This is really thought-provoking for me. The question of who we are writing for is really important. I also feel, when you get deep enough, there's a level of human that speaks to everyone. It's the opposite of bland writing for the masses. It's going so specific that the truth of what we are saying can be felt. By anyone.
Not everyone knows the definition of "Sufi" or "Salafi" not even all Muslims, but everybody knows the conflict of who they are on the inside not matching up to what people expect on the outside. Everybody knows the pain of realising they were wrong. Everybody knows fear, loss, and fragile hope .
Whoever we write for, I think it's really important that it's not a publisher...
Thanks for this comment, Rahma! It's that universal through the particular that I'm really going for in my writing. And it's also on opportunity to bring awareness to a wider audience. As someone who works in interfaith, I feel like I would be limiting myself if my writing is only intended for Muslims. But at the same time, I don't want to sacrifice my faith by writing for a wider audience, if that make sense.
Your comment about not writing for a publisher is interesting. You mean not writing solely for them? Are you looking to get published or mostly writing for self-expression? I think the latter is just as legitimate as the former. But as someone who does seek publication, I recognize that I will have to keep in mind what publishers are looking for. It doesn't mean that I have to cater to them.
Yes, I do hope to be published but I work quite hard to not think about a publisher or even large numbers of readers, when I write. I think it's hard enough to tell the truth to ourselves, without holding publishers and/or thousands of potential readers in our consciousness. It becomes to easy to censor ourselves. I like to think about writing to one or two very supportive and accepting acquaintances.
Even with my Substack, if I had to think about the number of people that see some of my posts, or the fact that I have no control over where it gets shared to, I would limit what I feel comfortable to say. In fact, I already do, I know I do.
I've recently observed that I barely promote my Seerah publication at all. I feel like it's not relevant to the majority so I don't bother to share it and people who would benefit from it are probably not finding it... I feel more nervous to show up as Muslim, it's more vulnerable. It's an edge for me to work with...
But to get back to the point, my suspicion is that it takes a particular mindset to actual produce a manuscript and another mindset altogether to get it published. I don't know from experience... I haven't been published before but I love to find people like you who are on a similar path!
That makes so much sense! And I agree. When I'm writing my first draft, it's always for me... or rather, it's what's on my mind. And then, I edit and edit. When it comes to my blog, my editing mostly just consists of copy editing and making sure it reads nicely.
But when I'm writing for publication, it's a whole other beast. I have to have the audience in mind. But the good thing with publishing is usually an editor will give you really helpful feedback and remind you of your gaps.
I hope that you will share your Seerah publication! Do you feel nervous to show up as a Muslim online or while writing only?
Are you working on a book too? Insha'Allah, I'd love to share whatever insights I have learned. I'm trying to get some essays and excerpts from my manuscript published. So I'll be sure to share what I learn :)
I've been meaning to write a memoir for the last 7 or 8 years but I've been moving all over the world and having babies. At least that's my excuse for not really making a real start... Either way, I'm running out of excuses now. I intend to start seriously next month, after I move house for the last time in a while (insha'Allah). I love September for back to school vibes as well. I always feel good starting a big project at that time of year.
Yeah, specifically online, there's something that makes me nervous about showing up fully as Muslim. A fear of being perceived as "too Muslim" from one side and "not Muslim enough" from the other but that's all part of it. Those opinions exist. Most people are polite enough not to express them! 😂
This was a great recent post with a few prompts to encourage the untold stories to be released... It was quite an uncomfortable and challenging read. I enjoyed the comments too.
This is really thought-provoking for me. The question of who we are writing for is really important. I also feel, when you get deep enough, there's a level of human that speaks to everyone. It's the opposite of bland writing for the masses. It's going so specific that the truth of what we are saying can be felt. By anyone.
Not everyone knows the definition of "Sufi" or "Salafi" not even all Muslims, but everybody knows the conflict of who they are on the inside not matching up to what people expect on the outside. Everybody knows the pain of realising they were wrong. Everybody knows fear, loss, and fragile hope .
Whoever we write for, I think it's really important that it's not a publisher...
Just my two cents
Thanks for this comment, Rahma! It's that universal through the particular that I'm really going for in my writing. And it's also on opportunity to bring awareness to a wider audience. As someone who works in interfaith, I feel like I would be limiting myself if my writing is only intended for Muslims. But at the same time, I don't want to sacrifice my faith by writing for a wider audience, if that make sense.
Your comment about not writing for a publisher is interesting. You mean not writing solely for them? Are you looking to get published or mostly writing for self-expression? I think the latter is just as legitimate as the former. But as someone who does seek publication, I recognize that I will have to keep in mind what publishers are looking for. It doesn't mean that I have to cater to them.
Thanks for sharing your two cents! :)
Yes, I do hope to be published but I work quite hard to not think about a publisher or even large numbers of readers, when I write. I think it's hard enough to tell the truth to ourselves, without holding publishers and/or thousands of potential readers in our consciousness. It becomes to easy to censor ourselves. I like to think about writing to one or two very supportive and accepting acquaintances.
Even with my Substack, if I had to think about the number of people that see some of my posts, or the fact that I have no control over where it gets shared to, I would limit what I feel comfortable to say. In fact, I already do, I know I do.
I've recently observed that I barely promote my Seerah publication at all. I feel like it's not relevant to the majority so I don't bother to share it and people who would benefit from it are probably not finding it... I feel more nervous to show up as Muslim, it's more vulnerable. It's an edge for me to work with...
But to get back to the point, my suspicion is that it takes a particular mindset to actual produce a manuscript and another mindset altogether to get it published. I don't know from experience... I haven't been published before but I love to find people like you who are on a similar path!
That makes so much sense! And I agree. When I'm writing my first draft, it's always for me... or rather, it's what's on my mind. And then, I edit and edit. When it comes to my blog, my editing mostly just consists of copy editing and making sure it reads nicely.
But when I'm writing for publication, it's a whole other beast. I have to have the audience in mind. But the good thing with publishing is usually an editor will give you really helpful feedback and remind you of your gaps.
I hope that you will share your Seerah publication! Do you feel nervous to show up as a Muslim online or while writing only?
Are you working on a book too? Insha'Allah, I'd love to share whatever insights I have learned. I'm trying to get some essays and excerpts from my manuscript published. So I'll be sure to share what I learn :)
I've been meaning to write a memoir for the last 7 or 8 years but I've been moving all over the world and having babies. At least that's my excuse for not really making a real start... Either way, I'm running out of excuses now. I intend to start seriously next month, after I move house for the last time in a while (insha'Allah). I love September for back to school vibes as well. I always feel good starting a big project at that time of year.
Yeah, specifically online, there's something that makes me nervous about showing up fully as Muslim. A fear of being perceived as "too Muslim" from one side and "not Muslim enough" from the other but that's all part of it. Those opinions exist. Most people are polite enough not to express them! 😂
https://danusiamalinaderben.substack.com/p/7-prompts-to-free-yourself-from-the
This was a great recent post with a few prompts to encourage the untold stories to be released... It was quite an uncomfortable and challenging read. I enjoyed the comments too.
Thanks for sharing! I will check it out.