Chioma Okereke
Poet, short story writer, novelist | chiomaokereke.com
What is something you only learned about storytelling after publishing your first book?
What was interesting to me about the publishing process at the time was how a complete story for me was incomplete for other people. Because I created the story and the characters, I knew my imagined world in a way that felt fully formed, but as more people encounter your work (agents, editors etc.) there are always strange gaps that require filling. I wouldn't necessarily call it ‘collaboration’, but there is an element of compromise — and occasional surrender — that an author must contend with when it comes to the traditional publishing approach.
Was there a moment while writing Water Baby when the story surprised you or took a direction you did not expect?
I can’t go into it too deeply without revealing a spoiler but I was surprised by Charlie Boy (Baby's younger brother) and the way he presented himself to me. He was such an integral part of Baby’s story and when I continued writing, I wasn’t wholly convinced it would work, but the surprise element struck my first readers too so I was really happy about that.
What is one part of your writing process that would surprise most readers?
I’m not sure if any writing process is surprising anymore but I try to complete my first drafts within three months. I approach it almost like a physical sport, pushing myself to that artificial goal. Curiously, I find that the pressure stops me from encountering writer's block in the way that I did back in those early days. My ‘deadline’ encourages me to keep going, and to ultimately arrive at that first attempt that I can then spend time moulding into something better.
Could you give readers a glimpse into your writing space? If you’re comfortable sharing, we would love to see a photo of your desk or workspace. Is there an object, tool, or ritual that has become an essential part of your writing life?
I write in the spare bedroom. I have a beautiful old wooden desk with a red leather inlay and behind me sits the most glorious wooden bookcase (purchased for a steal) filled with my absolute favourite reads over time.
My writing space is messy and maximalist; the same way I prefer my living spaces. But my ‘writing room’ is deliberately full of stuff to spark my creativity. Weird tchotchkes, objects from travels or past events, candles, heaps of writing stationary (I can't work without post-its) and a metronome in case I want sound without letting myself get distracted by music.
What is the most memorable book you’ve read recently, and what made it stay with you?
A book that I’ve recently read after carving out the time for it is Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingslover; an incredible reimagining of David Copperfield by Dickens, only transposed to Appalachia, a territory as rich for a creative’s imagination as it is poor in reality.
The book has stayed with me because it’s so easy to languish in any world of Kingslover's creation. Her language is always exquisite and characters are richly layered. Demon is likable and so authentic, it’s impossible not to root for him.
