Born in Panama, she moved with her family to Seattle at seven years old — without speaking a word of English. Her father took them to the library every Saturday. What began as an obligation became a passion. Books became her first language.

During the pandemic, searching for creative expression, she photographed herself as Marie Antoinette — a figure who had always fascinated her. Months later, her youngest son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. She turned to writing as therapy while learning to keep her son safe and alive.

Two years later, she watched her teenage daughter walk through the Palace of Versailles with wonder. In that moment, she recognized the court every young person navigates on their phone. She came home and started writing.