I am an unpublished author of science fiction, specifically space opera, under the name Maya Darjani. You can follow me on twitter: @DarjaniMaya

Why the pseudonym? Well, like most authors, I write to hold some sort of mirror up to our world. And the values I want to uphold in my writing, as well as the stories I want to tell, focus on inclusivity and diversity. I want to tell stories about unconventional couples. About the relationship between gender and power. I want to tell female stories–all marginalized genders–intersectional stories. I want #ownvoices ace, neurodivergent, mental health, and POC perspectives, and I want for others, too, to see themselves in my characters. I love creating worlds where people have the space to be themselves and live authentically

But I’m also a former political pundit, mostly from a center-right perspective. And to many, those two personas don’t compute. In previous years, I would argue that it was possible to be on the right and be part of a big tent coalition.

I was wrong.

I don’t think readers who would encounter my political publishing credits without context could trust in the inclusivity of my writing. And I don’t blame them. I can’t stand by the mission of publication to which I contributed or how my work was edited post-submission. (Ugh). I have vociferously and publicly burned my bridges with them. Good riddance.

Learn better, do better.

I know that’s not enough.

Please, if you have any questions about my views and beliefs, feel free to reach out to me at mayadarjani@gmail.com