Empowering voices through storytelling
Exclusive Interview with Maya Abu Al-Hayyat
Writer | Poet | Founder of the Palestinian Writing Workshop
In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Palestinian writer Maya Abu Al-Hayyat, who shares her insights on how storytelling can preserve cultural heritage and the power of literature to reclaim narratives. Her workshops have inspired many, and we dive deep into her writing journey.
The Roots of a Storyteller
About Maya Abu Al Hayyat
For those who may not know you, how would you introduce yourself?
I’m Maya Abu Al-Hayyat, a Palestinian writer, translator, storyteller, and creative writing trainer. I have a deep passion for literature, particularly children’s stories, and have worked extensively in the field of creative writing and storytelling across Palestine and the Arab world. My background is diverse—I hold a degree in civil engineering, but I found my calling in writing and teaching, where I’ve had the privilege to lead workshops for over 200 participants, ranging from children to adults. My writing often draws on my Palestinian heritage, and I’m deeply committed to using storytelling as a tool for cultural preservation, education, and empowerment.
Illustration from "The Blue Pool of Questions" (Berkat Al-As’ileh), a children's book written by Maya Abu Al-Hayyat and illustrated by Hassan Manasrah.
What inspired you to become a writer, and how has your role as a storyteller evolved over time?
“Over time, my role has evolved to include not only writing but also directing creative writing workshops, translating literary works, and using storytelling as a tool for psychological and emotional release. ”
My journey as a writer began with a natural connection to stories and storytelling in my childhood, combined with a deep desire to share Palestinian culture and history with others, especially younger generations. I started by writing children’s stories, like "Bed Time Story" and "Blue Pool of Questions", which won the Etisalat Prize for Best Arabic Children’s Book. Over time, my role has evolved to include not only writing but also directing creative writing workshops, translating literary works, and using storytelling as a tool for psychological and emotional release. I’ve become a mentor for new writers, guiding them in developing their narratives while preserving cultural authenticity. Storytelling is now for me both an art form and a way to empower others to find and share their voices.
Cover of “The Blue Pool of Questions”, written by Maya Abu Al Hayyat and illustrated by Hassan Manasrah. The Blue Pool of Questions won the Etisalat Prize for Best Arabic Children’s Book in 2016.
Your work as a writer and director of the Palestinian Writing Workshop is deeply connected to Palestinian cultural history. How has this shaped your vision for the workshop?
The Palestinian Writing Workshop is a reflection of my belief in the power of stories to preserve and pass on the rich cultural history of Palestine. Growing up with a strong sense of identity, I have seen firsthand how storytelling can be a way to document history, challenge narratives, and offer alternative perspectives. My vision for the workshop is to create a space where emerging writers can express their unique stories while staying true to our collective identity and struggles. The workshop also allows for the exploration of contemporary issues through the lens of our cultural traditions, bridging past, present, and future through words.
The Birth of the Palestinian Writing Workshop
Illustrated Children’s Book “Bulqash”, published by the Palestinian Writing Workshop
What led you to create the Palestinian Writing Workshop? Was there a specific moment when you realized such a space was necessary?
“Writing, in many ways, serves as a counter-narrative to the dominant voices that often overlook or misrepresent our experiences.”
The idea for the Palestinian Writing Workshop emerged from my experiences teaching creative writing across Palestine and seeing how important it was for Palestinians to have a platform to share their stories. Writing, in many ways, serves as a counter-narrative to the dominant voices that often overlook or misrepresent our experiences. At a certain point, I realized that we lacked a formal, dedicated space for Palestinian writers to come together, learn, and grow in their craft. The workshop became a natural extension of my personal commitment to storytelling and my desire to provide Palestinian writers with the tools they needed to preserve and share our stories in an ever-changing world.
Preserving Palestinian Cultural Heritage
Cover of “Zeit” (Oil), written by Suzanne Satra’Allah and illustrated by Sarah Abdallah.
Why do you believe storytelling is so important for identity, memory, and cultural preservation?
