Racha Mourtada was inspired to write I'll Love You from Afar because of all of the hugs and affection that were missed out on during the world-wide pandemic. The founder and publisher of Luqoom, a boutique publishing house for Arabic and English children's books, she is the author of Swingers, Clingers and Other Amazing Animals in Motion and a collection of flash fiction called 55 Slightly Sinister Stories. Wherever life takes her, Beirut is always home.