Hi, I’m Maria McDaniel. Welcome to my author site!

Version 3

Having lived in Tokyo for fifteen years (2005 – 2020), my novel, What Lili Lost in Tokyo, is a laugh-out-loud, love letter (of sorts) to the beautiful people of Japan who hosted my family with grace and kindness (we who were too loud, often clueless, and in need of lots of help!).

To the friends who loved us and did life with us, and to the complete strangers who took the time to get involved (and share a laugh along the way): thank you. I am forever changed by you, Japan. (ありがとうございました）

My newest adventure? Alaska! I can’t believe I get to call this beautiful state home! I live here with my husband and teen daughters, experiencing the joys of reverse culture acclimation back to the US, and to Alaska specifically, which has a learning curve of its own (extreme weather—driving in it—and the occasional close-encounter-of-the-moose-kind).