I was born and raised during the civil war in Beirut, Lebanon and moved to the States when I was 18. Much of my work explores themes of civilian wartime suffering, emigration, and tensions around nationality and identity. My dad was American and my mom is Lebanese of Armenian/Danish heritage. Having grown up surrounded by the Armenian side of my family, I often use my mother's maiden name of Sarrafian on my works as a way to honor that part of my life story.
I got my MFA from University of Michigan and published many stories, poems, and essays, and then my first novel, The Bullet Collection. I wrote a few more novels that were not placed, and then, after my son was born, I decided to explore the world of book arts. For some years, I made miniature books and dioramas and enjoyed showing my work in a variety of venues both in the U.S. and abroad. Eventually, Skinner Luce was published, and I slowly turned back to writing full time. My YA supernatural The Cherished came out April 2023 from HarperTeen, and Mercy is forthcoming in October 2025.
I still create paper objects and recently have taken to sewing as well. I love the counterpoint and balance the tactile arts afford my writing life.
I've moved so much over the years, and I remember every place I've lived, the people, the moments, the landscapes. I now live in Vermont, and hopefully will not have to move again.
I got my MFA from University of Michigan and published many stories, poems, and essays, and then my first novel, The Bullet Collection. I wrote a few more novels that were not placed, and then, after my son was born, I decided to explore the world of book arts. For some years, I made miniature books and dioramas and enjoyed showing my work in a variety of venues both in the U.S. and abroad. Eventually, Skinner Luce was published, and I slowly turned back to writing full time. My YA supernatural The Cherished came out April 2023 from HarperTeen, and Mercy is forthcoming in October 2025.
I still create paper objects and recently have taken to sewing as well. I love the counterpoint and balance the tactile arts afford my writing life.
I've moved so much over the years, and I remember every place I've lived, the people, the moments, the landscapes. I now live in Vermont, and hopefully will not have to move again.
Contact:
pwardbooks@gmail.com
Agent: Matt Bialer, Sanford J. Greenburger Assocs. mbialer@sjga.com
pwardbooks@gmail.com
Agent: Matt Bialer, Sanford J. Greenburger Assocs. mbialer@sjga.com
about me
