Inspiration For Writers, New York, A Brief Visit to Butler Library, and ALCG

Standing in a "nook" on the second floor of Butler Library at Columbia University.

Growing up in 1990s Seattle as a Nigerian American kid, my life was filled with studying, attending church and Nigerian celebrations, camping trips, and bing-watching classic TV shows like Family Matters, Full House, and The Cosby Show. Amidst all of that, in a divergent way, I became enamored by the creativity of designers like Anne Demuelmeester, Thiery Mugler, and Ungaro.

And where did all that talent and vibrance seem to emanate from? New York City.

So when the time came for me to leave Seattle and explore the East Coast, I heeded an internal voice telling me to "Go east, young woman, go east." But my first year away from home was spent in Boston, not in the Big Apple. It wasn't until after college that I finally made my way to New York City, where I enrolled in Columbia University's MFA Creative Writing program.

And what an experience it was. From attending parties at friends' homes to writing short stories in Butler library, Columbia was a formative time in my life.

After graduation, I moved back to Seattle, where I found work as a technical writer and English professor before becoming an Editorial Manager at Boeing Employees Credit Union.

Through it all, creative writing has remained my main tool for making sense of life and the world around me. My work as an editor has also enabled me to gather resources that are sources of inspiration for writers. Now, as the founder of ALCG, a literary consulting company that helps writers overcome obstacles to writing their books, I'm able to not only help others but also carve out the time and clarity I need to continue pursuing my own writing goals.

Life has a way of taking unexpected turns, but following my inner voice has led me on a journey filled with excitement, growth, and creativity. Who knows where it will take me next? One thing is certain: wherever it is, I'll be ready for it.