ES: What are some of your favorite books? Do you have some recommended reading for us?

UA: The Bible...there are many books in there, a whole library [worth of books within it].

ES: What is it like juggling a writing career with your duties as a priest?

UA: It is demanding. As a priest, you can be called upon anytime...and you would have to put writing aside, to visit the sick, to console the bereaved, etc. And when I am teaching, it is three things I have to juggle. So far, I have to say, this juggling has not killed me!

ES: When you're not writing, what do you enjoy doing?

UA: I used to play a lot of soccer; now I watch soccer on TV. I also like to eat out with friends. Of course, I enjoy being a priest and administering the sacraments to God's children. Ha, these are not characters you can manipulate or put away or rewrite!

What advice does Akpan have for new writers?