Gökmen Seker was born in eastern Turkey and, as a Kurdish individual, faced discrimination and prejudice. Driven by a deep desire to protect those without a voice, he studied law in Ukraine. It was there he met his future wife, who inspired the character of Lelechka.

After the war broke out in Ukraine, Gökmen Seker and his family fled to Canada in 2023. Since then, they have been warmly welcomed and supported by the kind and generous Mennonite and Amish communities, who have helped them settle and reminded them to be thankful to GOD for what they have.

Passionate about justice, community, and compassion, Gökmen enjoys attending church, playing the violin, spending time with children, and engaging in charity work. Lelechka is his debut book-a tender story about courage, friendship, love and hope that reflects his own journey and the resilience found in the smallest hearts.

Gökmen Seker currently lives in ON, Canada