I've always believed the most powerful stories happen in the spaces between cultures, and I should know, since I've spent much of my life living and working in those spaces.

For over two decades, my work in international development and public health took me around the world, from dusty roads in Kabul, Afghanistan, to bustling streets in Monrovia, Liberia, to golden temples of Yangon, Myanmar. Each place left its mark on me, filling my heart with stories of resilient women whose voices deserved to be heard. When I finally traded my passport stamps for a writing desk, I knew exactly what kind of stories I wanted to tell.

My debut novel, Istanbul Dreaming, is about a young woman's transformation as she flees an arranged marriage to Istanbul to pursue independence and finds forbidden love with an American airman. It explores the courage it takes to break free from tradition, find your voice, and fight for your dreams.

Through my fiction, I hope to celebrate the untold stories of women who navigate between worlds, honoring their strength, their sacrifices, and their dreams. Expect richly layered characters, authentic cultural details, and stories that transport you across continents and through time.