Call for Submissions: Blackseed & Honey: American Muslim Fiction Anthology by Author & Educator Umm Juwayriyah

Shout-outs and blessings to all up and coming writers dreaming about words, doodling sentences and pictures with beginnings, middles, and ends! Shout-outs and blessings to those storytelling to anybody who will listen! Shout-out and blessings to anyone who has ever been afraid to share their dreams of writing with others because you were afraid your dream was too big for you to fill. Shout-out and blessings upon all those digging in racks at the library or bookstore looking for stories of themselves. Shout outs and blessings to all those who rather give up sleep than give up the story line ---- May the angels write down your names and share them with the righteous, ameen! 

Dear writer and writer -to-be, pull out your paper/pens/keyboards and share your gifts and vision! Your time is now!

Who can submit:

Must be a Muslim, *18* years of age or older living in the United States to be eligible to submit to this anthology. Preference will be given to stories by indigenous American Muslims. 

What can I submit:

Realistic fiction is preferred.  Short stories must have Muslim main character, 2500 words max, and be written in English. Two submissions max from the same author. 

What about my rights?

You fully own  and maintain your rights! Winners will grant As Sabr Publishing One time rights. Furthermore, you may also submit stories that you own the rights to, whether it was previously published before or not. 

What about submission fees?

  

  Zero! Zip! None! But ah, a sista will gladly accept any and all donations! For now: Get writing! 

Any Prizes?

  

Top 3 submissions will win $50! Yup, that's right! The three stories that me and editorial crew loves the most, I am going to gift with $50, special mentions in the anthology, and an interview right here on the blog! Everyone else gets a byline, a digital copy, discounts on bulk orders when it goes into print, an invite to LIVE CHATS on social media & future author meet-ups, and free marketing.

So, get writing -- I am ready to read ....about me, you -- about US: Blackseed & Honey! 

DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 1st, 2018!

Email submission to: UmmJuwayriyah@gmail.com

Download Tried & Tested for FREE - TODAY ONLY!! By Author & Educator Umm Juwayriyah

Taqaballahu minna wa minkum! I hope everyone is enjoying their eid: the food, the family, visiting the sick and elderly, taking care of and entertaining the children ~ whew, it's a lot! And because I know Eid time can be as stressful as it is prayerful and beautiful, I have a freebie for you and all your homies!

Today ONLY - you can download my latest novel, Tried & Tested,  for free! Yup, Free 99! If you've never read Urban Muslim fiction, here is your chance. Download it today and save it for a rainy day!

 Tried and Tested  is free for 1 day ONLY! 

Let Muslim Children Read! - Author & Educator Umm Juwayriyah

Author & Educator Umm Juwayriyah FREE workshop: The Public School & Muslim Parenting: Advocate For Your Children

Why Islamic Fiction? by Author & Educator Umm Juwayriyah

10 Eid Gift Ideas for the Whole Family by Juwayriyah Ayed

The end of Ramadhan is here. If you're like me, you never have any idea what you're gifts you're going to get your family and friends for Eid. Normally, I either go too cheap and impersonal then end of with a cute but unimpressive pair of socks. Or I get too detailed, too personal, too crafty and end up with a project that takes to two months to complete when I am already in the final stretch of Ramadhan. Whether you're in over your head or browsing the sale items at Target, don't fret! I got you covered.

I've taken the time to throw together a couple different list for just about every budget of cool, thoughtful, and interesting Eid gifts that you can purchase for your family and friends at the last minute. Oh, and most of the items are made by Muslims in the United States -- #support Muslim Artists!

Eid Mubarak,

J.A.

