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# Write Now with Seema Yasmin
- URL: https://justincox.com/blog/2026/02/write-now-with-seema-yasmin/
- Published: 2026-02-04T16:00:03.000Z
- Updated: 2026-02-04T16:00:03.000Z
- Description: Today's Write Now interview features Seema Yasmin, author of THE TRUE STORY OF MAYSOON ZAYID.
- Author: Justin Cox
- Tags: Interview, #seema-yasmin

## 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](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Maysoon-Zayid-the-Girl-Who-Can-Can/Seema-Yasmin/Muslim-Mavericks/9781665953412?ref=justincox.com). 

I live by the Toni Morrison [quote](https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/321-if-there-s-a-book-that-you-want-to-read-but?ref=justincox.com), “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. 

![](https://justincox.com/content/images/2025/08/Maysoon-Zayid--the-Girl-Who-Can-Can---Cover.jpg)

Photo courtesy of Seema Yasmin

## 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.

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*My thanks to Seema Yasmin for today's interview.*