Exploring that aspect bogged down the story. I wanted it to be about Pili, but introducing the aunt made it about the aunt and Pili. I also wanted to start the story as close to the end as possible, so as not to lose the momentum.

Uchenna: Interesting. One recurring response in your interviews about this story I would like us to explore, is how in your earlier drafts, there was more to Pili’s sangazimi. The auntie whom you had hinted passed on her calling powers to Pili. I think it would have been really lovely to read more about this auntie because it sorta provides a back story to Pili’s character and their shared experience would become a backbone poor Pili can lean on in navigating this burden of her hair. Is there a reason you decided to not go with it?