The Stories Behind The Journey

One of the highlights of 2025 is that I sent in my first book, Nazar's Journey , to be considered for the novella category of the 2025 Angel Book Contest, which is run by the Faith and Fellowship Book Festival, here in the Midwest. I had participated in their online Festival in 2024, when I was able to share about my book, along with some other more seasoned authors. You can find this zoom meeting on the media page of my website nazarsjourney.com . As the certificate sh

As 2025 rapidly draws to a close, I have something cheerful to post. That said, I don't want to overlook the reality that, for countless numbers of people throughout our world, it has been an unspeakably painful year of ongoing wars, terrorism, displacement, not to mention myriad unexpected personal tragedies. Let us remember these people as we celebrate the holidays, the Christmas season and the New Year. When possible, as opportunities arise, let us make an effort to hel

NOTE to Reader: This essay is a more detailed version of the piece that appeared in the St. Austin Review (July, 2024) which you will find posted on the Media/ Articles page of this website. The day is coming soon.  Interviewers will be asking me the pivotal question about what motivated me to write Nazar’s Journey .  Of course, they will expect a quick answer – just a few bullet points.  I will have those ready.  Then they will abruptly move to another question.  They will

The scene under the stars in my book emerged from this experience, when Nazar and Amira look up at the heavens. Amira recites to Nazar, in her native Sureth, these very words.