Shani’s Journey: From City Lit to Published Author

Meet Shani Akilah

Shani always loved to write stories growing up, but it wasn’t until meeting the author Bernardine Evaristo in 2019 that she realised how to become a writer. She began to build up her short story collection whilst honing her craft at City Lit and is now a published author.

What made you decide to join City Lit?

In 2019, I had the privilege of meeting the author, Bernardine Evaristo. She hosted a Q&A session at my local library, and I found it really inspiring. I asked her advice on how to improve my craft and she spoke about the importance of courses and recommended a masterclass she was hosting for young people in our area. Bernardine also discussed City Lit, suggesting that starting with short stories is an excellent way to embark on writing a novel. This moment marked my introduction to City Lit.

Did you always wanted to become a writer?

Growing up, my love for reading and writing was nurtured by my parents, both academics. In school, I always loved writing stories. My dad recently found a story I wrote at the age of five, and he told me, “Shani, this is a great story!” But it wasn’t until 2019 that I fully embraced my dream of becoming a writer. Meeting Bernardine Evaristo was an important moment, reinforcing my belief that writing is my true calling. Since then, I’ve been working towards my goal of becoming a published author, and it’s amazing to see how City Lit has played an important role in this journey — it’s a real full-circle experience.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I love telling stories that people can relate to. Many of my stories take place in Southeast London. Within these stories, Black British millennials take centre stage. My inspiration comes from everyday life experiences, whether it’s my role as a “serial bridesmaid” (six weddings in a single year!) or the complexities of the workplace. To me, fiction serves as a lens through which we explore and understand the world.

A pivotal moment happened when I was fifteen: I read Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “Half of a Yellow Sun.” This novel ignited my passion for African studies and politics, leading me to pursue further exploration in those topics, which all began with the magic of fiction.

How did City Lit helped you achieve your dream of becoming a writer?

City Lit introduced me to writing short stories. During our classes, we delved into the different elements of crafting compelling narratives. I learned about different perspectives, the art of engaging openings, and authentic dialogue. Additionally, the significance of setting and place resonated with me. Whether I’m conjuring a vivid scene in Woolwich, Jamaica, or Ghana, these tools stem from my experiences at City Lit’s creative writing courses.

One aspect I enjoyed was the feedback component. During the advanced fiction course (which took place online), two people submitted 4,000 words of their work each week. Our sessions revolved around workshopping and refining each other’s writing. Not only did this benefit my own work, but it also allowed me to provide constructive feedback to my peers.
I also loved meeting the people on the courses. We still maintain a WhatsApp group, it’s so nice meeting other people who also pursue a similar path.

Tell us about your short story collection and other upcoming projects?

My short story collection, “Such a Time as This,” explores black love, friendship, and community during the pandemic years. It delves into themes of grief, mental health, workplace dynamics, and endometriosis. Despite these weighty topics, the stories also radiate joy. Friendship, family, community, and hope weave through each story.

Now that my collection is published, I’m excited to speak to people about my work, doing writing workshops and events. But I am also looking forward to writing my first novel. I might even do another City Lit course to help with that. Equally important to me is supporting aspiring writers in achieving their dreams.