"A woman must have [] a room of her own if she is to write fiction."
Picture taken in Marrakech, Nov 2024, Silk Road Slippers writer's masterclass
My Writing Journey
Early Influences
Early Influences
Above, is a photo taken of my mother, soon after she was married, but before she came to England. She has been the greatest influence of my life. From insisting a girl needs as good an education as any boy, to encouraging me to always have my own source of income. Memories of sitting watching Bollywood films with my parents, raiding the school library, is where my addiction to books began. As a result, my writing is an amalgamation of East meets West.
Author Bio
Early Influences
Born in Bangladesh, I came to London as child with my parents, and have straddled two cultures ever since. It is the common links between them that fascinates me. Studying the Bengal famines and post-partition genocide, I cannot help feeling guilt at having been spared the collective suffering of my people, parents, and grandparents. Writing is my way of making sense of this.
The Faber Academy
My passion for books led me to writing; I am a Faber Academy alumna, class of 2016/17 with Richard Skinner (award winning author) as mentor.
Silk Road Slippers
A week-long writing bootcamp in Marrakech, this transformed my writing practice, unlocking new skills. Taught by Alexandra Pringle; publisher, editor, and literary agent. Alex von Tunzelmann; historian, broadcaster, and screen writer; and Faiza Khan, editor, mentor and literary consultant. With the luminous writer Kamila Shamsie in residence, it was an experience like no other.
Successes
Celebrate every small step that takes you nearer to your goal. Finishing that first chapter, the first draft. Enter prizes.
My writing has been long listed for the Bath Novel Award 2022 and won the Cornerstones PWA prize 2022.
Submitting to agents
I am lucky to have met so many wonderful writers who have helped me on my writing journey. Attend conferences like Jericho Writers, The Women's Prize, and courses, to meet your beta readers,. Give and take feedback. Then edit and polish your manuscript to the best it can be. Curtis Brown Creative run online courses for this. Do all the groundwork before submitting to agents, and good luck.
Publishing history
Meet the Author: Issy Mahmoud
ARABLIT QUARTERLY magazine April 2025 Issue. A letter on GRIEF.
The Birdkeeper. Published under I.A. Festing.
When two Siberian cranes return to breed at Naagpur - a bird sanctuary in Rajasthan - their presence stirs bittersweet memories for Sachin Rai.
Verified reviews:
5 star on Amazon and Goodreads.
"Atmospheric and touching" R G
"Had me hooked" B L Mills
"Explores conflict between family expectations and self-discovery in India" A. Rawlinson
Meet the Author: Issy Mahmoud
Meet the Author: Issy Mahmoud
Get to know Issy Mahmoud, a passionate writer dedicated to creating captivating literature. With a background in creative writing and a love for storytelling, Issy invites you to explore her journey as an author. Discover her inspirations, challenges, and the unique experiences that shape her writing. Contact me to discuss all things books.
Join the Community
Join the Community
Become part of a vibrant community of readers who share a love for literature. Engage in discussions about books, participate in zoom book clubs, and connect with fellow writes. Your insights and interpretations are valued, making this community a space for rich dialogue and shared experiences.
Find me on instagram @issymahmoudwriter and on Threads.
Reach out with any bookish questions, if you are a serious writer, or just dabbling, I want to hear from you!