I can recommend wearing blue mascara whilst writing. I'm telling you, it really adds something. Helen Oyeyemi addbluemascara Change image and share on social
The first book I really loved was 'Little Women' - I'd have given anything for Beth to have been allowed to live; I remember crying very much over her death, trying to make the words change just by staring at them. I loved 'Anne of Green Gables,' too; 'What Katy Did;' and 'Peter Pan.' Helen Oyeyemi allowannebeth share on social
I'm greedy about cities - I like to form my impressions of them on my own, and on foot as far as possible, looking and listening, having conversations with bridges and streets and riverbanks, conversations I tend not to be aware of until a little later, when I find myself returning to those places to say hello again, even if only in memory. Helen Oyeyemi awarebridgecity share on social
I've always felt happy in my own company. It's only when I get around other people that things get sticky. Helen Oyeyemi companyfelthappy Change image and share on social
The more forcibly I'm made aware of the fact that I'll never be the kind of storyteller I most admire, the less I'll be troubled by that. I'll probably just become more myself. Helen Oyeyemi admireawarefact Change image and share on social
I do love Shirley Jackson, but I don't deserve to be named in connection with her. I remember reading 'The Haunting of Hill House' and having goosebumps for hours. The way she builds narrative pressure in that book is just amazing. I think you could reread it a few times and actually go out of your mind. Helen Oyeyemi amazebookbuild share on social