Archive: wasafiri wonders

In this instalment of Wasafiri Wonders, we spoke with author Lola Olufemi about first drafts, relational processes, and her writing rituals.

Wasafiri talks about craft and writing with two of the 2021 Jerwood Compton Poetry Fellowships, and Wasafiri contributors and friends, Dzifa Benson and Romalyn Ante. 

‘I’m still working hard to find a language for my grief.‘ To celebrate Wasafiri 107, we spoke with poet Cecilia Knapp, the Young People’s Laureate for London, about first drafts, playlists, and themes she gravitates towards in her writing – plus, listen to her read her poem ‘My Brother Quit Drinking Maybe Five Times.’

‘Writing is one of the most unpredictable crafts.’ Novelist An Yu on first drafts, favourite books, and writing the unknown.

‘…I have become more Trinidadian away from Trinidad.’ Wasafiri Wonders with Anthony Joseph.

‘When the typed draft is ready I print it out onto long sheets (2 m) and hang the whole novel on a wall.’ Wasafiri Wonders with Hamid Ismailov.

‘I suspect that we, as a species, have a drive to make sense and to make beauty, optimally at the same time.’ Wasafiri Wonders with Tabish Khair.

‘I feel as if my first drafts are almost like codes waiting to be configured into an understandable algorithm.’

‘A large breakfast before writing and peppermint tea throughout. I like to write most of all at my desk in the corner at the top of the house, surrounded by particular objects of special meaning or memory. The computer I write on has no internet connection.’