrative as Site of Cultural Negotiation
- Chapter 14 Experimental Writing
- Chapter 15 The Reemergence of African Science and Speculative Fiction (ASF)
- Chapter 16 Genre in African Online Creative Writing
- Chapter 17 Indigenous Hausa Fiction and Transmediality in Northern Nigeria
- Index
- References
Summary
This chapter explores the dynamic nature of African online creative writing, focusing on short digital forms that include flash fiction, social media poetry, and short stories. These forms – characterized by brevity, accessibility, and experimentation – challenge traditional literary conventions; they serve as platforms for diverse voices that extend the nature and identity of African literature. The chapter also traces the evolution of scholarship on African online creative writing, highlighting debates on creativity, authenticity, and the potential of new media technology. Further, the chapter identifies platforms that maintain different editorial standards while catering to various audiences. It includes a discussion of the influence of oral tradition, the use of African and non-African languages, the role of social media, and the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on literary events and publishing. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the democratization of African creative expression through digital platforms that include Jalada, ebonystory, and Flash Fiction Ghana, while acknowledging challenges posed by internet access, resources, and infrastructure. By undertaking an overview of this rapidly evolving genre, this chapter highlights the modes through which African online creative writing is shaping the future of African literature.
Information
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- African Literature in TransitionGenres of African Literature, 1900–2020, pp. 283 - 299Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2026
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