Learn and master craft, write powerful and heartfelt stories, & continue creating work that is polished and submission-ready…
without the harsh critiques or rigid writing routines that don’t work for you
Grounded Writers is a creative writing membership for Muslim women who want a safe and nurturing space to work on their writing, feel confident in the worth and impact of their stories, and are ready to commit to their writing dreams.
15% off your first month until Feb 1, 2026.
Use promotion code 15OFF
❝Joining Grounded Writers has helped me get several manuscripts going. My most significant accomplishment is writing the sequel to “Stuck in the Middle.” Now “Pushed to the Back” is a physical book that I have in my hands! I’ve also recently finished the first draft of a memoir that I didn’t know I needed to write before joining the program.
If you’re pining for those days when you used to love writing, or you want to improve your craft but don’t know how, or you’re looking for a group of writers you can relate to, Grounded Writers is the perfect place to be. — Sumayyah Hussein, author
As a writer, I know how hard it can be to prioritize your writing and stay consistent with it.
Maybe you’re …
>> missing who you once were, when you used to write, before life got busy, and now you can never seem to make time for your writing
>> intimidated by the blank page because every time to you sit down to write, nothing ‘good’ comes out, and you feel disconnected from your writing
>> worried you’re not ‘good enough’ to get published and you can’t stop comparing yourself to your favourite authors
>> too scared to get your stories critiqued because you’re afraid of getting your work torn apart by editors who think critique needs to be brutal
>> tired of putting yourself out there, submitting your writing for publication, only to receive one rejection after the next
Perhaps you’ve even tried to work on your writing skills and grow as a writer.
Maybe you’ve taken a writing course (or two, or more!), but you still struggle to get started and get stuck in the idea phase.
Maybe you joined a critique group and even paid for a critique by an editor, but you’re still not sure how to revise and edit your own work.
Or perhaps you’ve tried to revise your stories based on feedback from critique partners and editors and now you don’t even love your writing anymore.
You cringe when you call yourself a writer and you can’t help but feel like maybe you’re just not talented enough.
You’re confused about what to focus on in your writing. You’re afraid you’ll never get published, and you’ll never get to be the writer you’ve always wanted to be.
The good news is, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
❝Before I joined Grounded Writers, I was full of self-doubt. I loved writing, but I didn’t really know what I was doing beyond journaling. I had never worked with an editor, never shared my writing with anyone outside of friends, and definitely never thought about publishing. Honestly, the idea of submitting my work felt terrifying. I just didn’t know what I needed to do to make my stories stronger, and I didn’t have a space where I felt safe enough to try.
I joined Grounded Writers because the way Hajera talked about writing felt so different. It wasn’t about tearing people down or making them fit into a certain mold. It felt honest, supportive, and real. Once I joined, everything shifted. For the first time, I had structure, guidance, and encouragement all at once. The feedback was so thoughtful—it gave me clarity without taking away the heart of my work. And the community? That was huge for me. Being around other writers who understand the ups and downs made me feel like I wasn’t alone in this.
Now, I feel confident in a way I didn’t think was possible. I trust my voice so much more. I actually submitted a piece to a literary journal—a huge step for me—and it got published! That moment was everything because I never imagined I’d get to say those words. If you’re where I was—feeling stuck, unsure, and maybe even scared—I want you to know this program changes that. You don’t have to do it alone. Grounded Writers gave me the courage to share my words and believe in my writing. If you’re thinking about joining, don’t hesitate. It’s worth it. — Hiba Qasqas, published writer
Start living the writing life you’ve always dreamt of having.
This could be you…
>> You’re writing regularly despite all the responsibilities you’re still carrying. And you’re actually feeling lighter and happier, because you’re finally making time for what you love.
>> You’re excited to submit your stories for feedback because the advice you get is motivating and encouraging and doesn’t tear apart your work.
>> Rejections don’t faze you like they used to because you know your strengths as a writer and feel confident about your writing.
>> You finally get that yes you’ve been waiting for because you kept submitting your work and stayed persistent.
