BCC Shines a Light on: Nikoletta Gjoni
Name of the piece published by BCC:
When/where was it originally published:
Rhythm & Bones in 2019
Tell us more about your piece! What is the background of the piece? What led you to write it? What’s your process?
I’ve always loved mythology (I guess which writer doesn’t?) and had a period in 2019 where I wanted to reframe both well-known and lesser-known myths from the perspective of the woman. How would the story change if it was the female protagonist telling it? If the version we know is a lie? Godiva’s story is one of shame and I wanted to change it so that instead of her being cast out naked as punishment, she left of her own accord. She cuts off her hair, finds no shame in her nakedness, and leaves town on her own terms.
How did you feel when it was first published and how have your thoughts or feelings on the piece changed from then to now?
I was excited to have it picked up for publication in 2019 and felt just as excited, if not more, having it picked up a second time by Bulb Culture Collective! It felt affirming, felt like I was onto something with this one. It’s a little silly but there it is! I hadn’t read it since it first came out in 2019, but then I chose it as one of the pieces to read at a DC event in June 2023, and re-reading it that many years later…I thought wow, I still really love this story. And that’s always a good feeling.
Is there a specific message you would like readers to take away from reading this piece?
Only that it’s worth thinking twice about a story’s origin. I know in this case we’re talking about mythology, but in a world where news and important non-fiction stories—memoirs included—can change the course of events and politics, we should always ask ourselves who is telling the story and is it the whole story? Is it told from the winner’s perspective? Is it told from someone who has something to gain?
For my story specifically, I simply wanted to give Godiva the power to reclaim her destiny and body.
What else would you like to tell readers about your writing? (Doesn’t have to refer only to your BCC piece)
I love writing about the “quieter” human experiences that, even if in the form of mythology, speak to the feelings and moments virtually everyone has experienced and can relate to. Much of my writing is about family dynamics and identity; a lot of my earlier work is heavily rooted in Albanian culture and politics. More recently, I’ve begun experimenting with topics and time periods and structure. It’s been exciting and fulfilling and I feel like I’m continuing to grow as a writer.
Where can readers find more of your work? (Website/social media, etc)
I updated my website a few months ago, so I’ve also been excited about that. All my published pieces can be found at www.ngjoni.com. I’m also pretty active on Twitter (never can resort to calling it X): @NikiGjoni
