Creative Writing is a lonely journey but better with friends.
Picture taken in Marrakech, Nov 2024, during a masterclass with Issy Mahmoud Writer, focusing on the creative writing journey and celebrating the contributions of women in literature.
My Writing Journey
Early Influences
Early Influences
Above is a photo of my mother taken shortly after her marriage, before she moved to England. She has been the greatest influence on my life, emphasizing that a girl deserves an education as good as any boy's and encouraging me to always have my own source of income. My creative writing journey began with memories of watching Bollywood films with my parents and raiding the school library, which ignited my passion for books. As a result, my writing reflects an amalgamation of East meets West.
With this rich history, I am currently working on the first draft of a historical novel about a woman fleeing a forced marriage, set in pre and post-partition India, a time of significant social and political upheaval. The inspiration for this story comes from my grandmother's life: married at 13, she discovered she was the second wife, with her only role being to provide an heir. Uxoricide was prevalent then and still occurs today. As an active member of the UK Tagore Society, I find inspiration in his life and work, particularly the play Chitra, which addresses women in literature and highlights issues of female gender inequality.
Author Bio
Early Influences
Born in Bangladesh, I came to London as a child with my parents and have straddled two cultures ever since. It is the common links between them that fascinate me. My creative writing journey often reflects on studying the Bengal famines and post-partition genocide, which brings a sense of guilt for having been spared the collective suffering of my people, parents, and grandparents. As an Issy Mahmoud Writer, I find that writing is my way of making sense of this complex heritage and contributing to the conversation about women in literature.
The Faber Academy
My passion for books ignited my creative writing journey; I am a Faber Academy alumna from the class of 2016/17, where I had the privilege of being mentored by Richard Skinner, an award-winning author. As an aspiring writer, I am also inspired by the remarkable contributions of women in literature, including my own journey as an Issy Mahmoud Writer.
Silk Road Slippers
A week-long creative writing journey in Marrakech transformed my writing practice, unlocking new skills. Led by industry experts such as Alexandra Pringle; publisher, editor, and literary agent, along with Alex von Tunzelmann; historian, broadcaster, and screenwriter, and Faiza Khan, editor, mentor, and literary consultant. With the luminous writer Kamila Shamsie in residence, it was an unforgettable experience that highlighted the role of women in literature and inspired aspiring writers like Issy Mahmoud Writer.
Successes
Celebrate every small step in your creative writing journey that brings you closer to your goal, whether it’s finishing that first chapter or completing the first draft. Enter prizes along the way.
As an aspiring author, my work has been recognized in the literary world; I am proud to share that my writing has been long listed for the Bath Novel Award 2022 and has also won the Cornerstones PWA prize 2022. This journey as an Issy Mahmoud Writer is not just about personal achievement but also reflects the importance of women in literature.
Submitting to agents
I run a monthly writer's Zoom meeting to discuss works in progress (WIP), so please drop me a line if you would like to join us. We ask that you share 3-5k of your work for feedback, and you will also need to read and provide feedback to others.
I feel fortunate to have met so many wonderful writers on my creative writing journey, including those who have supported me along the way. By attending conferences like Jericho Writers, the Artist's & Writers workshops held in Bloomsbury, and The Women's Prize, you can connect with your beta readers and fellow women in literature.
Afterward, make sure to edit and polish your manuscript to its best potential. Curtis Brown Creative offers online courses that can help with this. I can highly recommend Book-Fix, run by editors Samantha Eades and Francesca Brown, both of whom I have worked with personally. Do all the groundwork before submitting to agents, and good luck!
Publishing history
Meet the Author: Issy Mahmoud
ARABLIT QUARTERLY magazine April 2025 Issue features a poignant letter on GRIEF.
The Birdkeeper, published under I.A. Festing, takes readers on a creative writing journey as it tells the story of two Siberian cranes returning to breed at Naagpur, a bird sanctuary in Rajasthan. Their presence stirs bittersweet memories for Sachin Rai, reflecting on the themes found in the works of Issy Mahmoud, a writer who often explores the complexities of women in literature.
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 creative writing journey as an author. Discover her inspirations, challenges, and the unique experiences that shape her writing, as she represents the voices of women in literature. 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 and celebrate women in literature. Engage in discussions about books, participate in Zoom book clubs, and connect with fellow writers on your creative writing journey. Your insights and interpretations are valued, making this community a space for rich dialogue and shared experiences.
Find me on Instagram @issymahmoudwriter, as well as on Threads and BlueSky.
Feel free to reach out with any bookish questions, whether you're a serious writer or just dabbling; I want to hear from you!