About Laila Halaby
The Basics
Born in Lebanon to a Jordanian father and American mother, I grew up mostly in Arizona. I have traveled some and lived for bits of time in New Jersey, St. Louis, Los Angeles, Jordan, and Italy. I studied languages and literatures in college, and have worked a number of jobs from waitress (first job) to counselor (most recent).
In addition to West of the Jordan (my first novel, published in 2003) and now Once in a Promised Land, I also write poetry and children’s fiction.
I currently live with my family in Tucson, Arizona.
The why
I have always written – it was my way of processing the world and while I
think I always wanted to write books, I don’t remember wanting to make that
my exclusive profession. When I was in my senior year in college, I told my
advisor that I wanted to go live somewhere and write stories. He pointed out
that no one would give me money to do that and perhaps I ought to look toward
something more academic that interested me and incorporate the two, which is
how I ended up applying to study folklore on a Fulbright scholarship. You never
know at the time the reverberating effect such a decision will have on your
life. In 1987, when I was filling out the application, I would never have guessed
that two decades later I would still be entranced by folklore and its role in
people’s lives, that I would be incorporating it in yet another book.
I have always believed that if other people could see my world, could see a Palestinian, Arab, or Muslim family/person/story, from the inside, then they couldn’t have such ridiculous and negative stereotypes. I think over the years I have really come to appreciate the role of artists more, the role that translation plays in art. I don’t have an agenda as a writer, but I do believe that it is my responsibility to offer an honest and challenging story. Once in a Promised Land is my offering.
