Stuck in Syria

(c) photo by khulud khamis. Occupied Golan Heights, 2014. Revisiting some pieces that may have the potential to develop into short stories, and which are based on our absurd, often Kafkaesque reality, here’s a piece that was initially part of Haifa Fragments, but which was ultimately edited out. I mourned the cutting out of this specificContinue reading “Stuck in Syria”

If you enjoy my writing, please consider supporting my work

I’ve never asked anyone for money before. Well, not for myself, anyway. I’ve raised money from friends before for individuals in dire need. I’m a bit embarrassed about this, so I will just go ahead and get to the point. I opened a profile on Patreon, which is a site for artists to seek regularContinue reading “If you enjoy my writing, please consider supporting my work”

On writing in English rather than in Arabic

Why do you Write in English and not Arabic? I think I’ve been asked this question more than the “How long did it take you to write the book?” one. My response is different each time; I make it up as I go along. But I decided that it’s about time to dig deeper intoContinue reading “On writing in English rather than in Arabic”

On the Art of Writing Short Stories

Before I tell you how I came about to write my very first short story, “Conflict Zone Date,” (forthcoming in Consequence Literary Magazine, Spring 2016), I’d like to make a confession. Up until about six months ago, I never really understood short stories. I just didn’t get it. I tried. I struggled. I bought collectionsContinue reading “On the Art of Writing Short Stories”

Write through it – on writing

Today I remembered that writing is supposed to be a comfort, a playful and joyful act. Not a pain in the ass. For the last few of weeks, I’ve been moping around the house, on heightened passive-aggressive mode, angry at the whole world. All because I haven’t been “producing” any writing. To be more precise,Continue reading “Write through it – on writing”

International Women’s Day 2016

something spontaneous and short i wrote 3 years ago for the International Women’s Day. Wishing women all over the world life free of all forms of oppression and violence in which we can be who we are, pursue our aspirations and dreams and feel safe. woman wake up stand up straight unbending raise your voiceContinue reading “International Women’s Day 2016”

The Silencing of Women

Singing and writing – of all the arts, to my belief, these two are perceived as the most dangerous by any patriarchal society that wishes to keep its women silenced and oppressed. Because singing and writing are expressions of voice, and we are expected not to raise our voices and remain silent, and silence meansContinue reading “The Silencing of Women”

Who’s afraid of a woman in Hijab?

My fiction writing is based on reality, thus – fictionalized realities. The following fragment from “Taboos in Arabic,” the manuscript-in-progress, is based on actual incidents that happened during Israel’s military attack on Gaza in the Summer of 2014.   The whole country is on fire. And not because of the Tammuz heat. Another military attackContinue reading “Who’s afraid of a woman in Hijab?”