Do you want to be a chapter in my book??

Ever since I was little, I knew I wanted to write. Short stories, poetry, comic books, plays etc etc etc.

And like most frustrated writers, I have a million unfinished books in my head - and for as long as I can remember, those closest and dearest to me have been urging to write these ideas down.

So, today as I was wiping my toddlers' runny noses, an idea hit me. I mean, my girls are a bit of this and a bit of that. Living in Australia, I'm lucky that it's such a multi-cultural society. Nearly everyone I know is either first or second generation Aussie. From across Europe and the Middle East, the common factor for parents or grandparents coming to Australia was for a better life.

I grew up surrounded by other 'wogs' who came from a country that existed: Italy, Lebanon, France. But, how about me? Palestine? Where's that? It doesn't exist.

I still struggle with my identity. I know who I am, but which part of me will I pass on to my girls? Am I more Australian than Arab? Would I be the same person if I grew up in the Middle East, US or UK? It's not a unique question by any stretch of the imagination, but I truly believe that Palestinians who live outside of the "Territories" may have a common bond and have struggled with the same questions about their identity. My own parents grew up In Jordan and have their own stories and issues.

So, I am calling on any person of Palestinian heritage who is willing for me to pick their brains and write their stories. These can be anonymous, just let me know if your interested or pass on to anyone you think may be.

Peace