Storytelling is essential because it’s a way of transmitting cultural memory across generations. In the context of Palestine, our stories connect us to our history, land, and identity—something that has often been at risk of erasure due to political and social circumstances. Through storytelling, we preserve our collective memory and give future generations the tools to understand where they come from. It’s also an empowering way to assert our presence, articulate our experiences, and maintain a sense of belonging, even in the face of challenges. Storytelling becomes a living, breathing part of our cultural resilience.
How does the workshop contribute to keeping Palestinian narrative traditions alive while also evolving them for new generations?
The workshop helps preserve Palestinian narrative traditions by focusing on themes that are deeply rooted in our cultural and historical experiences. We teach new generations of writers to draw from our rich folklore, oral storytelling traditions, and historical narratives. At the same time, we encourage them to innovate and evolve these traditions, exploring contemporary issues like gender equality, identity, and the future of Palestine. This fusion of tradition and innovation allows us to maintain the cultural richness of our stories while making them relevant to today’s world, thus ensuring that Palestinian narratives continue to resonate with new generations.
Cover of the 'Burning Time' collection of moments that occurred in the lives of real people, published by the Palestine Working Workshop
What role does literature play in reclaiming Palestinian narratives and shaping an authentic contemporary voice?
“Literature plays a critical role in reclaiming Palestinian narratives by giving us the means to tell our own stories, from our perspective, in our own words.”
Literature plays a critical role in reclaiming Palestinian narratives by giving us the means to tell our own stories, from our perspective, in our own words. It allows us to challenge external narratives that often marginalize or misrepresent us. Through literature, we can reclaim our agency, history, and culture. Moreover, literature helps shape an authentic contemporary voice by providing a platform for writers to address current realities, such as the political situation, social struggles, and the evolving identity of Palestinians. It’s a powerful tool for building solidarity, raising awareness, and connecting with the wider world on our terms.
How do you see the workshop evolving in the coming years? Are there new directions you’re excited to explore?
“In the coming years, I’d love to explore collaborations with international literary organizations to bring Palestinian voices to a global audience.”
I see the Palestinian Writing Workshop growing into an even more robust and inclusive space, with a wider reach across Palestine and beyond. In the coming years, I’d love to explore collaborations with international literary organizations to bring Palestinian voices to a global audience. I also see the potential to integrate new technologies and platforms into our workshops, such as digital storytelling and multimedia projects, to adapt to the changing landscape of literature. Additionally, I’m excited to continue nurturing the next generation of Palestinian writers, especially young voices, and fostering an environment where they can freely experiment with new forms of storytelling.
Cover from “Al-Kaas” published by the Palestinian Working Workshop
If you could see one Palestinian story illustrated for the world, what would it be and why?
I chose the story of “Al-Kaas” not only because I wrote it but because I think it carries a strong message about the influence of others in making our decisions and choices in life. We are nothing but the creation of what others say about us. This narrative may affect what we believe about ourselves and the stories of nations. I believe that children should look at what they receive from the outside world, the media and school in a critical way so that they can learn the truth about themselves and the world.
On The Illustrated Arab Initiative
What excites you the most about the Illustrated Arab initiative?
What excites me most about the Illustrated Arab initiative is the opportunity to bring Arabic children’s literature to life through vibrant illustrations that speak to the unique cultural, historical, and emotional experiences of the Arab world. Visual storytelling has a profound ability to connect with children, and I believe this initiative will bring a new dimension to Arabic literature, one that bridges the gap between traditional storytelling and contemporary artistic expression. It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase the richness of Arab culture while making the stories accessible to a global audience.
How do you see visual storytelling complementing and expanding the written word?
Visual storytelling complements the written word by adding depth and nuance to the narrative. For children, illustrations help to contextualize the text, making abstract ideas more tangible and emotionally resonant. The synergy between words and images enables a richer, more immersive experience for readers, especially young ones, as it stimulates both their imagination and their understanding of the story. Visual storytelling can also break language barriers and offer a universal connection to the themes of the narrative, making it possible for the story to be shared and appreciated by audiences worldwide.
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