Srianthi Perera, a journalist and former reporter at The Arizona Republic, has two books to her credit: a whimsical literary novel and a co-authored book of travel short stories. “A Maiden’s Prayer: A Family Story set in 1970s Sri Lanka” is a humorous coming-of-age story narrated by a teenager who focuses on an uncle who is reluctant to marry despite family pressure. The novel, which received two runner-up awards, opens a window to Sri Lanka. “Two Friends on Many Roads: Travel Tales from Near and Far” features global narratives evoking rich, sensory details, and encounters with quirky people.