More about Saira

Publications

“Subtly Worded”

Poem, University of Chapman's TAB: Journal of Poetry and Poetics, 2020

“Virgin”

Short story, Weasel Press, Vagabonds: Anthology of the Mad Ones Volume 8, 2020

“Late Stage”

Short fiction chapbook, DeRailleur Press, January 2022

“Mysteries of Flying Objects”

Short fiction, Olney Magazine, April 2022

“The Sweetest Taboo”

CNF, Identity Theory Magazine, August 2022

“Family Jewels”

Short fiction, Hennepin Review, March 2023

“Pure and Impure Khanum”

Short fiction, Querencia Summer Anthology, 2023

“The State of the Matriarchy”

CNF, Pleiades, Issue 43.2, 2023

“Smoking Weed Was an Escape from the Grind of Motherhood”

Essay, The Guardian, Jan 15, 2024

"Mad Libs for Enlightened Horsemanship"

CNF, voidspacezine, January 2024

“Dear Cousin”

Short fiction, Witness Magazine, Spring 2024

“Mustis of Lahore”

Short fiction, Lakeer Magazine, Summer 2024, forthcoming

Grants

Open Door Career Advancement Grant

From Poets & Writers, funded by Reese Witherspoon, 2021.

Awards

Coppice Prize for Short Fiction

Shortlisted, 2023

Black Lawrence Press Immigrant Writing Series

Finalist, 2024

Fellowships

Periplus Collect Fellow

2023, mentored by Zain Khalid