This picture taken in Marrakech in November 2024 captures a moment from a masterclass with Issy Mahmoud Writer, where we delved into the creative writing journey and celebrated the invaluable contributions of women in literature, particularly in the realms of literary fiction and upmarket fiction.
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, igniting my passion for books. This passion manifests in my writing, where I explore themes of East meets West in my literary fiction, particularly in my current project—a historical novel.
I am currently working on the first draft of an upmarket fiction narrative 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 draws from my grandmother's life: she was married at 13, only to discover she was the second wife, with her role narrowly defined as one to provide an heir. Uxoricide was prevalent then and persists today. As an active member of the UK Tagore Society, I find inspiration in Tagore's life and work, especially the play Chitra, which addresses critical issues of women in literature and highlights the ongoing challenges of female gender inequality.
Born in Bangladesh, I came to London as a child with my parents, straddling two cultures ever since. The common links between them fascinate me, and my creative writing journey often reflects on studying the Bengal famines and post-partition genocide. This exploration brings a sense of guilt for having been spared the collective suffering of my people, including my parents and grandparents. As an Issy Mahmoud Writer, I use literary fiction and upmarket fiction to navigate this complex heritage, contributing to the important conversation about women in literature.
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 exploring both literary fiction and upmarket fiction, I am profoundly inspired by the remarkable contributions of women in literature, including my own journey as an Issy Mahmoud Writer.
A week-long creative writing journey in Marrakech transformed my writing practice, unlocking new skills in literary fiction and upmarket fiction. Led by industry experts such as Alexandra Pringle; publisher, editor, and literary agent, alongside Alex von Tunzelmann; historian, broadcaster, and screenwriter, and Faiza Khan, editor, mentor, and literary consultant, this experience was enriched by the presence of the luminous writer Kamila Shamsie. It was an unforgettable adventure that emphasized the vital role of women in literature, inspiring aspiring writers like Issy Mahmoud Writer.
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 your first draft. Enter prizes along the way to enhance your experience in literary fiction.
As an aspiring author and proud Issy Mahmoud Writer, I have seen my work recognized in the literary world. I am thrilled 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 is not just about personal achievement; it also highlights the significance of women in literature and the impact of upmarket fiction.
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 our creative writing journey. We ask that you share 3-5k of your work for feedback, and in return, you will need to read and provide feedback to others.
I feel fortunate to have met so many wonderful writers, including those who have supported me along my creative writing journey. 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 utmost 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. Whether you are crafting literary fiction or upmarket fiction, make sure to do all the groundwork before submitting to agents, and good luck!
The ARABLIT QUARTERLY magazine April 2025 Issue features a poignant letter on GRIEF.
In the realm of literary fiction, The Birdkeeper, published under I.A. Festing, takes readers on a creative writing journey as it narrates the story of two Siberian cranes that return to breed at Naagpur, a bird sanctuary in Rajasthan. Their presence evokes bittersweet memories for Sachin Rai, who reflects on themes often explored by Issy Mahmoud, a writer renowned for her insights into 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 the conflict between family expectations and self-discovery in India" - A. Rawlinson
Get to know Issy Mahmoud, a passionate writer dedicated to crafting captivating literary fiction and upmarket fiction. With a strong foundation in creative writing and a deep love for storytelling, Issy invites you to explore her creative writing journey as an author. Discover her inspirations, challenges, and the unique experiences that inform her writing, as she represents the voices of women in literature. Contact me to discuss all things books.
Join a vibrant community of readers who share a passion for literary fiction and celebrate women in literature. Engage in meaningful discussions about books, participate in Zoom book clubs, and connect with fellow writers on your creative writing journey. Your insights and interpretations are appreciated, 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 in upmarket fiction; I want to hear from you!