Finding My Voice: The Power of Place in My Writing

Finding My Voice: The Power of Place in My Writing

In my last post, I touched on my journey from Busia to the world of writing. Today, I want to dive a little deeper into a question I get asked often: "Where do you find your inspiration?" The truth is, it's not a single place or moment. It's an accumulation of experiences, but if I had to pinpoint one primary source, it would be the places I’ve inhabited.

Growing up in Uganda, I was surrounded by stories. Not just the ones I read in books, but the ones whispered by the wind rustling through banana leaves, the ones told by the elders gathered under a mango tree, and the ones etched into the faces of the people I met. My first novel, The Pearl, is a direct tribute to this. It's an exploration of the beauty, resilience, and sometimes, the harsh realities of life in my homeland. I wanted to capture the essence of Uganda—its vibrant colors, its unique sounds, and its unyielding spirit.

But inspiration isn’t just about celebrating what's familiar. It’s also about grappling with what's new. When I travel, or even just move to a new part of the city, my senses are on high alert. I pay attention to the small details—the way the light hits a different kind of tree, the rhythm of a foreign dialect, the scent of a new cuisine. These observations often find their way into my work, adding layers of authenticity and depth. For instance, my latest work, The Space Between Us, was born from a period of feeling disconnected in a new environment. I channeled that feeling of being an outsider into the characters' struggles, creating a story that, while fictional, felt incredibly real to me.

So, if you're a writer seeking inspiration, or just a person looking to connect more with the world around you, I encourage you to pay attention to your surroundings. Don’t just look at a place; feel it. Listen to it. Let its unique energy seep into your soul. You might just find that the stories you're looking for have been there all along, waiting for you to find them.

What places have inspired you the most? I'd love to hear your stories in the comments below.