The Reader Is Father of the Writer
In this foreword to our latest MLP Short Stories anthology, Mohammed Hassim reflects on the power of reading and the creative mind.
Morocco has a rich storytelling tradition, and we're thrilled to help launch a new generation of storytellers each year! The writers are high school students studying English from all over Morocco.
Our theme in 2023 was "family resilience," with many of the stories a modern twist on an old Moroccan folk tale. An anthology of over 20 stories from this Competition will be out in early 2024. Once again, with illustrations from Hajar Azizi.
"Once Upon a Time in the Heart of the Atlas Mountains..."
The anthology from the 2021-22 MLP Short Story Competition is now in print. It's available at the Alfajr Book Store in Fes, or contact us for digital copies.
The Team
Moulay Larbi Arbaoui, project manager & reviewer
Barb Mackraz, project manager & reviewer (U.S. side)
Philip Brebner, judge
Mohammed Hassim, judge
Mouhcine Abdechchafi, reviewer & judge
Alice Calaprice, reviewer & editor
Khrouch Hafid, book designer
Hajar Azizi, illustrator
The anthology from the 2020 Competition is available free as a PDF.
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Please contact us if you'd like print copies.
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This edition features a story from the perspective of a boy with autism, from young writer Hiba Bakertit.