Write Now with Seema Yasmin
Today's Write Now interview features Seema Yasmin, author of THE TRUE STORY OF MAYSOON ZAYID.
Who are you?
I’m Dr. Seema Yasmin, an author, professor, and disease detective. I live in Las Vegas.
What do you write?
I started out my working life as a doctor and never ever expected to become an author. But a few years after graduating medical school, I found myself in journalism school. That began my journey to writing stories and books.
I live by the Toni Morrison quote, “If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.” I create the books that would have been life-changing for me as a kid and young adult. Not only do I love writing, but I know I would implode, or maybe explode, if I didn’t write. That’s how essential the act of storytelling is to my existence. There’s little that is more sacred than telling stories in all their forms.
Where do you write?
I write everywhere and on every medium! I’ll scribble the starting pages of a novel in a notebook. I’ll eventually switch between Word, Google Docs and Scrivener at some point, with various versions of the same manuscript in different programs - which sounds chaotic, but makes sense in my mind! I’m not precious about writing spaces. Writing is necessary to my wellbeing, so I’ll write on a plane, on my Notes app while in line at the grocery store. I’ll write in a noisy cafe and a quite library. I just have to get the words out!
When do you write?
I live an interesting life that vacillates between quiet time in my Las Vegas home, to action-packed weeks in Los Angeles where I perform stand-up, clown and am in school for acting. That means I have to fit my writing in wherever I can for however long I can. Some days offer long stretches of uninterrupted writing time. Other times, like today, I’ll squeeze in a page or two between a three-hour acting class and a rehearsal. I love deadlines as they keep me organized, on track, and motivated, even if I have a busy performance schedule.
Why do you write?
I write because I would hyperventilate and pass out if I wasn’t able to. I might come to, but then I’d be sad and mopey if I couldn’t write. It’s that central to who I am. And back to that Toni Morrison quote, I also write for the kids (and adults) who love and need my books.
How do you overcome writer's block?
I complain about writer’s block when it’s happening. I call friends and describe how and where I’m stuck. Having writer friends is essential. I’ll leave the writing alone for a time and switch to a different project. And I’ll try to figure out why the other project has me stuck before I get back into it.
Bonus: What do you enjoy doing when not writing?
I love performing, whether it’s clowning, acting or stand-up. I love watching TV shows, movies and plays. And I always have a book or three on the go, because reading is life.
My thanks to Seema Yasmin for today's interview.