>> You love the stories you’ve written and can’t believe how much you’ve grown as a writer. The best part is having someone tell you after they read your work, “That was beautiful. I love your writing.”
❝ When I first contacted Hajera, I was at a low point emotionally in my writing journey. I realized I needed to learn craft to add depth to my writing, and joined Grounded Writers. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made, Alhamdulillah. I am deeply grateful to Allah for guiding me to this writing program.
Since joining— and even before that—what stood out to me most about Hajera is the empathy and kindness she exhibits to help foster growth.
The world is full of critics who tear you down. As a writer, you need someone to point out your mistakes without making you feel like you should quit. When Hajera shares her feedback, she appreciates the strengths of your work while thoughtfully addressing the parts that need improvement. Her feedback doesn’t leave you questioning your self-worth as a writer; it gently pushes you towards refinement. — Noureen Amer, writer
Unlike a course that runs for a limited time, Grounded Writers is a membership program where you get ongoing support to reach your writing goals.
Here’s what’s included in your membership:
COURSES that simplify craft and make learning enjoyable
Lessons on creative writing that will elevate your storytelling skills so you write like your favourite authors.
- You’ll get four creative writing courses that teach you how to write powerful and heartfelt stories. You’ll feel like your best writing is just an exercise away! I provide readings from picture books, short stories, and personal essays, so you’ll benefit and grow in your writing, no matter what genre you write in.
FEEDBACK to write your best stories
Get motivating and inspiring feedback on your writing so you never feel stuck and know exactly what to do to make your stories stronger.
- In our monthly feedback calls, I will help you identify the gaps and blind spots in your stories. Whether you’re struggling with ‘show, don’t tell’, character development, or don’t know how to come up with a strong ending for your story, you’ll never be left alone to wonder if you’re doing it right. My feedback-giving process is collaborative and is based on your vision for your story. You’ll leave the call feeling excited to work on your next draft, InshaAllah!
COMMUNITY so you never feel like you’re doing this alone
Feel safe and supported in whatever path you choose for your writing. Everyone is a writer here.
- Our community has both new and published writers, so you’ll never feel out of place no matter where you are in your writing journey. We’re open, honest, and vulnerable with each other and don’t hold back when it comes to sharing our struggles and exchanging resources for success. Members of our community connect on their own, find accountability partners, and even form their own writing groups. You’ll meet writers who turn into life-long friends!
LIVE SESSIONS to implement what you’re learning and keep you growing.
Every month in our membership is an opportunity to connect with your writing and get the exact help and support that you need to keep going. You’ll write stories you never thought you had in you.
- Coaching Sessions Whether you’re wracked with self-doubt, struggling to commit to a writing routine, or feeling heartbroken after a rejection, I help you get to a place where you feel motivated to continue writing and not give up on this beautiful gift that Allah has blessed you with.
- Guided Writing Sessions Practicing our writing is what helps us grow as writers. In these monthly sessions, you’ll get a chance to practice your new writing skills, while planting the seeds for new projects. Writing that has come out of these sessions has grown into short stories, essays, and even whole novels!
❝ The program offers a treasury of craft notes, full courses, live feedback, and constant support. The value of the membership is honestly far more than its cost. I’m more confident in my writing and enjoy the process instead of doubting myself. One of my short stories was even published in a local magazine.
— Kiran Zeeshan
❝ I took the picture book structure course and there were so many gems in it, I ended up finishing a picture book manuscript after years. When I shared my work in a feedback call, I got so much positive, constructive feedback. After being stuck at 2k words for 4 years now, I’m currently at 10k words.
— Anousha Vakani
❝ The resources within the membership are so helpful in learning craft at your own pace. I’ve entered at least five competitions or challenges, received a scholarship, had two pieces published in magazines, and even found a fellow Grounded Writer that lives in my area. It’s quite amazing!
— Naazia Husain
In addition to courses & monthly live sessions, you’ll ALSO get…
- Special Workshops A writing course can only cover so much. If you’re looking to delve deeper into craft and publication strategy, our special workshops are designed to help you take your writing and your writing career to the next level. Get instant access to all our past workshops when you join.
