Nigeria, July 8 -- Writing in Uyo can feel like an isolated pursuit. The city has its unique rhythm. It is slow and comfortable, like the traffic. The only challenge is sometimes that there is no challenge at all.

The truth is, Uyo is a special place. It calms you. Its energy is the opposite of the chaos of the castles and characters a writer builds in their mind. Uyo doesn't roar or shout back when you step outside; it whispers. Sometimes that's a gift, but sometimes it's a weight that keeps you from blossoming.

When you're a writer in a city like Uyo, it can sometimes feel like your words are floating around unheard and unseen. You write because you can't help it, but you can't help wondering if anyone cares about the stories you're t...