Ask the Author: Nikki Magennis

Nikki Magennis’s fiction appears in the London Calling issue. She talks with us the eye, the sparrow, words children need to be taught, and more.

1. Why should I keep my eye on the sparrow?

You can try to forget the horrible noise the sparrow makes. It’s just trying to get out of the wall. In the end though, you have to think of who built the wall and why. And whether it is up to you to cut a new window, to put it out of its misery, or to release it or look after it. We make and remake these choices every day. I don’t think it’s ever easy.

2. What story is the protagonist working on?

I think she’s working on scraps. Polishing the words out of her own mouth. Or maybe an article on gardening.

3. What five words do you wish you could teach children right away?

not a word but the space between – the gap in your mouth in which you smile

4. Have you ever hunted for an animal in your own home?

Fly-killer, mouse-trapper, spider-capturer, bird-chaser. Home is a hunting ground seething with scrabbling, desperate dramas. I am well-equipped but have a poor aim.

5. What would be the password to get into a bird sanctuary?

The place is not signposted. You have to find someone working in a ditch, take the wrong road, follow the swans. When you get there the people are surprisingly friendly, although they talk in tongues.

6. What kind of gun do you want to fire?

An ungun.