I can't go back to where I came from, but here's what I can do ...

In May I found myself reading a stranger's words on the internet, telling me to go back to where I came from.

Something like that really sticks with you.

And as most of us are in a reflective space this time of year, I'm reaching out to reshare that story with you in case you haven't seen it yet.

I also want to tell you about what I can do, what I haven't stopped doing since then and what I will do more in 2025 ...

I will keep writing.

I will keep lifting my voice and insisting that voices like mine need to be heard too.

I will keep telling you about the truth of my life, about the beauty of the Muslim men I know who bring beauty and care into the world.

And today, however briefly, I will tell you about a quiet secret I hold as I walk to work each morning.

My newsletter is how I'm showing the world I'm ready to be a published author.

My friends remind me often that I don't have one book in me — I have volumes. Countless, unending stories to bring to the surface. And I can't wait to keep sharing these with you.

If you'd like to support me, if you'd like to step into my life with your time, attention and a paid subscription, it could really change things for me.

Support My Work

That's not just money that helps me buy writing supplies. It also helps me plan for the new year, to set aside funds for writing workshops and a Publishers Marketplace membership.

To turn that dream of a writing residency — where I have nothing to do but let the words pour out — into a possibility.

Today, my writing is squirreled away into the tiny increments of free time I find between my day job and making dinner, helping with homework, driving the children to and from activities.

I am excited just dreaming about what could happen if I were given a whole week or even ten days to myself — where the world falls away and I can marinate in the words.

Where could my book be at the end of that?

Turn My Letters into a Book

If you don't have the ability to support me financially, I understand. I cherish the gift of your attention and any time you lift my writing into the world, please know I really do see you.

In my faith tradition, we are all brothers and sisters, and that’s what you are to me.

Here's to more writing, more speaking up, more honest reflections.

Here's to you for coming along on a journey through the letters of a Muslim Woman.

Noha