Megha Sood is a prominent Asian-American author, poet, editor, curator, and literary activist hailing from New Jersey. With an impressive career dedicated to amplifying marginalized voices and engaging in literary activism, she has established herself as a powerful and influential figure in the contemporary literary landscape.
A Distinguished Career in Literature
Megha Sood’s literary journey is marked by numerous accolades and a diverse body of work. She is a Literary Partner with Stanford University’s “Life in Quarantine” project, which garnered significant recognition, including a presentation at the Open Education Global Forum 2020 and coverage in the Stanford Daily newspaper. Her collaborations reflect her commitment to addressing global challenges through the literary arts.
Sood’s fellowships and support from esteemed institutions such as the National League of American Pen Women, VONA, Kundiman, Dodge Foundation, and the Martha Vineyard Creative Writing Institute underscore her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft.
Poetry Collections
Megha Sood has authored four notable poetry collections:
- “A Potpourri of Emotions” (Local Gems Press, NY, 2020) – A Chapbook showcasing her early exploration of poetic forms and themes.
- “My Body is Not an Apology” (Finishing Line Press, 2021) – A Chapbook that delves into the themes of identity and self-acceptance.
- “My Body Lives Like a Threat” (FlowerSong Press, 2022) – An award-winning collection recognized with honors including The BookFest Award, Finalist in the NY Book Festival, and Semi-Finalist for the Housatonic Book Award.
- “Language of the Wound is Love” (FlowerSong Press, 2025) – A highly anticipated collection that promises to expand her exploration of human vulnerability and resilience.
Editorial Contributions
Sood has co-edited several acclaimed anthologies:
- “The Medusa Project” (Mookychick, UK) – An award-winning anthology addressing feminist themes.
- “The Kali Project” (Indie Blu(e) Press, USA) – A finalist for the India Excellence Awards 2021.
- “The Brownstone Poets Annual Anthology” (NY) – Sood served as a co-editor for three consecutive years (2022-2024), demonstrating her editorial prowess.
Recognition and Honors
Megha Sood’s contributions have earned her numerous awards and honors, including:
- Certificate of Excellence from Mayor Stephen Fulop of Jersey City.
- Induction into the prestigious Marquis Who’s Who, sharing space with luminaries like Barack Obama and Malala Yusafzai.
- Featured poet for the 2024 Dodge Poetry Festival.
- Recognition at the 2022 Indo-American Arts Council Literary Festival.
Her awards also include being a national winner of the Poetry Matters Project and a four-time state-level winner of the NAMI NJ Dara Axelrod Poetry Award. She has been a finalist and semi-finalist for numerous prestigious literary prizes, reflecting the widespread impact of her work.
Literary Activism and Community Engagement
Sood’s advocacy for literary and cultural engagement extends to judging roles in various prestigious competitions, including the SLAM Poetry Competition at IIT-Delhi, the NAMI NJ Poetry Contest, and The Artist Forum’s Annual Spoken Word Competition. These roles underscore her commitment to fostering emerging talent in the literary arts.
An Immortal Legacy: The LunarCodex Project
One of Megha Sood’s most remarkable achievements is her co-edited anthology “The Medusa Project,” which has been selected for inclusion in the LunarCodex Project. In collaboration with NASA and SpaceX, this project will send her work to the moon in 2025 as part of two historic rocket missions, immortalizing her contributions in a literal celestial archive.
Widely Published and Celebrated
As a prolific writer, Sood’s 900+ works span poetry, essays, and other creative forms. Her writings address her experiences as a first-generation immigrant and woman of color, earning widespread publication in journals, anthologies, and public exhibits. Her works have been featured in prominent outlets such as:
- Poetry Society of New York
- MS Magazine
- Pen Magazine by American Pen Women
- NPR and WNYC Studio
- Various university publications, including Howard University, Stanford University, and the University of Chicago.
A Visionary Voice
Megha Sood’s dedication to exploring themes of identity, resilience, and social justice has established her as a transformative force in literature. Her work continues to inspire readers, writers, and activists across the globe. For a comprehensive list of her awards, publications, and projects, visit her official website at Megha’s World or connect with her through Linktree.
In an era where the written word remains a powerful tool for change, Megha Sood stands as a beacon of creativity, courage, and compassion.
