First Draft: A Literary Social with Siham “Sam” Inshassi

A guided writing prompt with a twist. Because writing is thirsty work. Have a drink. Write a story. Have another drink. Write a better story. Miami Book Fair presents First Draft, a series of informal writing events that turn happy hours into great stories. You’re inspired. But you’re also thirsty. Bring your own drink and log in for a First Draft event and a guided writing prompt. Share your writing. You never know what you might knock out as you knock one back!

Instructor: Siham “Sam” Inshassi

Theme: Intergenerational Storytelling

In honor of National Arab American Heritage Month, let’s talk about the dynamics between generations among immigrant families and people of color, and how to write empathetically across those generational lines. All cultures and writers are welcome!

Siham “Sam” Inshassi is a Palestinian American author, currently working on her first novel, and is the recipient of the 2023 Miami Book Fair Emerging Writer Fellowship in Fiction. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from The New School, where she was awarded the Ignite Fellowship, working with the New York Women’s Foundation. Her work focuses on culture and identity politics, both in the home and beyond, with particular focus on psychology and human nature and their relationship to cultural dynamics. She’s a passionate advocate for the Palestinian cause and intersectional solidarity. She’s been published in The Margins, The Inquisitive Eater, Brooklyn Magazine, and The Drum, among others. You can find her on Instagram @TheStoriedAyrab.