The Geography of Illusions

1. How did you approach the theme/topic when you first received the prompt?

The theme NIGHT SHIFT called for stories of women who worked in the shadows yet remained alive, even as the world tries to creep them out. I broadened this and used it to address the women whose stories are nestled in the dusty pages of historical archives, never to see the light of day. I decided to write about the women of the past, whose lives as sex workers played a role in the global war of the 20th century, in the hopes that their experiences working the NIGHT SHIFT could at least be remembered.

1. What drew you to the particular angle you explored in your essay?

I have been very intrigued by exploring and researching the lives and narratives that were glanced over in our government and history classes. So, when I saw the theme, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to craft a story from the subject matter I have been interested in for a while.

1. Did writing this essay change or deepen your own perspective on the topic?

Absolutely! I think we are used to approaching such narratives by writing women who wallow in the tragedy of it all, especially regarding subjects like sex work, which is what my piece explores. I now think it is not a uniform thing, and looking at the choices these women make introspectively would give us something that is simply pure and unapologetically human.

1. If readers remember just one idea from your piece, what would you want it to be?

The role Nigerian women played during the Second World War. We think of the brave soldiers that stormed the front lines and won Britain its Empire. Our mind drifts to the traders, the women of the night and the mothers, the ones that kept the country’s heart beating while the men were away. What were their fears? Ambitions? The lives they would have liked to live? I really want those who read the piece to hold these questions, and see what they will from it.

1. Complete the sentence: “I hope my writing makes people…”

I hope my writing makes people feel inspired, just as the works that have informed my craft have. I hope my writing fosters joy, sadness, hope, and love. I hope my writing makes people live again before they turn the last page.