In this picture, author Desiree Calderon de Fawaz is 3 years old. She is seen sitting on a white toy ponny in her harden. As she smiles, she is drawing her hands in the air. Her cheeks show dimples, her skin is tanned but also fair and her bangs and hair look dark . Her orange tshirt contrasts with the thick green hedge of a lush, Mexico City garden behind. All the way behind the garden, you a volcanic-rock tall wall can be seen.

Hey There

I'm an award-winning author and illustrator on a mission to bring diversity into the literary world. While my journey began with the magical tale of a loving Lebanese grandma, I am now immersed in a YA, Mexican-inspired trilogy featuring the strong and witty Brum Hesles. Yet, I often feel the need to tell stories in other ways. Whether through acrylics, pastels, ceramics, poetry, or even film, I gladly follow creativity wherever it leads.

All About Me

I grew up in Mexico City as the daughter of a Mayan archaeoastronomer/engineer/ politician and a nomadic singer, and to say that my childhood was exciting and eventful would be an understatement. Looking back, moving residences eleven times by age 16 and constantly traveling between continents shaped my resilience and openness to all cultures and religions.

At 17, I moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas. I got married and graduated (yes, in that order) with a degree in Microbiology and French, then soon after, had three kids. In 2007, my father's unexpected death unraveled an existential crisis that made me go back to my roots. When I see that picture of when I was three years old, I remember how I spent my days: making potions in the garden with jacaranda flowers, among volcanic rocks, or in the library, surrounded by art, Mayan gods, and books. Eventually, these memories have drawn me back to writing, painting, sculpting, herbalism, and new careers in Ayurveda and the Fine Arts. It's been a dream to finally do what I was meant to. I hope you find my work as magical as I do.