I almost gave up on my dream

The paperback version of my book is published now and it feels so unreal! I published the ebook version in October 2025, but I almost didn’t publish the paperback. For years the critical voice in my head kept telling me how simple and plain my stories are, that there’s nothing special about them, that nobody…

When the soul’s treasures are buried and forgotten

There’s a picture of me that I love from when I was about 5-6 years old. I’m on a stage, and I look happy. The photo is black and white, but I remember even now that my dress was bright yellow because I was a chicken. I’m holding my dress and have a big smile…

Permission to be yourself

Have you ever met people who don’t like or want to show their true selves? And I get it, being truly seen can feel exposing, vulnerable, uncomfortable. But for someone who is sensitive, interacting with people who are like this, feels uncomfortable too. The performance of the fakeness that we have to keep up with…

A new voice for an old wound: Why English feels like home

I’m surrounded by people who speak Romanian, my native language. This should be familiar and easy, but it’s not. It feels weird and uncomfortable. I feel like I’m from a different planet. I hear the words coming out of their mouths, but I can’t register them fully. I can’t keep up with the ideas that…

Not all birds want to fly

From “Not all birds want to fly & other short stories” ”… What if I help you fly?’ I say without even realising it. But I don’t regret it; it’s a crazy thought, but it somehow feels right. The bird looks at me in disbelief, ‘That’s very kind of you, thank you. But how can…

Hurt people are like roses

From “Not all birds want to fly & other short stories” ‘… Hurt people have thorns to protect themselves, too.’ ‘I don’t see any thorns on them.’ ‘You can’t see them; they’re on the inside. But you can feel them when someone gets too close or holds them the wrong way… That’s when they sting.’