Dear Readers,

I am thrilled to share some extraordinary news. My debut novel, ‘What Happened to Helen,’ has been honored with the 2023 AfriCAN Honoree Authors’ Award as the Novel of the Year! The ceremony, held in the vibrant city of Johannesburg, South Africa, was a celebration of literature that transcends borders, and I am deeply humbled to be recognized among such esteemed, talented authors.

This is not just my victory, but ours. Your relentless support and encouragement, the countless messages, reviews, and shared thoughts about Helen’s story have brought us to this exciting moment. I am deeply grateful to each of you for choosing to walk this journey with me. Every page you turned, every recommendation you gave, and every discussion you had about ‘What Happened to Helen’ contributed to this win.

To win an award for a story that is so close to my heart is a joy beyond words. But to know that Helen’s tale has resonated with so many of you worldwide, that her journey has touched your hearts and sparked conversations, is the most rewarding part of this journey.

There is a special kind of magic in storytelling, in writing a narrative that reaches out from the pages and touches the heart of the reader. But a storyteller is only as good as their audience, and in that regard, I count myself really fortunate. I can only be a writer because of you. You are the ones who give life to my words, who find meaning and connection in the stories I tell. You are the ones who make moments like this possible.

As we celebrate this achievement, I am reminded once again of the power and beauty of literature, its ability to connect us across nations and cultures, to provoke thought and stir emotion, to reflect our shared humanity back at us. This award is a testament to that, and I am really grateful for the recognition.

To all my readers around the world, thank you. Thank you for reading, for engaging, for supporting. Thank you for making ‘What Happened to Helen‘ a part of your lives. This award and this journey, are as much yours as they are mine.

With my deepest gratitude and respect,

P.S. I am already working on the next book. I can’t wait to share more stories with you. Until then, keep the conversations going, keep reading, and keep discovering the joy of literature.