Excel in your craft and write powerful stories…
without the harsh critiques or brutal feedback that makes you want to stop writing.
Welcome to Grounded Writers, a creative writing community for Muslim women who want a safe and nurturing space to work on their writing, feel confident in their voice, and are ready to commit to their writing dreams.
Doors reopen in August 2026, inshaAllah
❝Joining Grounded Writers has helped me get several manuscripts going. Now ‘Pushed to the Back’ is a physical book that I have in my hands!
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 had two picture books published recently, both of which I worked on during our writing sessions. I also 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
You’ve harboured a secret desire to be a writer for as long as you can remember.
You’ve dreamt of getting a ‘We’d love to publish your work!‘ email in your Inbox and seeing your name in a literary magazine or on the cover of a book.
But even though writing is never far from your mind, it’s is the first thing that gets cast to the side when responsibilities pile up.
When you do manage to write, the self-doubt and nagging whispers of ‘why bother writing; no one’s even going to read this’ start to take over.
And if you’ve taken a writing course or joined a critique group, hoping to finally prioritize your writing, other problems surface.
- You have tons of story ideas but none of them are finished drafts because you keep getting stuck and don’t know what more to write.
- You’ve studied craft but you don’t know what to do to make your stories stronger.
- You feel demoralized by the critiques you received and wonder whether you should just give up on writing.
- You’re tired of putting yourself out there, submitting your writing for publication, only to receive one rejection after the next.
If any of that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
It’s hard to make time for your writing when your days are already full with work, caring for your family, and fulfilling your responsibilities.
And when you finally do make time to write, you’re told to join critique groups so other writers who don’t know you or share the same values as you do, can give you constructive criticism.
Before you know it, you’ve stopped writing altogether. You miss who you once were, when you could open up a notebook and the words would just flow.
The good news is that if you want to be the kind of writer who prioritizes their writing and gets published, you don’t need your responsibilities to magically disappear and you don’t need to grow a thick skin so you can handle ‘brutally honest’ feedback.
Here’s what you actually need to succeed as a writer…
>> A supportive community of like-minded writers who you can turn to for help, motivation, and encouragement so you’re never alone on this journey.
>> Writing courses that teach craft in a simple and accessible way so you know how to make your stories stronger.
>> Ongoing, thoughtful feedback from an experienced writer and mentor who can show you the gaps in your writing without destroying your self-esteem.
With the right support, you can start living the writing life you’ve always dreamt of having.
This could be you…
>> You’re writing regularly despite all the responsibilities you still have. 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 gives you clarity on how to make them stronger, is motivating and encouraging, and doesn’t tear your work apart.
>> 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 acceptance email 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!”
All of this is possible for you at Grounded Writers.
Grounded Writers is a creative writing community for Muslim women who want to learn and understand craft at a deep level, strengthen their storytelling, and build a sustainable writing life.
Whether you’re:
- just starting to take your writing seriously,
- ready for thoughtful and nourishing feedback on your stories,
- or working towards publication and need support as you continue to write, revise, and submit your work…
Grounded Writers gives you a dedicated space to become the writer you’ve always wanted to be.
❝What stood out to me most about Hajera is the empathy and kindness she exhibits to help foster growth
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
❝I actually submitted a piece to a literary journal—a huge step for me—and it got published! I never imagined I’d get to say those words
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.
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
Grounded Writers is a community where you get ongoing support to reach your writing goals.
You won’t be struggling to ‘keep up.’ You’ll be building a sustainable and nourishing writing routine that fits within your life, with resources you can return to whenever you’re ready.
Here’s how Grounded Writers helps you reach your writing goals:
1) self-study COURSES you can dive into whenever you’re ready
Library of creative writing courses and workshops to help you write like your favourite authors.
- Get access to our growing library of creative writing courses and workshops that teach you how to write powerful and heartfelt stories, so you’re not guessing your way through each draft.
- These courses are self-study with 24/7 access. You can work through them at your own pace and revisit lessons anytime you need.
- You’ll explore examples from picture books, short stories, and personal essays, so you’ll benefit and grow in your writing, no matter what genre or age-group you write for.
- Course list includes:
- How To Grow A Story: Essentials of Creative Writing
- Revision: A Story in Full Bloom
- Workshops on Picture Book Structure, Character, and Show Don’t Tell
- Writing Picture Books on Heavy Topics
- Publishing in Literary Magazines
- Creating A Website For Your Writing Career, and more!
2) MONTHLY FEEDBACK CALLS to revise with clarity and confidence
Get motivating and inspiring feedback on your writing so you never feel stuck and know exactly what to do to make your stories stronger.
- Submit your first drafts, works-in-progress, or a story you’re preparing for submission to our monthly Feedback Call. We’ll look at what’s working really well, where your story is losing momentum, and identify any gaps in your knowledge of craft. 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.
- This is not a critique where I tell you what’s wrong with your story and you end up feeling like you’re a terrible writer. 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 and you’ll know exactly what to work on to make your story stronger.
3) live support for when you’re struggling And to keep you growing as a writer.
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.
- Weekly Write Together Sessions At Grounded Writers, we make writing easy. Come to our weekly writing sessions where you get an hour-long dedicated space to get some writing done, alongside other writers in our community. 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. You’ll face the blank page with joy and a sense of possibility!
- Monthly Coaching Calls 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.
- Monthly Writing Practice Sessions Practicing our writing is what helps us grow as writers. In these sessions, you’ll get a chance to put your newly acquired writing skills to use, while planting seeds for new projects. Writing that has come out of these sessions has grown into short stories, essays, and even whole novels! You’ll write stories you never knew you had in you, even in genres you didn’t consider before!
4) 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!
5) LEARN directly FROM authors and how they got published
Get answers to all your questions about finding agents and getting published in our 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 their writing process, their publication journey, and what advice they would give to aspiring authors.
