Sara Sharaf Beg is the author of Salaam, with Love, a heartfelt young adult novel that follows a Pakistani American teenager navigating faith, family, and self-discovery during a transformative summer in New York. Her storytelling captures the struggles and joys of growing up Muslim in America, making her book a must-read for anyone looking for authentic representation in literature. Beyond her writing, Sara is a licensed counselor dedicated to serving South Asian and Muslim communities, ensuring that cultural and religious understanding are at the heart of mental health care. She’s also a lifelong learner, currently pursuing her MFA in creative writing. Today, we’ll dive into her journey as a writer, her inspiration behind Salaam, with Love, and how her diverse experiences—from moving across the U.S. to embracing her Pakistani heritage—have shaped her storytelling. Follow Sara on Instagram: @chutneybinasamosa