Maljadeed! I grew up in Virginia/West Virginia, lived in Dallas, TX for nearly 15 years, and currently reside in Florida. I have been to the Middle East quite a few times, and my Arabic remains elusive, although my English is decent considering where I came from.  I am a third generation writer, as both my grandfather and father wrote and published one book each.  I am not sure why, but I hope to at least accomplish that feat as well, and maybe go for a second book....if anybody buys the first one.