- Guest Author Q&A Sessions I don’t have all the answers when it comes to publication. That’s why I invite your favourite Muslim authors to chat with us and answer all your questions about writing and publishing. When you join Grounded Writers, you’ll get access to our library of past Guest Author Q&A sessions, which includes some of the most successful Muslim authors like S.K. Ali, Rahma Rodaah, and Asmaa Hussein.
- Prompts & Weekly ‘Write Together’ Session It’s hard to make time for writing in our busy schedules. And when we sit down to finally write, we’re faced with the dreaded blank page! At Grounded Writers, we make writing easy. Come to our weekly sessions where we write together for an hour. If you don’t have a project you’re working on, or you feel stuck, you can use my weekly writing prompt, or pick one from our prompts vault! Not every writing session will be amazing, but you’ll always write something. And whether you write one sentence or a hundred, we’re here to celebrate it!
❝ I worked on my craft, faced rejections, and kept growing until I saw a real shift in my writing. Alhamdulillah. With Hajera’s guidance, I submitted my strongest story for the PB Rising Stars mentorship, and it was chosen!
What makes Grounded Writers special is how much heart Hajera pours into it. From themed workshops and guest speakers, she makes every step fun, engaging, and inspiring. Earlier this year, I even joined as a TA, and I’m so grateful to be part of something that has nurtured me and now allows me to support other writers on their journeys.
Joining Grounded Writers has truly been transformative. I’ve gone from writing casually to embracing it as part of my identity and future—all thanks to Hajera’s skills. — Zohra Chunawala, agented writer.
Why I started Grounded Writers…
Writing used to feel joyful and fulfilling when it was just me, writing for myself. Everything changed when I started taking writing classes. I picked up so many unhealthy and harmful ideas about what it meant to be a writer and what it takes to get published.
You’ve probably heard some of these too. Things like: you have to write everyday; your writing will be terrible in the beginning and it will take many years before you get better; you shouldn’t write about topics that have already been done before; you need to have thick skin and get your stories critiqued because your writing won’t get stronger without it.
When I started working with Muslim women, most of the writers who worked with me had never taken a writing class before. I had to learn how to simplify craft and teach it in a way that even someone who was completely new to writing would find it easy to grasp.
That’s when everything clicked for me. It didn’t take these women years to start writing beautifully, the way that I had been taught. In a few months, they were writing beautiful stories!
My writing and teaching experiences made me realize that creative writing is taught in a needlessly complicated way, and a focus on critique actually keeps us from growing as writers.
Letting go of everything that I was taught about writing was hard and it took me a long time to do so.
But that process of unlearning is also what made me the kind of writing teacher that I am today, Alhamdulillah. Your stories deserve to be told and to be read widely! And you deserve guidance and support that nourishes you as a writer and helps you excel.
❝ Before joining Grounded Writers, I was a part of a few writing communities. But I was unsure about was whether my writing was actually improving. Many times, my writing would be looked at through a white lens and its tendency to exoticize the experience of a brown Muslim woman. My nervous system was in overdrive, trying to make sense of what to write, if I write well, am I happy with what I’m actually writing, where to send it, what’s the value that I’m providing, am I writing to appease the white gaze or am I actually writing the truth?
What made me join Grounded Writers was that I felt I would be in a safe community and I could approach the page with truth again. Hajera shared something online about her stance on giving feedback in a way that a writer still maintains agency over their work. When she shared that critique is actually harmful, it really clicked for me.
The thing that I love most about the program is that you are welcome as you are. I currently have an infant with three other children. My schedule varies from day to day and it helps that I can tap in and out of the platform when I can. The platform offers so many pre-recorded classes if I want to work on a particular skill. I also love that Hajera offers new live classes and adds them to the database. I feel that my writing is slowly improving. I’m able to see the holes in my craft.
