Muslim Storytellers Collective

About the Collective...

Portland's Regional Arts and Cultural Council graciously funded this project. I am so grateful to have been inspired during writing sessions with other Muslims nationwide in Literary Arts Yallah! Muslims Write project.

Who we are looking for...
Around 12-20 writers who identify as Muslim to commit to crafting a short story in 2026. Our editors are best at fiction, but if you have poetry, creative non-fiction, or other literary art to share please feel free to reach out to [email protected] . We have our core group, but may have room for a story or two more.

The Commitment...
-Monthly Zoom check-ins, and a critique group pairing to help you improve your story. You will be reading and suggesting potential improvements to your fellow writers every month.

-Writer's Retreat May 15-17 at Camp Hancock (Field Station, Oregon, around a 3 hour drive from Portland, OR. Food and lodging is provided, but you are responsible for your own transportation. We hope that people will carpool, and can discuss this further. Camp Hancock is in Eastern Oregon, which can get chilly at night, and temperate during the day. A volunteer from the Rose City Astronomers will be present with a telescope to assist with some stargazing, weather permitting. There are small cabins, but you will need to bring bedding. This is not required to attend but is one of the hearts of the project, so please consider if you're able to come that weekend before applying. The retreat is full currently, but if you have your heart set on it please reach out in case of cancellations.

-Presenting your work at a Coffee and Tea Storytime in Fall 2026, date pending. This is not required, but inshallah we'd love for you to have a listening ear for your work.

-Opportunities for reading at local bookstores, also not required

-An opportunity to be published in our Muslim Storytellers Collective Anthology, which will, inshallah, provide a modest payment to our writers.

More to come!