Home / Quotes / Quote by Sefi Atta

Quote by Sefi Atta

“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.”

Quote by Sefi Atta

Author

Sefi Atta is a Nigerian-British author known for her unique literary style and profound insights into African culture. Her works often explore themes of gender, race, and identity, and have been well-received by readers worldwide. more

You May Also Like

“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.”

People Way Writing Made Stories Use Memories Fiction Imagine Events Reader Setting Settings Narrative Bored Non 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.”

Feels Writing Enough Jobs Next Knowing Produce Hard Work Projects Concerned Aspect Harder Get Up Prize Awkward Promoting Promotion Work Harder Sociable

Author:Sefi Atta

“I get stage fright with short stories. For me it feels like standup comedy: kill or die. I'm more confident when I begin a novel because I know I have space to fail.”

Knows Feels Stories Dies Space Novel Comedy Failing Stage Short Story Fright Stage Fright

Author:Sefi Atta

“I always begin [a novel] with outlines, but they change and so do my endings and beginnings.”

Author:Sefi Atta

“'ve had notebooks, but they are nondescript. All I care about is that they fit in my hand. I scribble down ideas. The problem is my best ideas come while I'm driving or showering.”

Ideas Problem Hands Care Fit Driving I Care Notebook Scribbles

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.”

Ifs Writing Trying Years Firsts I Can Book Fun Hours Dislike Chapters Schedules Revision Non Stop Drafting

Author:Sefi Atta

“For all forms, writing dialogue is almost like writing music. I pay close attention to rhythms and tones.”

Writing Form Pay Attention Dialogue Rhythm Tone Writing Music Writing Dialogue

Author:Sefi Atta

“I never wanted to be a writer; I just had stories I needed to tell.”

Stories Wanted Needed

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.”

Writing Happens Concerned Focused Marketplace Discontent Stay 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.”

Needs Writing Stories Care Desire Passion Attention Reader Overwhelming Sincerity Pretender Overwhelming Desire

Author:Sefi Atta