Write Now with Nada Yousif

Who are you?

I am a mother, writer, and astrologer, born and raised in Toronto, Canada.

What do you write?

I write many things, but all of them have a shared theme, they touch on mythology, symbolism, and esoteric meaning. Most recently, my book, The Astrology of Healing, I got to explore these themes in-depth without hiding them into a fictional plot. Normally, I spend much more time writing screenplays where I can play more around mythology and story structure. I enjoy writing for film and tv because it allows for more creative collaboration, the writers’ room has become my favorite place to see the magic of a shared vision coming to life. Because so much of being a writer is solitary, being able to bounce ideas off each other and see where it takes us all is a privilege to experience.

I’ve always been writing something, a short story, a bit of poetry, an uncompleted book concept or screenplay. I took a detour in fashion for a few years before returning to writing full time. I’ve always mused with the idea of being a published author at some point in my life, even when I didn’t understand the timing of these dreams playing out.

I don’t avoid themes or words, but I do prioritize topics that resonate for me on a soul level, things that speak to my ancestry or my lived experience. Everything is on the table to explore on the page as long as there is a thread I can pull on spiritually.

I do love what I do. It’s truly a labor of love. It’s hard, at times seemingly impossible, but when it’s your vocation, it will keep calling you, whispering, nudging, or knocking down your door.

And there is something eternal about writing, it's a way to be immortal. I can live on well past my life has ended through the pages of a book or on the screen.

Where do you write?

Julienne’s Patisserie, my local pastry and coffee shop. I wrote most of my book there and the staff and costumers have become steadfast friends. It’s my caffeinated version of Cheers, where they all know my name and my order. It’s become a home away from home in many ways, it’s my office where I can get all my ideas onto the page with delicious treats and great company. They have a few other writers who come in regularly and we get to share our progress, our wins and struggles. It’s become a hub of creativity and keeps me in a needed routine.

When do you write?

My writing revolves around my son's school schedule, after morning drop off my day begins and I write until pickup. If there is a pressing deadline however, then I will write during dinners, bedtimes, or anywhere between where life requires me.

Why do you write?

I write to change the world. As naive as that may seem on the surface, there is a quiet knowing or faith that to leave something written behind — it will reach the hands of those who need it.

Even if my writing doesn’t impact millions of people, just a single person can cause a ripple into the world. Every word shared has the potential to be powerful, just as every interaction had. With storytelling, you can continue to have impact on those who may have otherwise felt alone in their own experience, whether its suffering, joy, pleasure, or pain. They become bridges to another soul and it makes my journey worth it.

How do you overcome writer's block?

Taking a long walk with music helps unblock me and keeps me from staring at the blank page waiting for flow or divine intervention. Movement is key and cleansing in water, taking a shower or bath helps me reset and allows the ideas to flow again. The trick with the shower however is to remember the ideas that come through until you can reach a note pad or your phone or towel.

Bonus: What do you enjoy doing when not writing?

Diamond art, keeps hands busy and prevents me from doom scrolling. Lots of reality tv which helps me unplug from the day job of screenwriting and still gives me the pleasure of analyzing behavior and plot lines of what’s to come.

My thanks to Nada Yousif for today's interview.