Behind every successful writer is a story far more intriguing than the ones they put on paper—and Ghada Abdel Aal is no exception. With a pen that paints the highs, lows, and in-betweens of life, Abdel Aal’s words resonate not just with readers, but with the woman behind them. With successful works like Finding Ola, Group El Mommies (Mommies Group), and Embratoreyet Meen? (Whose Empire?), she captivated hearts with her witty take on life’s complexities. But how does a writer find time to craft worlds while navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood? Enigma’s Reham Adel had the chance to talk with Ghada Abdel Aal, pulling back the curtain on her double life—where bedtime stories spark the next bestseller.
At first glance, one might think that Abdel Aal’s life is a constant tug-of-war between her writing and her responsibilities. Writing demands time alone, deep concentration, and the freedom to disappear into fictional worlds, while motherhood is a whirlwind of constant attention, love, and care. However, for Abdel Aal, this push and pull isn’t something to overcome—it’s something to embrace.
Reflecting on her early days with her son, Adam, Abdel Aal laughs. “I used to think that parents just couldn’t handle the noise,” she admits. “But once I had him, I completely understood why things are always so loud, so chaotic.” As a toddler, Adam couldn’t grasp that his mother’s work hours were unlike his friends’ mothers. “These other mothers have predictable work schedules, where they go home at a set time,” Abdel Aal explains. “For him, it didn’t make sense. He couldn’t understand why sometimes I had to work at odd hours—7 pm, 8 pm, or even later into the night. But over time, he got it.”
As a “super single” mother—having never been married—Abdel Aal had to rely on creative solutions to balance her work and parenting. “It’s definitely challenging,” she admits, “but we manage.” She often uses nearby kids’ areas, enlists a nanny, or lets Adam play with his friends to carve out time for her writing. “Writing is different from any other job,” Abdel Aal carries on, “because it requires isolation and focus.” However, the reality of motherhood means that perfect moments of peace are rare.
“I had to adapt. Noise-cancelling headphones are now my best friend. As long as Adam is absorbed in his PlayStation or watching TV, I can zone in on my writing.” But it’s never a simple “set and forget” situation. Adam still checks in, constantly seeking reassurance. “He’ll pop his head around the corner and ask, ‘Mum, can you see me?’ And I always say, ‘Of course, I can see you.’”
The chaotic background of motherhood has surprisingly, become a key element in her creative process. “Before Adam, I couldn’t understand why parents were so overwhelmed. But now, I understand. When I started writing characters with kids, I became more aware of aspects I hadn’t noticed before, like how mums deal with everyday situations. How can the little moments that seem trivial, are actually crucial—like needing a moment for yourself, going to the bathroom, or even just taking a break.”
Motherhood has not only influenced Ghada Abdel Aal’s writing, but has also shifted her perspective on success. “When I first started writing, I thought success meant being in the spotlight every season—having a TV show out every Ramadan,” she admits. “But over time, I’ve realised that for me, success is about creating work that stays in people’s minds, that lives on. For instance, my show Ayzah Atgwez (I Want to Get Married) still resonates with generations who weren’t even born when it first aired.”
Abdel Aal now defines success not by the number of projects she has, but by the lasting impact she leaves. “I like it when people meet me and tell me, ‘We feel like our ideas are on the screen,’” she says with a smile, clearly pleased by the connection she has with her audience. “I write about society and women in a light, comedic way. My goal is to make people think without making them feel defensive. I want to create a space for reflection, not judgment.”
Her distinctive approach has clearly left a mark. “I think I’ve developed a unique fingerprint in my work—something that people recognise. It’s not about being flashy; it’s about striking a chord with the audience,” she explains.
Her interpretation of a successful mother has evolved too. “When I was younger, I thought a successful mother was one who raised children who excelled academically or in sports,” she reflects. “Now, I see success in being a mother who is both happy and able to make her child feel safe and loved. For me, the biggest measure of success is that Adam goes to sleep with a smile on his face and wakes up the same way and when he makes a mistake, he comes to me first. If he’s happy and content, then I’m doing something right.”
Looking back at her journey, Abdel Aal confesses that motherhood wasn’t always in her plan. “In my early twenties, I never really felt the urge to be a mother,” she explains. “But when I was around 27 or 28, I started thinking, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice to have a child of my own to nurture and watch grow?’ That’s when I realised I didn’t need to follow the traditional path of marriage to become a mother.” Abdel Aal chose adoption, a decision she has never regretted. “By the time I was in my late thirties, I felt ready. I wanted to provide a stable, loving home for my child, and Adam came into my life when I was prepared to give him everything.”
This decision was transformative. It allowed Abdel Aal to build a life that was hers. Yet it also came with its own set of challenges—especially when navigating bureaucracy and the day-to-day demands of raising a child alone. “Sometimes, just handling the paperwork or going to appointments feels like an uphill battle,” she says with a laugh. “But I’ve learned to push through, even when things get tough.”
As for her writing career, Abdel Aal says the one thing that drives her to continue is the fulfilment she feels when her work connects with others. “For the first ten years of my career, I didn’t really know what I was doing. I was a government pharmacist, but it didn’t feel right,” she recalls. “Then I discovered writing, and everything clicked. It was the missing piece—the thing that made me feel whole.”
Abdel Aal’s journey into writing was slow and steady, but her determination paid off. “Patience is key in this industry,” she advises aspiring writers. “So many people give up too soon, expecting instant success. But writing takes time. It’s about finding your voice, telling your story, and sticking with it.”
Her message to single mothers is simple yet powerful: “Give yourself a break. You don’t have to do everything. It’s okay to ask for help and make time for yourself. You’re not meant to burn out for the sake of others. Take care of yourself, and everything else will fall into place.”
Looking ahead, Abdel Aal is excited about her upcoming work in the series 80 Bako (80K) , which is set to air this Ramadan. “In my earlier works, I often focused on a specific class or demographic. But with 80 Bako, I’ve shifted gears,” she says. “This series explores the lives of people we don’t always think about—those who work behind the scenes, providing services we rely on but rarely consider. It’s about the struggles of the working class, their dreams, and their frustrations with the system.”
This time, Abdel Aal delves into a wider array of characters, each with their own dreams, struggles, and aspirations. “I wanted to shine light on these characters, to give them a voice,” she explains. “The series touches on socio-economic issues, the pursuit of love and happiness, and the everyday battles that so many people face. I believe audiences will see parts of themselves in those characters.”
One of the most striking aspects of 80 Bako is its rich multifaceted characters—a departure from Abdel Aal’s previous work, which centred around a single protagonist. “It’s different from what I’ve done before,” she admits. “In my previous shows, there was always one main character whose journey was followed and focused on. But with 80 Bako, there are many characters, each with their own story. It was a challenge to weave their lives together, but it’s been a rewarding experience.”
Through resilience and creativity, Ghada Abdel Aal has carved out a unique space for herself. She proves that it’s possible to pursue meaningful work without sacrificing the relationships that matter most. In doing so, she has created a legacy that will continue to inspire both her readers and her child, leaving a lasting impact for years to come.