_Ever since I received that joyous telephone call from Italy in summer 2010 letting me know that I won the Prize Energheia Lebanon for my short story “Les Rêves Volés” my life has changed. I traveled to Matera, Italy to receive the Prize and I had a delightful time connecting with friends from the other side of the Mediterranean.

It was a great opportunity for me to discover Italy and the Italian culture and also to discover that words and stories from the heart can travel beyond boundaries. Winning the prize has enriched my life in profound ways and gave my writing a focus which I had previously lacked.

I’m more confident and I am working on my first book: “Mon jardin est un desert”.

The journey is not over yet. I am just grateful to be a part of it.