Fahmidan Journal publishes poetry of no more than two pages, flash fiction to 750 words, and politics, sociology, economics and history essays to 1,500 words. “Send us your thought provoking existentialism, your phobias, your darkest moments. Entrance us with your whimsical fantasy. Move us to tears with your truth in a world of suffering. Captivate and intrigue us with your hopes and dreams.” Issues may be themed. Read the complete guidelines here - https://www.fahmidan.net/submissions
SQF: Why did you start this magazine?
Anthony Salandy: Ranna Kisswani and I started Fahmidan to create a space for creatives like us. As a majority female team that is completely POC it was important for us to start a journal that reflected not only our backgrounds, but our belief in showcasing different voices. Where many journals perpetuate the same gatekeeping mindset, we wanted to elevate emerging, established and unknown writers.
We wanted to give Fahmidan a name that linked back to our Persian-Arab heritage hence, Fahmidan means 'To Understand' in Farsi. In essence, we wanted to give the world the chance to understand different writers and different styles.
SQF: What are the top three things you look for in a submission and why?
AS: Originality, honesty and ingenuity. We believe that good writing should make the reader think about their own lives, their own desires, their own fears. Although, we have a preference for the social, political and economic.
SQF: What most often turns you off to a submission?
AS: Erratic structures that detract from the clarity of the writing. As well as a lack of strong, robust language and diction. A powerful lexicon is arguably a strong priority for us at Fahmidan!
SQF: What do you look for in the opening paragraph(s)/stanza(s) of a submission?
AS: An intro that forces the mind of the reader to be solely focused on the writing. Poetry in particular needs to strike the embers of intrigue from the very start to engage us.
SQF: Is there a genre/type of work you’d like to receive more of in your submissions?
AS: Yes! More essays and non-fiction would be fantastic! Although we cherish all the poetry we've published and continued to receive.
SQF: What one question on this topic do you wish I'd asked that I didn't? And how would you answer it?
AS: One question that would be interesting is how we have grown as an entirely Gen-Z and POC led journal.
Honestly, it has been a challenge but we've grown immensely by sticking to our roots and focusing on the majesty of fantastic literature. We've also prioritised publishing pieces that reflect varied experiences and seldom discussed truths beyond the gaze of restricting dominant ideologies.
Thank you, Anthony. We all appreciate your taking time from your busy schedule to participate in this project.
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