“I don't have much of an imagination, but I have a mind bank of details, which I play with. It's how I daydream, so writing like that is natural for me.” WritingMindPlayImaginationNaturalDetailsDaydreaming Author:Sefi Atta
“I don't write non-fiction because I get bored. Some of my writing is autobiographical, but not the way readers imagine. I use my memory of settings, events and people. I weave history into my stories, but my narratives are made up.” PeopleWayWritingMadeStoriesUseMemoriesFictionImagineEventsReaderSettingSettingsNarrativeBoredNon Fiction Author:Sefi Atta
“I'm disciplined about writing. I get up every day knowing I have to produce work. I'm less concerned about other aspects of the job, such as the prizes and promotions. Promoting my work can be awkward, unless I feel sociable enough. Prizes encourage me to work harder on my next project.” FeelsWritingEnoughJobsNextKnowingProduceHard WorkProjectsConcernedAspectHarderGet UpPrizeAwkwardPromotingPromotionWork HarderSociable Author:Sefi Atta
“I don't have a schedule, but I can write for hours non-stop. If I'm drafting a book, I try and do a chapter a day. I dislike first drafts. Revision is a lot more fun, but it takes years.” IfsWritingTryingYearsFirstsI CanBookFunHoursDislikeChaptersSchedulesRevisionNon StopDrafting Author:Sefi Atta
“For all forms, writing dialogue is almost like writing music. I pay close attention to rhythms and tones.” WritingFormPayAttentionDialogueRhythmToneWriting MusicWriting Dialogue Author:Sefi Atta
“What works for me is that I read widely and stay focused on my writing. I'm no longer concerned about what happens in the literary marketplace. It is distracting and can lead to discontent.” WritingHappensConcernedFocusedMarketplaceDiscontentStay Focused Author:Sefi Atta
“You don't need attention to write. All you need is passion for your work and an overwhelming desire to tell a story you genuinely care about. Readers can sense your sincerity and it separates you from pretenders.” NeedsWritingStoriesCareDesirePassionAttentionReaderOverwhelmingSincerityPretenderOverwhelming Desire Author:Sefi Atta
“I enjoy writing plays most. I haven't written a radio play in a while and I don't write short stories anymore because the process of submitting them depressed me. I really enjoy revising novels, but drafting them can be a pain.” WritingPlayStoriesPainProcessEnjoyNovelWrittenHavensRadioShort StoryRevisingDraftingRadio Plays Author:Sefi Atta
“I had stopped writing plays set in villages because they were not relevant to my experiences and I knew my English classmates wouldn't appreciate them.” WritingPlayAppreciateVillageRelevantClassmates Author:Sefi Atta
“I can't say L'Etranger influenced me to write, but for the first time I considered the possibility of telling a story that resembled my own experiences in my own voice.” WritingFirstsI CanStoriesVoiceMy OwnPossibilityFirst Time Author:Sefi Atta
“I never wanted to be a writer; I just had stories I wanted to share so I learnt how to write and kept going. If I could sing or paint, I would.” IfsWritingStoriesWantedSharePaintIf I Could Author:Sefi Atta
“I have to say that writing about my writing process is more daunting than writing non-fiction.” WritingProcessFictionWriting ProcessNon Fiction Author:Sefi Atta
“My accountancy experience could come in handy if ever I find myself in the right position. For now, I'm very happy to write.” IfsWritingPositionVery HappyHandy Author:Sefi Atta
