ABOUT ME
"I love writing stories!"
I've been a writer my entire life. It has been the best way to express myself and my thoughts...
After I graduated from Emerson College with a degree in Journalism and Public Policy. My career as a journalist took me on an amazing journey.
I worked as a videographer and television reporter in Fairbanks, Alaska. My hedgehog, Pavorotti, accompanied me on that adventure. I continued working as a television reporter and sometimes anchored while covering news across South Carolina, Mississippi, and Massachusetts. Some of my stories received awards from the Associated Press. And, I even dabbled in print journalism, freelancing for The Boston Globe.
After leaving news, I spent a couple of years writing songs and performing around Boston's music scene! I released an extended album, SHATTERED SKIES. Then, I went on hiatus to work on another album, but ended up focusing on children's literature.
My award-winning, debut picture book, GOODNIGHT GANESHA, released in Fall 2021 with Philomel Books. GOODNIGHT GANESHA is a Bank Street Best Book, ALSC DIA Selection, and an NCTE #WOWDozen poetry title. In 2020, I won a WOOP Honor Award from the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). It's an award recognizing a work of outstanding progress for my non-fiction picture book manuscript, MYRLIE: A VOICE OF HOPE, which is now titled, A VOICE OF HOPE: THE MYRLIE EVERS-WILLIAMS STORY.
A VOICE OF HOPE is the first ever picture book biography about the remarkable social activist, Myrlie Evers-Williams. It is illustrated by the incredible mixed media artist, London Ladd. It releases in September 2024. My third title, A RAKHI FOR RAKESH, is a fiction picture book about sibling rivalry, forgiveness, and the Hindu holiday, Raksha Bandhan. It is slated for Summer 2025. I am working on some more picture books and a couple of graphic novel manuscripts. So, stay tuned for more!
I like to write books that feature South Asian and Caribbean culture, STEM concepts, non-fiction subjects, and filled with humor.
Who knows? Maybe someday I'll add music into a lullaby book...