Hello & Oie!
Books
Only If You Don’t Know me
Only if You Don’t Know Me is a contemporary novel that follows the journey of Tainá, a Brazilian architect uprooted to Sydney for her fiancée-to-be Caio’s career. Struggling with isolation and racial stereotypes, Taina’s life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers an illustrated book, propelling her into the mysterious Secret Society of Illyria. There, where everyone must hide their identities by using beautifully crafted masks and make up, their true selves come alive. Amidst struggles and forbidden loves, she faces difficult choices, delving into a journey of authenticity, past traumas, and the power to break free. The novel celebrates the resilience of women in STEAM disciplines, offering a captivating exploration of expat life in Australia. An engaging story that challenges convention and celebrates the courage to follow your heart and be yourself.
about me
After a successful career as an architect and urban designer, I have embraced a new journey as a writer, driven by my passion for storytelling and empowering others through words. My debut novel, Only If You Don’t Know Me, has garnered praise for its rich narrative and insightful exploration of themes like identity and belonging, blending entertainment with emotional depth to create a captivating story.
In addition to my work as a novelist, I founded Saci Books, a publishing company dedicated to helping children write, illustrate, and publish their own stories. Through Saci Books, I’ve been able to inspire young minds, encouraging them to explore their creativity and express themselves through literature.
While I also lead writing workshops, where I guide participants in finding their voice, my primary focus remains on creating compelling stories and fostering a love for storytelling in the next generation.
the architecture of women
Read slowly, read fast, read without algorithms to make your mind
publications
Ficção – Conto
There was no Brazil without Lúcia. There was no home across the sea without Lúcia. From the not-so-hidden depths of her childhood memories, Isabella missed Lúcia, the woman who looked after her and her brother during most of her life, while her parents were at work. On an ordinary day,
Venho tentando escrever sobre a imigração há mais de três horas. Que tema difícil! Comecei a escrever sobre xenofobia, os estereótipos físicos, culturais, sexuais e de gênero. Sobre a nossa saúde mental que é esmagada assim que a euforia da mudança assenta poeira.
Never lie in your resume—or to your boss. I’ve never lied in mine. Never. My place of birth and education is in Brazil. My native language is Portuguese. But when I was dragged to a meeting with the head of communications from a Chilean company, I was supposed to speak a different language.
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Maíra Metelo 