Anthology Reading: Constellations: Selected Tales from Muslim Storytellers

BOLD is thrilled to host a reading an anthology reading for Constellations: Selected Tales from Muslim Storytellers.

Join Muslim storytellers as we relay tales of family, community, and explore belonging. This anthology was inspired by 13th century poet Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī, who says, "Do not feel lonely. There is an entire universe within you." You will hear tales of celestial bodies, dark matter, and earthbound aliens. Space cats, telescopes, and international space stations are within reach, as these authors show.

Niyyah Ruscher-Haqq (she/her/hers) writes fantasy and predominantly horror. Her novella, The Veil, debuted September 2026. Niyyah has published several short stories and was selected as 2026 We Need Diverse Books Mentee for her middle grade fantasy manuscript “Under.” She serves as Secretary for mīzān, and as co-chair for Young Willamette Writers.

mohammad borhan ortega-allam (he/him/his) is the founder and facilitator of the workshop series Yallah! Muslims Write for Literary Arts and President of mīzān, a nonprofit dedicated to self-identifying Muslim writers. A participant in the 2025 Tin House Summer Workshop, he is hard at work on his debut novel.

Yousuf Azhar was born in India and raised in California. He holds a Memoir Writing Certificate from Stanford Continuing Studies, studied flash fiction at the Kenyon Review Writers Workshop, and is pursuing a writing certificate at the University of Iowa. His work appears in Tasbih, Threads at Cal, and Constellations.

myrah rafi'ah beverly (she/her/hers) is an African-American and Malay writer from Park City, Illinois. Alhumdulilah, she has a bachelor’s degree in Comparative Cultures and Politics from Michigan State University. She has designed and self-published two poetry zines: Eat, Sleep, Pray, and Just Forget and I Will Survive in Times 100.

Aminat Matemilola is a fiction-writer based Burlington, MA. She is a keen observer of nature and adventurer who finds joy in counting her blessings and savoring life’s simple moments. Her writing explores personal transformation, family dynamics and the quiet resilience found in everyday experiences.

Nazneen Khan makes her literary debut with Amaras Path in CONSTELLATIONS, a fiction anthology. A Commerce graduate writing from the PNW, she loves true stories and realistic fiction, finding inspiration in everyday moments. She enjoys photography, henna art, exploring nature and supporting local school programs.

Zarmeena Riaz hopes to paint pictures with her words; vivid, authentic and full of heart. A full time mom, homemaker and home educator, things that intrigue her are far too many. While this is her first time publishing a short story, she hopes to one day author an international nonfiction bestseller.

Asmaa Hashish’s love and passion for reading made it her favorite hobby—until she discovered writing. What began with diaries and an exploration of the psychology of life grew into crafting stories that explore human nature and the connections between us. “Untangled” is her first published short story.

Arrive at 6:30 p.m. to grab a snack or drink. The event will start at 7:00 p.m.

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Event cohosted by BOLD Coffee & Books and Indigo: Editing, Design, and More.