Maida's Writing Methodology 101

When it comes to writing, every writer has their own writing process—a methodological guide that helps them create a work step by step. But have you ever been curious about the thoughts a writer has about their own writing processes and what they have to say about them? Well then, look no further because Maida is here to share with all of you her muses on this writer’s methodology.

The author featured in this article is Maida Khan, a student writer who is currently doing a bachelor's in Psychology. She loves to write as it soothes the soul, and currently, she has written for seven anthologies as well as published multiple articles in some international magazines. Maida also received a scholarship on a talent basis (creative writing and poetry) at university. While her native language is Urdu, she mostly prefers to write in English. And she believes that words have the power to calm raging storms.

Maida has worked on a collection of the beautiful thoughts of people around the world, and the first time she participated in an anthology was in 2020, which was named Storytellers by Pakistan. Then later on, she contributed to anthologies with the titles “The Tarnished Heart”, “Imaginations”, etc. Though she does not prefer a certain genre, self-help and bits of ritual life are two of her favorites, and writing about women empowerment is what she enjoys the most.

Now that you know more about Maida as both a person and as a fellow writer, it is time we dive deeper into Maida’s writing perspective and what it feels like to be in her shoes when it comes to writing. This, of course, circles back to the question of what does the writer have to say about her writing process. Lucky for you, three ambassadors of The Authors of Tomorrow—Cai, Tuba, and Ema, respectively—were given the opportunity to interview Maida about her thoughts.

Writing processes are the core foundation of every writer’s work. It is the outline that gives guidance to a writer when it comes to writing, so no doubt, a writer’s writing process is deemed to be special to a writer’s heart. Maida has expressed this, saying that writing is important as it “[...] makes everyone with beautiful thoughts special.” She has further stated that writing is a medium used to express thoughts and connections on a profound level. Also, Maida has personally said that writing brings her admission, recognition, and calm, and therefore claims that writing gives her catharsis and peace. One would say that that is quite true, no? Writing is indeed an art form, and through words we weave wonderful creations that were once mere thoughts.

Every writer has their own likes and dislikes when it comes to the writing process. Some like doing the actual writing, all the while disliking having to plan out everything through brainstorming and other combinations. Maida, too, has her own likes and dislikes when it comes to her own writing process, having answered that she likes the initial stages, which include observing, brainstorming, and creating the characters. She finds this part of the process enjoyable because, to her, it gives her endless creative possibilities. Meanwhile, Maida dislikes the editing part of the writing process, stating that while it is crucial, it can sometimes be hectic and boring.

Sometimes, writers can get a bit stuck whenever they try to follow the writing process, and though it is beneficial for them to have such a process, it can also tangle them up in a ball of challenges. Yes, that unfortunately involves a writer’s infamous nemesis—writer’s block. Maida was asked if there was a time in her life where she experienced some challenges in her own writing process, to which she answers verbatim, “I guess that time comes in [the] life of every writer. Maybe we all feel that at some point, when the ability to express crumbles. That momentary phase is essential as it lets you come back with innovative ideas and expressions.” Also, she has added on her thoughts about writer’s block, saying that if she experiences writer’s block, she takes a step back and immerse herself in the real world, observing everything from another perspective, all the while enjoying life. This then helps her write little by little, helping her to overcome it.

Of course, writers cannot start a writing process without a spark of inspiration and some motivation, right? That is true for most, if not all. Maida is definitely no exception, having said that her inspirations derive from day-to-day experiences and personal interactions. She has stated that the feelings of pain and bliss are what bring her to write stories and poetry, and that by observing life, she gains her ideas through it. As for her motivations, what motivates her is the thought that words possess the power to “[...] heal, console, and evoke introspection, which serves as a constant motivator.” Maida also added how writing is something that can empower someone as well as be someone’s companion and vessel for emotions.

When the interview concluded, the TAoT ambassadors asked Maida for some advice about the writing process that she could give to the writers out there. Maida gladly gave a piece of advice, saying, “Your story is as unique as you, yourself, are. Don't underestimate your skills. You write because you feel, and your thoughts make you beautiful.

At [the] times of weakness, make your words the strength you lack.”

Maida is proof of how writing can take you far and can help you in life, as she managed to get a scholarship with the help of her creations, despite the beliefs of many people out there that think writing can only be a hobby with no outcome. She is also an example to all international writers that find it difficult to write in a language that isn’t their mother tongue or one that they speak in their day to day life.

Through her creations, Maida shows people life as she sees it through her own eyes. She proves to people how writing can come from anything and how it can be used as a form of expression as her creations come from words and her views on them.

If you would like to learn more about Maida and her works, please check her out on her Instagram, @_my.the .