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What inspired you to write children’s books?
I wanted children from diverse backgrounds to see themselves in stories and feel proud of who they are.
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Where do your ideas usually come from?
From my own family traditions—festivals, bedtime stories, and childhood memories with grandparents.
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Who is your favorite character you’ve created?
Nura, a curious girl who loves asking questions about her culture and the world.
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What’s your writing process like?
I start with a theme, then imagine how a child would experience it through feelings and play.
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Which book shaped your childhood?
The Little Prince. It showed me that simple stories can carry deep truths.
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Do you share your drafts with children?
Yes, with my nieces and nephews. Their reactions help me know if the story connects.
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What’s the hardest part of writing for children?
Explaining big ideas in simple words without losing their meaning.
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How do you make your stories relatable?
By focusing on universal feelings—love, friendship, curiosity—things every child understands.
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What advice do you give young writers?
Start with something from your own life; even ordinary moments can become magical.
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What’s next for you?
A picture book about a family celebrating festivals from different cultures in one neighborhood.
