I began writing in response to a restlessness I couldn't name. So, I churned up stories, trying to weave plots together, even though it made little sense to me. At this time, I was in my finals at the university, and I was burning with zeal to get published and perhaps, to be seen. I kept writing and submitting, despite the pile of rejections. I was determined to break even.

A lot has changed after leaving the university. I haven't written as much as I thought I would, but I am proud of my growth. I have written a few stories that have been published by beautiful magazines and journals, and have been shortlisted and longlisted in a few awards. My writing has evolved from just a gnawing need to be heard or published to a much emphasis on craft. So, when I write, it's my desire to understand the intricacies of the world and the human experiences, and how to infuse these layers of consciousness in my stories.

Over the years, I have had a few setbacks in my writing journey, ranging from access to an intentional writing community, indigenous writing residences and MFA programs. In lieu of this, I have asked myself and engaged in group discussions on the impact of writing from the margins.

Writing is hard already, but why complicate it further for writers of colours writing from the margin? As writers from developing countries, say Nigeria, I imagine a scenario where we have our own MFA programs and residences, instead of always trying to scale the huddles to acquire these degrees from foreign countries? The MFA Program will either be incorporated into the university curriculum or as a standout program run by individuals but funded by the government.