The most valuable aspect of the program are the feedback calls. Hajera has such a keen eye backed with years of experience. The kind of feedback I’ve received from her has always been generative, kind, and something that no one else has ever pointed out. Whenever I share any of my pieces for feedback, she gives spot on suggestions. It’s always encouraging and I leave eager to rework the piece.
The biggest relief I have is that I don’t need to mask my Muslim identity or try to be the kind of Muslim that others approve of. That has freed up so much of my anxiety as I write. Grounded Writers offers high value content and coaching at a reasonable price. It’s an investment I’m proud of and it makes me happy that I’m in a community with people where our values align. — Sana Fayyaz, writer
You’ll love Grounded Writers if…
- you love to write and want to find a truly safe space where you can express yourself without fear of judgment or criticism
- you love to read and think to yourself, ‘I wish I could write like that’, after reading something that you love
- you want to get published but don’t know how to balance what publishers are looking for vs what you want to write about
- you’re excited to connect with other writers who are writing in the same genre as you
This program is not for you if…
- you think the harsher the critique, the more valid it is
- you think writers need to have a thick skin and be able to take critique without it affecting them
- you don’t feel like your writing has room to grow
- you don’t love to write and only want to publish books to teach kids/adults about a certain topic
Grounded Writers is a home for your writing.
Our writing is very personal and I get that you need to feel like this is a space where you belong. That’s why I offer a 7-day money back guarantee. If you join Grounded Writers but feel like you’re not a good fit for the program, I’m happy to give you a full refund. Send me an email within 7 days and I’ll process your refund right away, no questions asked.
❝ Not only have I found a community that I am comfortable amongst, challenged by, and uplifted with, but I also found opportunities that pushed me outside of my comfort zone.
I got published in a journal for the first time, ran my first storytelling workshop (under Hajera’s delightful guidance), and even found a new job opportunity!
— Rania El-Badry, published writer
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there a minimum four-month commitment?
There is a minimum four month commitment to joining Grounded Writers because you won’t see any tangible benefits if you’re not committed to working on your writing on a somewhat consistent basis. Creative writing is a skill. The more you work on your writing, the stronger it will get. The four months will give you enough time to, at the very least, work through my writing courses and take advantage of some of the things Grounded Writers has to offer. Of course, I’d love for you to stay longer than four months, and in fact, the writers who benefit most from this membership are those who have continued to stay beyond the minimum four-month requirement.
I don’t have a lot of time on my hands. Will I be able to benefit from this membership?
I don’t recommend that you join Grounded Writers if you don’t have ANY time to dedicate to your writing. I’ve had phases in my life when I haven’t been able to write at all so I always tell writers that it’s okay if your writing needs to take a backseat for a while. But you also don’t need to dedicate several hours a week to your writing, and in fact, it’s what stops so many writers from making progress on their writing journey. We think that unless we have lots of free time, we can never work on our writing. The writers in my program are mothers with young children, women with busy work schedules, and women with other responsibilities. Alhamdulillah, they all still benefit from the membership and have been able to make incremental progress in their writing. They’ve written novels, have been selected for mentorship programs, and even gotten their books and writing published. This can be possible for you, no matter how busy you are, as long as you’re able to set aside some time for your writing.
Will I get feedback on my writing? How does that work?
Yes! We have monthly feedback calls where you can submit your writing to me in advance of the session. On the call, I first ask writers to share any context to their stories — why they wrote it, their intention for it, any personal connection they have to the topic. After that, I share feedback on how to make their story stronger, while making sure that my feedback is aligned with the vision they have for their story. I love it when writers tell me that they’re excited to go back to their story and work on it further! You can also resubmit a revised draft of the same story when you’re ready for more feedback. Through this process, I’m able to you guide you in the revision process rather than give you a one-off manuscript critique.
I am a new writer. Will I benefit from this program?
Yes! No matter what stage of the writing journey we’re at, we all need support, especially when we’re just starting out. The courses inside Grounded Writers are simple and intuitive and you can start working through them as soon as you join.
