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Quote by 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.”

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

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“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

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“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

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“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

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

Stories Wanted Needed

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“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

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“At some point, practicality requires that you reach out to people in the business. You have to take care of business if you value your work.”

People Ifs Care Values Take Care Reach Out Practicality

Author:Sefi Atta

“My [story] outlines are usually about 5-6 pages long. I'm essentially telling myself the story in short form. I try to make it clear who the major characters are, what they want, and what obstacles they face.”

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“For me, it's important that I experience and feel what the characters are feeling. So I put myself in those moments, in their thoughts, and let it happen naturally. I write what I feel.”

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