Interview with Writer Fatma Mohamed
Interview with Fatma Mohamed (@written_by_fatma)
Fatma is a 19-year-old Egyptian writer with a deep passion for literature and poetry. She draws inspiration from the world around her, using words to express her emotions and capture fleeting moments. Through her writing, she seeks to offer solace and connection, hoping to inspire others in love and remind them of the beauty and depth of their feelings.
1What inspired you to start writing at such a young age, and how has your voice as a writer evolved over time?
I’ve always been the kind of person who feels everything. Whether it’s from a book, a stranger, or my own past, I absorb emotion like a sponge. My poetry is the only place I know where that doesn’t feel like too much. I'm not so good with words when talking, but I realized that doesn’t apply to my writing. Over time, my voice has evolved—what started as writing my feelings through clichéd metaphors gradually became something more authentic. I developed my own voice by reading a lot of poems and drawing inspiration from the society around me, the people in my life, and my studies in literature.
Your work focuses on emotions and capturing fleeting moments. Could you share a specific moment or experience that deeply shaped your poetry or prose?
One moment that shaped my poetry wasn’t dramatic—it was just a quiet night where I felt something I couldn’t explain. I sat alone, trying to put it into words, and for the first time, writing felt like a way to understand myself, not just express emotions. Since then, poetry has become my way of processing those in-between feelings—the ones that don’t always make sense out loud, but somehow find clarity on the page.
How do you navigate the balance between personal expression and writing in a way that resonates with others on a universal level?
For me, the balance comes from writing with honesty and awareness. I start with something personal—a feeling, a moment, a quiet thought—but I’m always mindful of how it might resonate in someone else’s life. I want my poems to feel like a shared silence, not a speech—like when you read something and feel understood, heard, and not alone, even if it wasn’t written exactly about you.
Are there particular artists or writers who have significantly influenced your creative journey?
Several writers and artists have influenced my creative journey. Naguib Mahfouz showed me the power of storytelling rooted in culture and humanity, while Maya Angelou taught me how important it is to write with purpose. Jenny Joseph’s “Warning” inspired me to embrace freedom and playfulness in my work.
Many young writers struggle with doubt or fear of vulnerability when sharing their work. What advice would you give to someone hesitant to express their emotions through writing?
My advice would be to embrace vulnerability as part of the journey. Writing isn’t a test—it’s an adventure. Sure, sharing your emotions can feel intimidating, but once you let them out, you’ll feel a sense of freedom. Your emotions are valuable—someone out there will read them and think, “I feel that too!” So, don’t hold back—be messy, be honest, and let your emotions flow. The world could really use more of your authentic self.
Looking ahead, what message or impact do you hope your writing will leave on readers, especially those who turn to literature for solace and inspiration?
Looking ahead, I want my words to touch the feelings you’ve tucked away, to gently pull you into the storm so that, in the end, you’re no longer afraid of it. Poetry, to me, is not about comfort, it's about confronting the rawness of emotion and diving into the chaos. I want my writing to challenge, to provoke, and also to question what we believe in, what we feel, and what we fear. If my words can help you connect with something deep inside, and maybe even see the world in a new way, then I’ll know I’ve achieved something meaningful.
