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 Timileyin Akinsanya,  writer of the essay - The End of an Era.

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

Timileyin: Yes, I do. It was late December last year when I heard the news of the publication I worked for discontinuing. 

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

Timileyin: The idea danced around my head for days until I was particularly in my feelings about the whole situation one night and began the first draft.

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

Timileyin: Well, no, the translation was a means of processing the loss I wrote about, so it felt like an outpour.

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

Timileyin: I wrote it in one sitting, and I added tweaks subsequently.

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

Timileyin: Yes, my writing is extremely honest, and I have continued to retain it as a principle. It is also very raw and naked. It was a bit difficult to put myself out there like that, but it was necessary.

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

Timileyin: I cried afterwards; it was definitely a release and a goodbye to a chapter of my life

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

Timileyin: I’ve gotten encouraging words which I really needed to hear at the time -and presently- I’ve also felt seen through it all.

Iko: When people discuss the piece, what part do they seem more focused on? Do you agree with the focus, or is there a part you wish got more attention?

Timileyin: I think everyone has individually chosen a part that resonates greatly with them, and I’m extremely content with that.

Iko: Is there a particular feeling you hope this piece inspires? 

Timileyin: The fact that life will throw very strange things your way, but it is vital to just keep going; there isn’t a scarcity of opportunities. 

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

Timileyin: Eloghosa Osunde and Pemi Aguda. They inspire me deeply, and I hope to be as skilful as they are someday.

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

Timileyin: The realness, how much of a real, talented one I am😂

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

Timileyin: Yes, I didn’t realise how much I loved the publication and how it has shaped me to become who I am today. I also learnt that I can make anything sound profound. 

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Find Timileyin on X @sweetmoonfairy_

Or Send her an email:timileyinakinsanya13@gmail.com