Quote

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

Sefi Atta

Change background

T
T
T

Change font

TAGS & TOPICS

Sefi Atta
Age: 60
Born: 1964
Born: January 1
Author
Playwright
Writer
Endings
Outlines
Beginnings
Begin
Novel
Change
Always

More quotes by Sefi Atta

Image
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.
Sefi Atta
Image
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.
Sefi Atta
Image
I don't remember being a keen reader, but apparently I was. My aunt told me that whenever I was teased for reading, I would say, To each his own.
Sefi Atta
Image
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.
Sefi Atta
Image
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.
Sefi Atta
Image
As a student in England, I studied French and English literature. I read L'Etranger and the rhythm of the novel felt familiar to me - very African.
Sefi Atta
Image
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.
Sefi Atta
Image
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.
Sefi Atta
Image
My accountancy experience could come in handy if ever I find myself in the right position. For now, I'm very happy to write.
Sefi Atta
Image
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.
Sefi Atta
Image
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.
Sefi Atta
Image
I read Macbeth as a secondary student in Nigeria and it was like an African play to me. It had all the right elements - witches, kings and assassinations.
Sefi Atta
Image
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.
Sefi Atta
Image
'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.
Sefi Atta
Image
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.
Sefi Atta
Image
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.
Sefi Atta