SHAY MOURAD
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Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
New York City, USA
 
Your script stood out among hundreds of others. What was the inspiration for your story and why did you write a script instead of a short story or a novel?
I love history – global, local, personal, etc. so when I heard some family stories of their time growing up in Australia then moving to Lebanon in their adolescent years to learn the Arab language and culture I was immediately hooked. I remember asking my mom, “couldn’t you just band together with the other Australian-Lebanese people to avoid learning Arabic?” To which she said, “no, Shay, only you would do that.” From that second, I saw the show form right before my eyes.
 
How long did it take you to write your script...and what is your writing process? Do you outline...use index cards...white board...or just start with FADE IN?
While the show presented itself to me immediately, learning sitcom story structure and writing it took some time. I would guess about 2 years on and off to get to this current version, and there was a lot of versions. Oh, and whiteboards. I cannot write without one.
 
What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
Show-running Ajnabiyeh and some other stories I am writing.
 
Was your entry at The Wiki Screenplay Contest a full script or “the first ten pages”? Why did you make that choice?
It was the full script. I figured that was the best way to get the most comprehensive feedback. 
 
What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show...and why?
My favorite shows are Seinfeld and Gilmore Girls and my favorite movie is Good Will Hunting. Or Shrek 2. Depends on the day.
 
What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
Just keep writing *in the voice of Dori in Finding Nemo*
 
What else are you working on that the world needs to know about?
Finding an agent!

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