Storyteller: Loretta Chefchaouni

Loretta Chefchaouni lives in Florida with her husband, two young adult children, and two cats, all of whom she adores though she’s allergic to at least three. A former early childhood educator, she now spends her days writing young adult books with a little creepiness and a lot of heart. Her work has been shortlisted for the WriteMentor Children’s Novel Award, highly commended in the Blue Pencil Agency’s First Novel award, and earned second place in Voyage YA’s first chapter contest. Loretta is represented by Lane Clarke at Arthouse Literary.

How will Muslim children see themselves in your stories?

“I want them to see characters who gain strength from their faith and are out there being mold breakers and the heroes of their stories, while also dealing with human issues that are relatable on a wide scope.”