On February 27, 2015 at 6:00pmEST/9:00pm PST, altMuslimah (“altM”) hosted the #MuslimWomenArts Twitter chat. This conversation was a prelude to a celebration of Muslim Women Artists at altM’s 6th birthday on March 8th, hosted by Princeton Muslim Life in Princeton, NJ.
We were joined by Aisha Saeed, a rising literary star and author of, Written in the Stars (Penguin, 2015). Her riveting, debut novel is a tale of love and adversity in the life of a Pakistani American high school senior. We spoke to Aisha about her book, spirituality, and the social change she hopes her work can help facilitate. Our second Twitter guest was Zainab Chaudary, who works in politics by day and is a writer by night. Her blog, The Memorist, ruminates upon travel, religion, science, relationships, and the past, present, and future experiences that make up a life.
altM asked the following questions:
“Is creative writing a meditative & spiritual process for you?”
“@AltMuslimah: Is creative writing a meditative & spiritual process for you? #MuslimWomenArts” for me it goes hand in hand most times
— Aisha Saeed (@aishacs) February 28, 2015
@AltMuslimah for me it’s more a part of myself that must be released…or I get antsy/agitated
— The Memorist (@TheMemorist) February 28, 2015
Does prayer or meditation play a role in transitioning you into your creative process?
@AltMuslimah @aishacs being a mother w young kids, how do you quiet your mind to get into creative process? #MuslimWomenArts — Shazia Riaz (@shaziariaz) February 28, 2015
@shaziariaz @AltMuslimah chai and disciplined writing time help to push out the day and focus #MuslimWomenArts — Aisha Saeed (@aishacs) February 28, 2015
Do the spiritual and creative realms help tap into the other?
I feel like they are intimately connected. RT @AltMuslimah: Do the spiritual and creative realms help tap into the other? #MuslimWomenArts
— The Q (@ImTheQ) February 28, 2015
When are you your most creative self? What factors help facilitate a writer’s flow?
@AltMuslimah quiet time away from the office, away from the demands of life. Those moments are few and far between #MuslimWomenArts — Sidrah M. (@HennaThis) February 28, 2015
Throughout history we’ve seen art as a catalyst for social change. What changes does your art aspire to make?
@AltMuslimah I hope whatever I create helps people feel inspired to proudly own and tell their *own* story. #MuslimWomenArts
— The Q (@ImTheQ) February 28, 2015
What are some challenges Muslim women face in their communities for pursuing careers in the arts?
.@AltMuslimah Speaking from my community, I get a lot of flack for being an English major. “Why not something productive?” #MuslimWomenArts — Release Kaye-raken! (@gildedspine) February 28, 2015
.@aishacs Agree and think this means we’ve got to be really fierce about supporting one another as Muslim women artists. #MuslimWomenArts
— Jennifer Zobair (@jazobair) February 28, 2015
Who are some Muslim women artists who have personally moved you?
(Tweet was ReTweeted by Sakina Jaffrey!)
#MuslimWomenArts actress @sakinajaff daughter of famous Saeed Jaffrey plays Valquez in #HouseofCards & will in @aasif‘s Halal in the Family — Shazia Riaz (@shaziariaz) February 28, 2015
@AltMuslimah I called @Ayesha_Mattu each step of the writing way asking how to do things and proceed #MuslimWomenArts
— Aisha Saeed (@aishacs) February 28, 2015
What are some must-reads by Muslim women authors?
Poetess from Toronto, @zayyAIDID speaks her truth confidently. Her work is compelling, moving, and honest. #MuslimWomenArts
— Eman Cheema. (@emaaanc) February 28, 2015
Not to toot own horn in #MuslimWomenArts thang – but I have #MuslimVDay cards & #MadeInBangladesh pieces up in group #RebelLegacy shw in OAK
— Taz Ahmed (@TazzyStar) February 28, 2015
Check out @niamalikadixon‘s interview https://t.co/K8WaomHpOT #MuslimWomenArts
— Margari Aziza (@Margari_Aziza) February 28, 2015
What type of support do Muslim women artists need to continue creating art?
.@AltMuslimah first need support from our family and community. We need to see nods of support, not a shaking head and sigh #MuslimWomenArts
— Aisha Saeed (@aishacs) February 28, 2015
@AltMuslimah safe spaces to network, bounce ideas, get feedback, encouragement, mutual promotion & support, helps #MuslimWomenArts
— Umm Sultan (@SketchyMuslims) February 28, 2015
If you like a person you consider is a #MuslimWomenArts – buy their art. Help artists support themselves w/ their own art. It’s important.
— Taz Ahmed (@TazzyStar) February 28, 2015
For tickets: Muslim Women Artists on #InternationalWomensDay 3/8/15 https://www.facebook.com/
