I hosted a month-long writers gathering with Sapelo Square in August. The theme was, “Writing as a Practice of Liberation.” I chose that theme because of how fear holds so many of us back in our writing. Fear of being vulnerable, fear of what people will think of us, fear of criticism – of our perspective and our skills, fear that tells us it is better for someone else, someone with more knowledge or a bigger field of influence, to write what we are burning to write. How often do we say, ‘Someone needs to write about…’ when that someone should be us?
I adored this essay, Ambata! I feel like I could quote nearly every section of it. If I had it printed out, I would be highlighting and underlining nearly the whole thing.
The idea of joy and happiness being different is so important. I also am reminded of two essays I've read: one called "This Stage of Life? It's hard" and another (not as related, but on the idea of parenthood in this modern world) called "It takes a village and there is no village". I may need to write a post around these.
Also, I'm going to (maybe obnoxiously and nosily) ask for more info about your writers gathering. Is it in person or virtual? I would love to know more and see if there's potential for joining the community, if that's an option.
Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts! I’m happy it resonated with you. The writers gathering was online and my first time doing it. I plan to do more but not sure what they will be yet. If you are looking for virtual community I would recommend checking out Muslim Writers Salon. It’s virtual and they are reopening membership soon. We have monthly salons, co-writing and writer and editor talks, etc.
Oooh, so internet friends are real and do really incredible things like tag you on an essay you must read and groups you must join. So wonderful to read this essay at the end of a fraught and difficult couple of days! JAK!! Thank you Noha
“Love doesn’t always feel good...” bam! That went straight through the sternum for me tonight...some of the hardest times I’ve had was when I did what I knew I had to do even though it hurt people I loved. Including, I suppose, myself. But not doing it is somehow less loving. Thankyou for this much-needed reminder Ambata. I didn’t know about your course, I would love to join the next one.
Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. Yes it is just hard sometimes to honor your own needs knowing it will cause hurt, but also knowing if you don't, you'll hurt yourself and still potentially the other person. It's something I'm thinking about a lot, how to be the best version of myself, while also being in relationships with people I love deeply. As for the course, we kept it pretty quiet as I had never led a writing group before, but if you would like to be in the know you can subscribe: https://mailchi.mp/sapelosquare/subscribe-to-sapelo-square
I adored this essay, Ambata! I feel like I could quote nearly every section of it. If I had it printed out, I would be highlighting and underlining nearly the whole thing.
The idea of joy and happiness being different is so important. I also am reminded of two essays I've read: one called "This Stage of Life? It's hard" and another (not as related, but on the idea of parenthood in this modern world) called "It takes a village and there is no village". I may need to write a post around these.
Also, I'm going to (maybe obnoxiously and nosily) ask for more info about your writers gathering. Is it in person or virtual? I would love to know more and see if there's potential for joining the community, if that's an option.
Salaam Ambata. This is lovely and timely for me as I navigate my thirties. Would love to know about your workshop if you conduct it again.
Wa alaikum salaams thank you! Insha'Allah I hope to host it again this year when time permits. The best way to stay in the loop would be to subscribe to Sapelo Square's email list: https://sapelosquare.com/contact/. Also, if you're interested in fiction, I'm facilitating a short story writing workshop July 27-28 with Muslim Writers Salon: https://muslim-writers-salon.circle.so/c/events/mws-writing-labs-short-story-intensive-with-ambata-kazi.
Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts! I’m happy it resonated with you. The writers gathering was online and my first time doing it. I plan to do more but not sure what they will be yet. If you are looking for virtual community I would recommend checking out Muslim Writers Salon. It’s virtual and they are reopening membership soon. We have monthly salons, co-writing and writer and editor talks, etc.
Thank you! That sounds amazing... Will try to tag a fellow Muslim writer friend who might be looking for stuff.
Oooh, so internet friends are real and do really incredible things like tag you on an essay you must read and groups you must join. So wonderful to read this essay at the end of a fraught and difficult couple of days! JAK!! Thank you Noha
Thank you Sadia for reading and subscribing. Alhamdulillah for internet friends!
Wa iyyaki. Hope things look up soon ISA.
“Love doesn’t always feel good...” bam! That went straight through the sternum for me tonight...some of the hardest times I’ve had was when I did what I knew I had to do even though it hurt people I loved. Including, I suppose, myself. But not doing it is somehow less loving. Thankyou for this much-needed reminder Ambata. I didn’t know about your course, I would love to join the next one.
Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. Yes it is just hard sometimes to honor your own needs knowing it will cause hurt, but also knowing if you don't, you'll hurt yourself and still potentially the other person. It's something I'm thinking about a lot, how to be the best version of myself, while also being in relationships with people I love deeply. As for the course, we kept it pretty quiet as I had never led a writing group before, but if you would like to be in the know you can subscribe: https://mailchi.mp/sapelosquare/subscribe-to-sapelo-square