Mai is an English literature graduate from the Islamic University of Gaza. She comes from a family who loves reading; Mai grew up watching her grandpa and dad reading, so she says she was involved in literature since she was little. “I used to see myself as a reader than a writer, because I usually kept my writings to myself and those who are close to me,” Mai says. “But now I feel that it's a little bit selfish, since writing can be a form of doing something to help my community and my people.”

Mai says her family is No. 1 and every success she has is due to their support. She also is interested in history, gardening and languages, and hopes that someday she can speak every language so she can be “the voice for every untold story.”