Calligraph is an Iko column where we interview writers and unpack the work and inspiration behind a story, an essay, a review, a poem, or a piece they published on Iko. In this edition, we have Winnie Williams, the author of I ate in my dream

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Iko: Do you remember where you were when you first had the idea for the story?

Winnie: Oh yes, I was sitting in Church- the person preaching used it as an illustration, and it was almost like a light bulb went on in my head. 

Iko: After the idea, how soon did you start working on it?

Winnie:  Immediately, I got out my note app and wrote something briefly - just like pointers to help me remember the full thing, and as soon as I was within the four walls of my room, I opened my laptop and wrote it.

Iko: Was translating the idea to reality more difficult than you typically experience? 

Winnie:  Nope, it was actually really easy cause I had seen it clearly, and all I had to do was really paint the picture with words. 

Iko: How did this story come together? Did you write it in one sitting, or did it go through multiple drafts and revisions?

Winnie:  Most of my pieces on Iko are done in one sitting, and this one is included. I don’t like to think too much about art; as soon as it comes, I get it done and put it out there. 

Iko: Were there any deliberate choices you made about language, tone, or structure to convey the message or mood of the piece?

Winnie:  I was sure to use words that described vividly. 

Iko: How did you feel after finishing the story? Was it satisfying or just a typical work day?

Winnie:  It felt typical but also satisfying because the message had been passed across. 

Iko: What kind of reactions have you received from readers about this piece? Were there any responses that surprised or moved you?

Winnie:  Yeah, people ask the funniest questions - there has been general feedback of understanding, but most people have misinterpreted the story. Of course, I’m always happy to shed more light on any of my stories. 

Iko: When people talk about the story, what part do they focus more on? Do you agree with the focus, or is there a part you wish got more attention?

Winnie:  They focus on the part where the people in the story did not want to come and see for themselves but rather wanted to be ‘spoon-fed’ literally, and yeah, that’s also the focus of the piece. The story is dynamic, and I'm excited to even discover gems that I didn't even plant. 

Iko: Is there a particular audience you hope this piece reaches? Why?

Winnie:  No, this piece was written for all humans. 

Iko: Which writer + their work would you be most flattered to hear compared to yours? Would you say they're a significant inspiration in your work? 

Winnie:  I believe that God is the greatest writer, and He proves it time and time again with the wisdom in the holy bible and with the stories He’s writing in our lives - so although my work falls flat behind compared to his own great work - it’s an honour to take on the family gift and write like he does.

Iko: If this piece were the only thing someone ever read of yours, what would you want them to remember about it?

Winnie:  The fact that the door to the building did not remain open forever- meaning the time to enter is right now, not later. 

Iko: Did you learn anything new—about yourself, your writing, or the subject matter—while working on this piece?

Winnie:  I think my ability to play with imagery shocked even me after the piece. There's such vivid imagery- it seems more like a movie to me than a written piece, so that was definitely fun to explore. 

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Find Winnie on Instagram @enunosowo.

Check out her book Deep Waters on Roving Heights.