Nnedi OkoraforApr 6, 2025

As the release of book 2 in the SHE WHO KNOWS trilogy approaches (April 25), let me say some things:

1. I don’t use the word “magic” to describe the mystical elements in this work because I feel the word is reductive and lacks cultural specificity (which matters).

The word also adds a childish, unserious, nonsensical element that I don’t care for when it comes to the stories I’m telling. It muddies the water in aggravating ways. See for yourself. I avoid it.

Show threadNnedi OkoraforApr 6, 2025
2. This novella is NOT for kids. I’ve said this so many times and I’m still seeing a few early reviews already saying “kids will have a hard time relating”. This novella is about a middle-aged woman who becomes a powerful and audacious sorcerer after losing her husband and daughter (WHO FEARS DEATH tells that story…I highly recommend readings the novel, lol)...
Show threadNnedi OkoraforApr 6, 2025

...SHE WHO KNOWS Book 1 was about Najeeba in her teens. Women age and they deserve books written about them later in life, yes, because they do a lot of amazing shit.

3. Yes, I suggest reading the trilogy in order.

4. It’s a novella. Not a “short novel”. My god, there are different forms of storytelling. Open and free your mind.

Show threadLuke Rosenberger
@nnedi "If people talked about other things the way they talked about gender identity ... Fiction: 'It’s either a short story or a novel. There’s no such thing as a novella.'" https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/if-people-talked-about-other-things-the-way-they-talked-about-gender-identity?utm_content=buffer2fada&utm_medium=social&utm_source=bufferapp.com&utm_campaign=buffer
If People Talked About Other Things the Way They Talked About Gender Identity

Fiction: “It’s either a short story or a novel. There’s no such thing as a novella.” March 31 2022 3/31/24 3/31/25 3/31/26 CALENDAR 2027

McSweeney's Internet Tendency
Apr 6, 2025 at 2:35amWeb