It can feel overwhelming to think of how much work you need to do before you achieve your writing dreams, but with the right support and structure in place, you can get there faster and find writer-friends for life along the way!
I have been writing for years. Will I benefit from this program?
Yes! We have published authors in our community as well as writers who have studied creative writing at the university level. My writing courses are designed to challenge you and help you to go deeper and be braver in your writing. The readings for each lesson and the writing exercises can help you strengthen your writing skills and help you write in ways you’ve never written before. My revision course will change the way you revise and help you get to a final draft with more ease.
Beyond seeing a shift in your writing, InshaAllah, you’ll also get to experience the joy of being a part of a writing community. I’ve been writing for years myself and I know how valuable it is to be able to talk to other writers about my struggles. Every new writing project presents its own challenges, especially when I’m trying something that I haven’t done before, like writing in a new genre. I’ve also seen how much more confident writers can get when they’re able to impart wisdom and lessons they’ve learnt in their own writing journeys to newer writers. It’s what makes being in a writing community such an enriching experience and I’d love to have you and learn from you too!
When do the live sessions take place?
Our main live sessions, which alternate between coaching sessions, guided writing sessions, feedback calls, and special workshops, take place on Wednesdays at 12pm ET. Our Write Together sessions, which are weekly drop-in writing sessions hosted by my TAs are on Tuesdays at 12pm ET. If your schedule doesn’t allow you to attend live, all of our sessions are recorded, so you can always catch up on the recordings. Apart from live sessions, our private community platform is a space where we have discussions, ask questions, and share reflections so everyone can contribute and participate. If you can’t make it live, you will still benefit fully from the program.
What if I join the membership and then decide it’s not for me?
If you join Grounded Writers and for whatever reason, don’t feel happy with your decision, you will have 7 days to cancel your membership. If you join and feel like you’re not a good fit for the program, I’m happy to give you a full refund. I offer this guarantee because I’m confident that you will love the program InshaAllah, but I also know that I’m not the best mentor and teacher for everyone. You can also cancel after your minimum four-month commitment comes to an end.
What happens after I join? When does Grounded Writers start?
Except for a few weeks during the year, Grounded Writers is always in session! I officially launched the membership in early 2023 and we’ve been going strong ever since, Alhamdulillah!
Within 24 hours of your enrollment, I will send you a welcome email. You’ll receive access to our private community space. When you join our community space, you can introduce yourself and meet the writers who are currently in the group. You’ll have access to all our courses and you can begin your learning right away!
❝ Throughout the past two years in this group, I have been able to complete an adult fiction novel, write three more manuscripts that are halfway done, while also writing and finishing two children’s book manuscripts, Alhamdulillah. I not only gained confidence as a writer, but I also learned valuable skills in querying agents, submitting manuscripts, and most importantly, overcoming my self-doubt.
This experience has given me the tools, knowledge, and trust in myself that I can actually pursue my writing dreams with purpose and determination and one day, insha’Allah call myself not only a writer, but an author. — Caitlin Mohamed, writer
It’s time to finally make progress on your writing goals.
A quick summary of what’s included in your membership:
✼ Learning: Writing courses; Guest Author Q&A library; Special workshops, & publishing resources (Value: $2,400)
✼ Guidance & Support: Weekly check-ins and Write Together sessions; Writing prompts vault; Private online community space (Value: $200)
✼ Live Sessions: Coaching and Q&A Sessions; Guided Writing Sessions; Feedback Calls (Value: $400)
Total combined value of just one month at Grounded Writers: $3,000
Your monthly investment: only $115
❝ Hajera and her membership bring a wealth of resources and opportunities to soar as a writer. Her monthly feedback sessions are a powerful way to polish your writing and you glean so much just by listening in. This one session is worth the full monthly membership price, that’s how valuable it is. — Miral Khalil, writer
Pay monthly
$115 CAD / month
Minimum four (4) month commitment. Membership automatically renews every month. Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of joining.
Pay for 4 months
$460 CAD
Minimum four (4) month commitment. Membership automatically renews every four months. Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of joining.