Ramadan Mubarak!
We're on hiatus until April but here are a few updates
Hello, Story Sunbirds!
We have a fun newsletter for you to return to over the next month because, as most of the Story Sunbirds observe Ramadan, we’ll be taking a hiatus until April. Today, we’re sharing new ways to donate, asking for your input on upcoming sessions, and popping in a new podcast-y segment you can be a part of.
One: We can now receive donations and subscriptions!
We’re proud to announce our paid subscriptions are open.
We’ll soon put up a bit of subscriber-only content but don’t feel pressured to give if you cannot. Just let us know and we’re happy to gift the post you’re interested in if you’re already a Sunbird (simply by being a subscriber or joining the Discord). You’ll also have the option to attend a few workshops or classes live.
But if you are able to support, please do so!
At the same time, subscriptions aren’t the only way you can support us, especially if you don’t want to commit to Substack. Feel free to give a direct donation here. The link will also be on our new website soon.
Two: Our open mic re-cap!
We had a great time at our Story Sunbirds open mic!
Members shared everything from new books to old books to exciting illustrations. We even had a bit of poetry here and there. It was a great time getting to know each other and seeing what everyone has been up to. Join us next time!
While Sunbird Hours are on the third Thursday of every month, we’re skipping March. We’ll have our next Hour on April 17.
Stay tuned for the theme announcement. See you then!
Three: Meet-A-Sunbird!
A new segment is coming to a newsletter near you. We’re meeting Sunbirds!
First up, we have Inda Ahmad Zahri, an Australia-based author-illustrator. Listen to her unique story and advice to others here:
Here are just a few things Inda is involved in!
A central part of Coffees for Gaza.
She was number sixteen on our recent Read-Aloud!
Running Stretch Your Shelf for curious, eclectic readers looking for more.
Her new book “The Month of Ramadan” is now available for purchase!
Thanks for joining us, Inda!
Looking to be the next Sunbird we can meet? Have a nomination of a friend in mind? Please email us or message on Instagram.
Four: A few submission opportunities.
Do you want to place your work in a magazine or find an agent? Take a look at these upcoming opportunities and on-going resources.
2025 Naomi Shihab Nye Prize: “We invite Arab American and Arab Canadian writers to submit English-language middle-grade manuscripts directed to readers ages 8–12.”
The Greene Door Project: “We want to hear from unagented writers across all genres of fiction, non-fiction and YA who are currently under-represented in publishing. This opportunity is open to writers of colour, disabled writers, LGBTQIA+ writers, and working class writers. We’re keen to hear from any #ownvoices writers. Greene Door is open internationally.”
At the top of every month, Galleyway posts new opportunities for writers on its website and social media. Don’t miss out!
Final notes:
We’ll be reaching out to folks who were interested in volunteering soon! We move a bit slowly so thank you for your patience.
Don’t forget to join us on Discord! We’ll soon be hosting regular, casual meetings there.
Have a blessed Ramadan! We’ll see you all in April.
In the meantime, let us know your thoughts or questions on anything in this newsletter.
Love the podcast launch!