Sometimes a single lanky thought can erupt into a grand idea. When the two friends, a medico and a journalist, Amal Ahmad and Manal Ahmad, gathered in what they thought was a casual gothic-themed writing party, they had no idea this would lead to their passions paving a way to build a community for writers like themselves.
Background: Muslim Writers Collective
The Muslim Writers Collective (MWC) is a grassroots initiative that promotes storytelling within the Muslim American community. Active since 2014, the organization brings together Muslim writers. MWC provides a platform for young Muslims to share their stories and explore their identities through various forms of creative expression. The collective aims to cultivate a vibrant literary tradition in Muslim America and support emerging writers in several states across the United States, including New York, Washington, Massachusetts, Texas, Illinois, California, Pennsylvania, and Florida. MWC also holds events in other cities, including Seattle, Boston, Dallas, Austin, Houston, and Oakland.
The Dallas Chapter: From Idea to Creation
The Dallas chapter is founded by Amal and Manal Ahmed, who wanted to create a space for Muslim writers in the D-FW area to hone their craft and connect with like-minded individuals. The idea came to them when they gathered with their friends to have a gothic-themed writing party. There, they were struck with a realization and a blooming initiative.
Amal Ahmad, one of the two founders, said the goal of their initiative was ultimately to
“[Give] people the opportunity to come together, share their work, and find like-minded creative folks.”
According to them, the people of Dallas, largely having white-collar jobs, needed a place to express themselves. Their little get-together planted the seed in their minds, which they carried out.
Aims and Motivation
The two young minds, when asked about what inspired them to pursue this idea, gave their insights. For Amal, it was a passion for writing. As a medical student, she was in the habit of recording her life at medical school and participated in competitions and events. She hopes to create a space where others who share her passion can also participate and interact.
In response to the same question, however, Manal had a different response. She associated the idea with the Muslim population not motivating their first generation to venture into creative ideals. Though hesitantly, she mentioned Muslims growing up in America and feeling pressured from their parents to pursue careers in STEM. Manal also expressed longing for a timeline where she might have pursued these passions professionally and how that would have turned out.
Manal wishes for the MCW Dallas Chapter to be a place that allows people like her more creative freedom. She expressed a desire for this initiative to become a place of opportunities where people can pursue whatever they wish to and not be tied down.
Events and Progress
According to the article, by 2022, they had managed to create a well-connected community of around 40 people. The Dallas Chapter follows the same process as the MWC and conducts several events to keep the community engaged and offer a place where everyone can openly declare their creative expressions.
- They host monthly meetings where members share their work, participate in writing workshops, and engage in discussions about their writing experiences.
- The collective also organizes events such as open mics, themed writing parties, and storytelling sessions to foster creativity and community among its members.
- They send out a monthly newsletter to keep everyone updated on upcoming events and opportunities.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead
The brave and creative initiative continues to foster new connections, join people, and support creative explorations in this rushed era. The Dallas Chapter connects the Muslim writers, and the founders appear energetic, excited, and optimistic for whatever the future holds.
Contact Info:
Find MCW official group at: Facebook
website: muslimwriterscollective.org
email: hello@muslimwriterscollective.org
