This interview features Maryam Hammed, our top columnist for the month of July. Let’s read her story and see how she was able to stay consistent with writing.

Kindly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Hammed Maryam Titilayo, a 100-level law student. I have a deep passion for writing, literature, advocacy, arts, and public speaking. Beyond academics, I enjoy reading novels, journaling, and documenting life’s memorable moments.

Congratulations on emerging as our Top Columnist of the Month. How did you feel when you received the news?

Let’s say I was genuinely surprised and deeply grateful when I received the news. Being named Top Columnist of the Month feels like an appreciation of my hard work and dedication to writing. It motivates me to keep learning and producing even better pieces. More importantly, it serves as a reminder that I still have room to grow and should continue striving to become a good and certified writer.

This month, your articles stood out among many excellent submissions. Which of your published pieces this month are you most proud of, and what inspired it?

The piece I’m most proud of is a poem I wrote titled “Becoming Without Applause.” The inspiration came from reflecting on how we often celebrate people’s achievements while overlooking the quiet journey that led them there. We applaud the success, but we rarely see the doubts, the discipline, the failures, and the persistence behind it.

I also realised that there are countless people quietly working, learning, failing, trying again, and growing without anyone noticing. Yet, those unseen moments are often what shape the people they eventually become.

That reflection made me realise that growth isn’t a race and that some of the most meaningful transformations happen in silence. I wrote the poem as a reminder to myself and to anyone who reads it that becoming doesn’t require an audience. Sometimes, the greatest victories are the ones no one sees until much later.

Every article begins with an idea. Where do you usually draw inspiration for the topics you write about?

Inspiration comes from different places, actually. Sometimes, it’s from my personal experiences and reflections. Most of my inspiration comes from the books I read, especially novels. I don’t just read them for entertainment; I pay attention to the characters, the choices they make, and the consequences that follow. Sometimes, a character’s mistake, such as procrastination or a poor decision, becomes a lesson that inspires me to write about a real-life issue.

Sometimes, I gain inspiration by simply observing people and the world around me. I enjoy paying attention to the little things that most people overlook because I believe ordinary moments often carry extraordinary stories. Once an idea resonates with me or makes me pause and think, I feel compelled to write about it.

What message or impact do you hope readers take away from your writings?

I hope readers can also view things from my perspectives

If a reader finishes one of my pieces feeling inspired, challenged to rethink a habit, or encouraged to keep going despite life’s uncertainties, then I believe my writing has served its purpose. Even if it impacts just one person, I consider that a success.

Was there any article you initially found challenging to write? If so, what made it difficult, and how did you overcome it?

Yes, actually, I find writing poems more demanding and challenging than writing articles, because writing poems comes with balancing the rhythm, rhyme scheme, language, flow, and at the same time maintaining the information that I’m trying to pass, unlike articles, where I’m free to use any diction of my choice without paying attention to rhyme scheme or whatever…..

How do you balance originality, accuracy, and engaging storytelling whenever you write?

I believe originality comes from being honest with myself. Most of what I write comes from my reflections, observations, and the books I read. I’m still learning and growing as a writer, which is why I read a lot of novels. I pay attention to how different authors tell stories, develop ideas, and use language, and I try to learn from them.

As for accuracy, I believe that when I’m writing from my own thoughts and experiences, staying truthful to what I want to communicate is the first step. If I’m writing on factual issues, I make sure to verify my information. Then, I present everything in a way that readers can easily connect with.

Reader engagement is an important part of writing. Have you received any feedback or reactions to your articles that particularly encouraged or challenged you?

Yes, I do receive feedback and comments.  In fact, they mean a lot to me
I feel fulfilled when someone tells me that what I wrote aligns with their perspectives or feelings

Looking back on your writing this month, is there anything you have learnt that will influence your future work?

I learnt that writing is not always about finding imaginary topics to write on; inspiration can always come from anywhere. Also, one should not underestimate the power of how a piece of writing can change and inspire people. This month has encouraged me to read more, write more, and keep learning. As someone who is still growing as a writer, I want every piece I write to be better than the last.

If you could give one piece of advice to fellow columnists and aspiring writers in Al-Faaedah Press Organization, what would it be?

Keep writing, even when it feels like no one is reading. Every great writer started with a first draft. Read widely, accept constructive criticism, and stay authentic. Your voice matters, and consistency will always pay off

Finally, what can our readers look forward to from you in the coming months?

Honestly, I can’t promise exactly what I’ll write next because I like to let inspiration come naturally. But one thing I can promise is that I’ll keep showing up with honest and thoughtful pieces. I’m still learning, still reading, and still growing as a writer, so I hope my readers will grow with me and enjoy every step of the journey.