- We honour all publishing pathways and have invited traditionally published and self-published authors. 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.
❝ 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
When you join Grounded Writers, you get instant access to…
✼ Courses & Workshops: Three creative writing courses; Guest Author Q&A library; Special workshops, & publishing resources (Value: $2,400)
✼ Guidance & Support: Private online community space for Q&As and unlimited support; Weekly check-ins and Write Together sessions; Writing prompts vault; and more! (Value: $200)
✼ Live Sessions: Coaching and Q&A Sessions; Writing Practice Sessions; Feedback Calls (Value: $400)
Total combined value of just one month at Grounded Writers: $3,000 CAD
Join now for only $375 CAD /quarter
*1 month free on an annual subscription*
❝I saw a real shift in my writing.
When I first joined Grounded Writers, it was almost on a whim. I wanted to be part of a Muslim women’s writing group for leisure. But being surrounded by such talented writers, I began to see myself as a writer too and even started to dream of writing as a career. 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.
I was once in your place, still trying to figure out how to write stronger stories and wondering why I wasn’t getting published…
Salaam! I’m Hajera, a published writer, creative writing teacher, editor, and mom of two boys. My stories and essays have been published in literary magazines and I was a finalist for PEN Canada’s New Voices Award in 2024.
But before all that, I was a writer with a dream of getting published. I loved to write, whether it was journaling or writing for my blog, or even just jotting down lines of poetry in the margins of my lecture handouts at university.
When I decided to take my writing more seriously, I knew I needed guidance and instruction. I did what you were “supposed” to do – I signed up for writing courses. That’s when everything changed for me, but not in the way I expected.
I was taught things like:
- you have to write everyday otherwise you’re not serious about being a writer
- 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 any other way
Writing went from being freeing and joyful to stressful and confusing. Nothing I wrote felt good anymore. And the critiques I got on my stories didn’t make me feel like I had learnt anything about how to write a strong story. All I got were pages upon pages of feedback, telling me what was wrong with my writing.
I didn’t want to lose my love for writing. So I stopped taking writing classes and wrote on my own for a while. At least I was having fun again. At least I went back to loving writing.
When I finally found a writing course that didn’t focus on critique, that’s when my writing began to flourish. I focused on learning and practicing craft, discovering what was already strong in my writing, and experienced how much fun it can be to learn how to write better when critique is taken out of the picture.
But I was still taught that it would take me years to get better as a writer, and that joining a critique group was the best option I had to keep going.
When I started teaching 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.
And then I discovered something that surprised 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! To help them through revision and edits to make their stories even stronger, I developed my own method of giving feedback that was collaborative rather than prescriptive, and that honoured the vision these women had for their stories, not how I thought they should be written.
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. I’ve taken everything I now know about writing, editing, and how to get published and poured it into Grounded Writers.
I know that my method of teaching craft and giving feedback works because I’ve witnessed incredible growth in the writers in my membership. Their stories are getting stronger. They’re submitting their manuscripts to publishing houses and literary magazines. And alhamdulillah, they’re getting published, too.
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.
If you’re a Muslim woman looking for a safe and nourishing space to write, learn, and grow, I’d love to welcome you inside Grounded Writers.
❝The kind of feedback I’ve received has always been generative, kind, and something that no one else has ever pointed out
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.
It also began to feel unsafe to write the truth and share it within these white majority circles. 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.
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. 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’re returning to writing after a long absence and want a gentle, structured way to begin
- you want to get published but don’t know how to balance what publishers are looking for with what you want to write about
- you’re already published and want ongoing feedback and support as you continue to write
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.
❝I got published in a journal for the first time
In the two years of working with Hajera, not only have I found a community that I am comfortable among, challenged by, and uplifted with, but I also found opportunities that pushed me outside of my comfort zone. Because of the community we have created, 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!
The thing is a community like this is not just about the time we meet each week to write and discuss writing. It is also about the light it brings to your entire journey of growth as a person and as a storyteller. I have found, alhamdolillah, a lot of light here that has illuminated many long unexplored and intimidating places of my life, and I have found here the company for the road that keeps me steady enough to navigate those sometimes stormy waters. — Rania El-Badry, published writer
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I join for one month only?
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. You’ll need much longer than a month, at the very least, to 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 the minimum three months, and in fact, the writers who benefit most from this membership are those who have stayed for a year and longer.
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!
❝I was a writer who never would have called herself that
Joining Grounded Writers was one of the best things I have done for myself. This Muslim women’s writing group was truly life-changing for me.
Initially, I was a writer who never would have called herself that. I often referred to myself as someone who enjoys writing. However, through the encouragement, guidance, and sisterhood I found at Grounded Writers, I have emerged as a budding writer who is more confident in my abilities Alhamdulillah.
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.
When you join, you get instant access to…
✼ Learning: Writing courses; Guest Author Q&A library; Special workshops, & publishing resources (Value: $2,400)
✼ Guidance & Support: Private online community space for Q&As and unlimited support; Weekly check-ins and Write Together sessions; Writing prompts vault; and more! (Value: $200)
✼ Live Sessions: Coaching and Q&A Sessions; Writing Practice Sessions; Feedback Calls (Value: $400)
Total combined value of just one month at Grounded Writers: $3,000 CAD
Join now for only $375 CAD /quarter
*1 month free on an annual subscription*
❝This one session is worth the full monthly membership price
I am a part of SCBWI, a member of a very reputable critique group, but never have I felt heard and seen until I joined this group. The founder members of the group, who are Muslim women and published authors, under the leadership of Hajera, bring a unique experience that can be described as motivational and joyful.
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. Make dua and take a bet on yourself. I cannot wait to welcome you on the other side. — Miral Khalil, writer