Dazzle Gifts $25 & Under

1. Arabic Calligraphy Clutch - $24.99

2. Art Prints and Posters by Kellycrosbydesign.com - $20

3. Black Strap Molasses Pre-Poo Moisture Treatment by Nur Creations - $13.99

4. Adam Muslim Doll Set by AlMuttaqun - $24.99
5. My Little Muslim Friend Puppet (in 3 skin tones) by MuslimZon - $12.00
6. Islamic Shape Cookie Cutter Gift Set - $18.99
7. Dua More, Worry Less Islamic Journal by Hafsa Khizer - $7.96
8. Rainbow Qur'an by AlSharifa - $25
9. Islamic Puzzle by Islamic Wreath - $15
10. Leather Bracelet with Arabic Initials for men - Starts at $15


Under $20 Bargain

1. Personalized Sadaqah Jars/Banks - $15
2. The Blessed Bananas: A Muslim Fable by Tayyaba Syed - $12
3. Al Asmaul Husna Coloring Book - $7.99
4. Mini Crystal Tasbih (different colors available) - $4.63
5. Ramadan and Eid Color Your Own Mug - $5.00
6. Bukhoor Scented Oil - $10.49
7. White Oud Scented Soap - $4.50
8. Organic Raw African Black Soap - $4.95
9. Toddler Quiet Book - $10.95
10. Beard Kit for Men (Includes brush, balm, and oil) - $14.99

Under $10 Super Last Minute Gifts

1. Mini Candles with Arabic Calligraphy - $2.75
2. Islamic Name Wall Art - $7.99
3. Personalized I Love Hijab Keychain - $7.00
4. Mini Eid Mubarak Cards - $1.00
5. Euro Bead Allah Bracelets - 2/$8.00
6. Islamic Manners Activity Book by Fatima D'Oyen - $4.75
7. Pretty Pink Hijab Pins - $2.75
8. Eucalyptus Organic Halal Soap - $2.50
9. Ready-to-use Alhuda 100% Henna with Essential Oil - $7.49
10. Egyptian Musk Incense Sticks (100) - $6.75

Ramadhan, Autism, Mental Health & Faith: The Size of a Mustard Seed by Author & Educator Umm Juwayriyah

And We shall set up balances of justice on the Day of Resurrection, then none will be dealt with unjustly in anything. And if there be the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it. And Sufficient are We as Reckoners. Quran, 21:47

The old adage goes, “A mother’s job is never done.” During Ramadan this saying couldn’t be more truer. From sun up to sun down it seems that Muslim women are the most busiest during this blessed time of year. As women who are aware that this is a month full of blessings, so many of us eagerly await the challenge each year to do our best for ourselves and others.

There’s elaborate food to be cooked for suhoor and iftar, prayers to be made throughout the day  and night, cleaning, washing, children to be taught or entertained with Islamic inspired themes and arts and crafts and family and friends to host. Even for the most Martha Stewart-trained and polished homemakers, Ramadan often leaves many moms exhausted.

Enter Autism and other special needs within the family, and for many it’s either a complete game changer or in some cases, game over!

I choose game changer.

Ever since my youngest daughter was diagnosed with Epilepsy and Autism eight years ago, Ramadan has taken on a new meaning for me. My time — already carefully divided between my family, career and providing for her care, medications and everyone’s emotional rollercoasters — always seems to come up short during Ramadan. It’s never an easy defeat to swallow.

That sweet potato casserole that I pinned on Pinterest months ago hoping to surprise my husband and parents with for iftar gets overridden by my afternoon trip to the park with my daughter so that she can sleep throughout the night easier. And those lectures with the sisters that I had hoped to sit in on at least once or twice within the month, I swapped out for the chance to pray salatul Tarawih in congregation while my mother watched my daughter.

Even hosting events at my home are now a challenge due to her sensory issues. I often have to fight off feelings of in-adequateness and jealousy for those Muslim Mommas doing what appears to be “ it all.” I wanted to be like them: cooking, cleaning, hosting events and praying all night. But over the years I have learned that Ramadan is one of the best times to work on perfecting my intentions and acknowledging my gratitude for those tasks that I am able to complete.  

Read the rest of the article on Patheos