It matters who gets to tell a story; the storyteller determines what the story will be about. As others become increasingly interested in the stories of SWANA (Southwest Asian and North African) people and the region, there is a risk of being caught up in the narratives publishers believe will sell—rather than the narratives we want to tell.
We Are More is a new Rumpus column written by and for the SWANA community. This space is not only a window for others to look in; it’s a platform for us to share with each other. This is not a space to perform, but rather to be seen. This is a space of freedom. This is a space for us to tell our own stories, and where every topic is welcome. This is a call to unite with our SWANA family. Our voices are stronger and louder when we speak together.
We Are More is an inclusive space for SWANA and SWANA diaspora writers to tell our stories, our way. Curated by Michelle Zamanian, this new column seeks to disrupt the media’s negative and stereotypical narratives by creating a consistent platform to be heard, outside of and beyond the waxing and waning interest of the news cycle. We publish creative nonfiction, graphic essays, fiction, poetry, and interviews by SWANA writers on a wide variety of subject matter. All prose submissions should be between 1500-5000 words. Poetry submissions should include 4-8 poems for consideration (up to 12 pages). Please inquire for interview guidelines. Submissions should be sent to [email protected] with author’s name and title/genre of work in the subject line.
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Rumpus original logo art by Mina M. Jafari.
