I am Lebanese-American, born and raised during the civil war in Beirut, Lebanon. I moved to the States when I was 18. Much of my work explores themes of civilian wartime suffering, emigration, and tensions around nationality and identity. Having grown up surrounded by the Armenian side of my family in Beirut, I often use my mother's maiden name of Sarrafian on my works as a way to honor that part of my life story.

I got my MFA from University of Michigan and published many stories, poems, and essays, and then published my first novel, The Bullet Collection (Graywolf Press, 2003). It received the GLCA New Writers Award, Anahid Literary Award, and Hala Maksoud Award for Outstanding Emerging Writer.

I wrote a few more novels that were not placed, and then, after my son was born, I decided to explore the world of book arts. For some years, I made miniature books and dioramas and enjoyed showing my work in a variety of venues both in the U.S. and abroad. Eventually, I published Skinner Luce (Talos Press, 2016), and I slowly turned back to writing full time. My YA supernatural The Cherished came out April 2023 from HarperCollins, and Mercy is forthcoming in October 2025.

I still create paper objects and recently have taken to sewing as well. I love the counterpoint and balance the tactile arts afford my writing life.

I've moved so much over the years, and I remember every place I've lived, the people, the moments, the landscapes. I now live in Vermont, and hopefully will not have to move again.